WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Figure 3: Well-sealed vs poorly sealed silage pits Managing the feed-out face Even after fermentation, silage is still vulnerable to spoilage when exposed to oxygen, as yeasts and moulds consume lactic acid and sugars, causing heating, higher pH, and reduced feed quality. To manage the face properly, keep it smooth and vertical, removing silage evenly across the width and taking the top layers first rather than digging from the bottom. Only expose up to three days’ worth of silage at the face, remove loose or spoiled feed promptly, and repair or seal the cover to limit air contact. Following these steps preserves nutrients, reduces dry matter losses, and ensures cows receive high-quality feed for better milk production. Figure 4: Well-managed silage pit face vs poorly managed silage pit face The role of the technical advisor De Heus technical advisors play a crucial role in helping farmers achieve high-quality maize silage using the OptiMaize method. OptiMaize is designed to maximise the nutritional value of maize silage per hectare, with a particular focus on increasing starch content, the key nutrient that drives milk production. Starch levels in maize silage are heavily influenced by crop maturity, therefore timing the harvest correctly is essential. Technical advisors assist farmers by assessing crop maturity, monitoring weather conditions, and evaluating the entire crop to determine maximal roughage, optimal dry matter content, and the best harvest window. They also take into account the maize variety planted and its growth conditions on the farm, ensuring the recommendations are tailored to each specific field. Advisors guide on proper chop length and kernel processing to optimise digestibility and silage quality. During ensiling, they provide guidance on packing techniques, sealing methods, and the use of additives to promote beneficial fermentation and reduce spoilage. At feed-out, technical advisors use tools like LaboExpert to evaluate silage quality more accurately. LaboExpert allows for rapid analysis of key parameters such as pH, dry matter, starch content, and fermentation acids, helping identify any deviations from optimal silage conditions. By combining these measurements with visual and olfactory checks, advisors can detect signs of spoilage, such as mould, excessive effluent, off-odours, or butyric acid production. This ensures that only high-quality feed is offered to the herd, supporting better nutrient intake, improved milk production, and reduced feed waste. By combining OptiMaize principles with expert technical support, farmers can achieve higher starch yields per hectare, better feed quality per kilogram of dry matter, and healthier, more productive cows, ultimately leading to improved milk production and profitability. Conclusion Maize silage production is a continuous process that requires careful attention from harvesting through to feeding. While poor management can lead to reduced feed quality, proper practices result in high-quality silage that supports productivity, animal health, and farm profitability. To find out more about the importance of proper maize silage production, contact your local De Heus technical advisor – https:// www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com Winter 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 90