ANSC Feeds Practice Exam

Which type of silo will tend to have the greatest storage loss?

1. Vertical silo

2. Horizontal trench silo

3. Bag silo

4. Concrete stave silo

The correct answer is: Horizontal trench silo

The horizontal trench silo is known to have the greatest storage loss primarily due to its design and the environment in which it operates. In a horizontal trench silo, the feed is stored in a long, narrow pit which can be susceptible to several factors that contribute to spoilage and loss. One of the primary issues with horizontal trench silos is the increased surface area exposed to air, which can lead to greater exposure to microbial activity, particularly from molds and bacteria. This exposure can result in fermentation losses and spoilage, making it more difficult to maintain the quality of the stored feed over time. Additionally, the way feed is packed in a trench silo can also lead to uneven densities, which can promote air pockets that increase the risk of spoilage. Since trench silos are generally filled from one end, the feed at the front may be consumed quickly while the feed at the back could be subject to degradation as it remains untouched for longer periods. In contrast, vertical silos and concrete stave silos are designed to minimize air exposure and encourage uniform packing, which can significantly reduce storage losses. Bag silos, although they also have some potential for spoilage, are less prone to loss compared to horizontal trench silos since they can be relatively airtight and allow for