Silage Science

This course will develop your knowledge of modern forage and grain ensilage systems, giving you the skills to integrate recent research into your work.

It will examine silage evaluation, fermentation, microbiology, inoculant development, pathogen transfer, and food safety. Although its focus will be on pasture-based systems, processes for grain and non-arable crops will be reviewed and evaluated.

The course’s units consist of:
• Fundamentals of silage production – an overview of the ensiling process and assessing the environmental impact of silage production.
• Silage biochemistry and analysis – a detailed look at the biochemical changes that occur during the ensiling process.
• Silage microbiology – an overview of the key microbes responsible for ensiling and examining contamination by undesirable microbes.
• Silage additives – evaluation of the different additives and their appropriate use.
• Silage harvest and storage – the technology of harvesting and examining storage and sealing options and on-farm silage analysis.
• Ensiling grass-based forage – an assessment of grassland management and grazing systems for pastures destined for ensiling.
• Ensiling maise – maise cultivation and harvest, crimped maise and ensiled maise products, maise breeding and listing.
• Ensiling alternative forages – the challenges of ensiling legumes, including red clover and whole crop cereals.
• Future developments in silage – an exploration of ‘the next big things’ in silage science.

Course Provider: Aberystwyth University
Course Date: This course commences each February
Course Delivery: Distance Learning – 14-week online course
Course Fee: POA