Thaka.AiReviewed 16 October 2026 · schematic not to scale
Preserve a small measured forage batch with crop-specific moisture control, airtight packing and protected storage. This is feed preservation, not energy generation.
- 1Weighed clean crop / seed
- 2Preparation under one documented protocol
- 3Labelled growth trays or sealed silage
- 4Inspection, dry-matter test and feeding advice
Site and operating requirements
- Start with one labelled small batch. Confirm clean input water, crop identity, hygiene, species-specific feed advice and a disposal plan.
- Measure dry matter and all water, energy, labour and discard costs; fresh weight alone does not prove feed gain.
Tools and measuring equipment
- Scale, dated labels, thermometer, clean sampling tools, water/energy records and laboratory feed analysis; pH/moisture equipment where the crop requires it.
Output and operating conditions
FAO’s small-bag example packs 5 kg chopped forage and ferments for at least one month. Confirm forage quality before feeding.
FAO little-bag demonstration plus Wisconsin moisture guidance. Moisture targets differ by crop; there is no single safe recipe for all forage.Parts, quantities and dimensions
| Part | Quantity | Specification / dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Clean chopped forage | 5 kg trial | Measure moisture: Wisconsin bagged-corn guidance 65–70%; hay silage 60–65%. Match the actual crop and advisor instructions. |
| Silage bags, seals and labels | 1 inner + protection | Use feed-contact silage packaging; historical FAO method uses two additional protective bags. |
| Scales and guarded chopping tools | 1 set | Clean surface, moisture test, ties/sealer, repair tape and rodent-protected storage. |
Preparation and component checks
- Read the complete linked method, mark its edition, and create a measured component list and a labelled sketch before starting. Keep experimental changes separate from the published procedure.
- Prepare the work area and inspect every component. Run the lowest-risk dry or unpowered check before water, heat, moving parts or crop material are introduced.
Procedure
- 1
Identify crop and measure moisture before packing. Obtain suitable chop length for the crop and processing equipment.
- 2
Remove soil and foreign material. Weigh a clean 5 kg trial batch and record crop, moisture and date.
- 3
Pack promptly and densely, expel air and close the inner bag securely. Fit protective outer layers without puncturing the inner bag.
- 4
Label and store away from rodents, sharp objects and damage. Inspect seals and repair suitable minor outer damage with silage repair tape.
- 5
Keep sealed for at least one month in the FAO trial route. Open a trial batch for crop-appropriate fermentation/feed analysis before wider use.
- 6
Reject spoiled, mouldy or damaged material. Record usable mass and losses, then plan bag size around the farm’s safe feed-out schedule.
Safety and inspection
Adults operate guarded cutters. Do not enter enclosed silage spaces or feed spoiled material. Keep bags and leachate away from children, animals and water sources.
Verify the result
Smell alone does not prove feed safety. Include moisture, fermentation quality, dry matter and discard rate in the evaluation; have rations formulated for each animal species.
Measurement log
- Batch ID/date, seed/crop mass and dry matter, usable harvest, rejected material, water L, electricity kWh, labour time, all costs and laboratory results.
Maintenance and repeat checks
- Inspect and clean after each trial following the source method. Record wear, contamination, leaks or loose components; do not restart until the cause is corrected.
- Use the source’s service intervals and replacement limits. Recheck the result whenever a component, material, input condition or method changes.
Troubleshooting
- Mould, unusual deterioration or inconsistent batches
- Reject the affected material; inspect seed quality, hygiene, drainage, temperature and storage seals. Correct and repeat a small batch with an advisor.