Silage Bunker Capacity Calculator
What is Silage Bunker Capacity?
Silage is fermented, high-moisture feed that is stored in a silo or bunker, and fed to livestock. The capacity of a silage bunker is the total volume of silage that the bunker is able to hold.
To calculate the capacity of a silage bunker, you will need to know the dimensions of the bunker and the density of the silage. Here’s the formula for calculating the capacity of a rectangular silage bunker:
Silage Bunker Capacity Formula
Capacity (ft³) = Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Height (ft) x Density (lbs/ft³)
For example, if your silage bunker is 50 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 8 feet high, and the density of your silage is 35 pounds per cubic foot, the capacity of your silage bunker would be:
Capacity (ft³) = 50 ft x 40 ft x 8 ft x 35 lbs/ft³ = 140,000 ft³
If you need to calculate the capacity of a silage bunker with a different shape, you can use a similar formula by measuring the relevant dimensions and applying the appropriate calculations.
Silage Bunker Capacity FAQs
1. How much silage does a bunker hold?
The amount of silage that a bunker can hold depends on the size of the bunker and the density of the silage. As a general rule of thumb, a silage bunker with a capacity of 50,000 cubic feet (ft³) can hold enough silage to feed around 200 cows for a year.
2. What is the proper way to fill a silage bunker?
When filling a silage bunker, it’s important to compact the silage properly to remove as much air as possible. This helps to preserve the silage and prevent spoilage. Here are the steps for filling a silage bunker:
- Harvest the silage at the proper moisture content (typically around 60-70%).
- Chop the silage into small pieces (around 1-2 inches in length) and mix it well.
- Load the silage into the bunker using a front-end loader or other equipment.
- Compact the silage as it is being added to the bunker to remove as much air as possible. This can be done using a tractor with a roller or a compaction tool.
- Once the bunker is full, seal the top of the bunker with plastic or other material to prevent oxygen from getting in.
- Monitor the temperature of the silage regularly to ensure that it is fermenting properly.
3. How long will silage last in a bunker?
Silage that is stored properly in a bunker can last for several months or even a year, depending on the type of feed and the conditions in the bunker. To extend the shelf life of your silage, it’s important to store it at a consistent temperature (below 40°F is ideal), keep it sealed to prevent oxygen from getting in, and monitor the pH to ensure that it is fermenting properly.
