Chopped forage crops that are stored in bunkers or silos are referred to as what?

Chopped forage crops that are stored in bunkers or silos are referred to as silage. This process involves fermenting the chopped green forage under anaerobic conditions, meaning without air. The fermentation preserves the nutrients and provides a high-moisture feed for livestock, particularly during the winter months when fresh pasture isn't available.

Silage is usually made from corn, alfalfa, or other legumes and grasses that are harvested at the right stage of maturity to maximize nutritional value. The harvested forage undergoes a fermentation process, which not only preserves the feed but also enhances its digestibility for ruminants, like cows and sheep.

In contrast, hay refers to dried forage that is cut and allowed to dry in the field before being baled and stored, which is different from the wet, fermented nature of silage. Fodder typically refers to any feed other than hay or silage, mainly focusing on the plant material intended for livestock. Grain is the harvested seeds of plants, such as corn or wheat, which are not the same as forage crops and are stored differently.