How does an airtight silo preserve wet shelled corn for animal feed?

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A large grain elevator and several metal silos stand on a farm surrounded by green fields, with hills and a partly cloudy sky in the background. — Farm building Grain elevator and silos on a small farm.

An airtight silo preserves wet shelled corn and other forage by facilitating a controlled fermentation process.1

When the crop is stored in an airtight environment, the exclusion of oxygen is critical. This lack of air allows the material to undergo a slight fermentation, which stabilizes the feed and keeps it in a succulent, slightly sour condition that is highly edible for livestock. By preventing exposure to air, the silo protects the silage from spoilage, allowing it to be stored for several months. This method ensures that high-quality, nutrient-rich feed is available for animals during winter months when fresh pasture is unavailable.231