Experts warn of the risk of costly mould on silage bales

BALED silage inspection by Teagasc on 180 farms has revealed an average of 6% surface mould.

With 12 million big bales of silage made each year on more than 80% of all farms, the Teagasc survey indicates that the equivalent of 700,000 bales have mouldy surfaces.

Teagasc researchers say the threat is wasted silage rather than any immediate fear of poisoning livestock. However, some moulds can produce potentially harmful toxins, the effect of which on animal health is not fully understood.