Sweetpotato Knowledge Portal
Sweetpotato silage is a method for preserving vines and roots in a succulent condition in a silo. Well-made sweetpotato silage is a wholesome and nutritious feed for all classes of cattle and pigs. Sweetpotato silage is made by fermenting chopped vines and roots of non-commercial value in the absence of air and can be stored for up to a year.
Its protein content and digestibility makes it an excellent complement to grass feeds (Table 1). Silage can be made with only chopped vines or combined chopped vines with roots (at a ratio of 70:30) or with a grass like napier. The use of a ferment starter, like molasses, improves the process of fermentation and nutrient content. Use of sweetpotato silage can significantly increase milk yield by 15-20% as well as meat production. However, sweetpotato silage is underutilized in Sub-Saharan Africa because it is largely unknown. The best use of sweetpotato silage is during the dry season as it helps to maintain good milk and meat production levels.
