What is Silo?
[[File:Silos,_Acatlán,_Hidalgo,_México,_2013-10-11,_DD_02.JPG|center|thumb|Silos in [[Hidalgo (state)|Hidalgo]], Mexico]] A '''silo''' is a [[building]] that holds silage. Silage is green chopped plants (usually grass or corn stalks) that is kept wet (this is different than hay, which is stored dry). It [[Fermentation|ferments]] and can be kept all winter. It makes good food for livestock, particularly dairy cows. <ref>{{cite web|title=Outbuilding types|url=http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/outbuildings/21198/silo/1272685|publisher=Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission|accessdate=14 September 2013}}{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> == History == The silo is a fairly recent part of the farmyard. It was first widely used in the late 1800's. They are still used today. == Structure == While silage can be stored in many ways, the typical silo is a tall cylinder. It usually has a cone or dome cap on top. There is an opening at the top to put silage in, and doors running down one side to take it out. Originally a farmer would climb the outside of the silo to the top of the silage, go inside, and shovel out the silage. There is typically a chute on the outside, and the silage would fall down the chute, where it could be gathered and fed to the cows. Now there is machinery that does that job. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Agricultural buildings]]