Chop length is one of the core process parameters determining silage and forage quality. Compared with long-cut feed (usually over 20mm), 6-12mm short-cut feed performs better on several key indicators.

First, short-cut significantly increases dry matter intake of ruminants. The shorter and more uniform the chop, the shorter the retention time in the rumen, allowing animals to consume more nutrients.

Second, short-cut enlarges the contact area between feed particles and rumen microbes, improving fiber digestibility and feed conversion ratio (FCR). This is the fundamental reason premium farms in Europe and America widely adopt short-cut processing.