Page 7 - MWC 10-27-2022s

Minimizing Storage Losses of torage Losses of
Minimizing S The Midwest Cattleman · October 27, 2022 · P7

Round Bale Hayound Bale Hay
R By Steve Niemeyer and Connor Biehler

Storing big round hay bales forages are more suscepti- in the outer lay-
by lining them up along the ble than hay harvested in ers of large round
fence row may be easy, but it the fall, depending on when bales. An example
is not economical. Baled for- it’s fed. Once you’ve consid- is a 6-foot diam-
age probably constitutes the ered your elements, choose a eter bale and a
highest percentage of winter storage method that best fits 4-inch outer layer
feed cost we have wrapped your needs. depth that has
up in a cow. Table 1 shows the amount 21% of volume of
The production of hay uses of loss you can have in a
immense resources, and the round bale from dry matter continued on page 14 Table 1
ration quality is affected by
hay quality. Storing dry hay
on the ground without cover
causes greater amount of
spoilage when compared to
other methods of storage.
Results found from ranch
research done in the Sand-
hills of Nebraska by the Uni-
versity of Nebraska Exten-
sion in 2005-2008 reported no
significant nutrient changes
in total dry matter pounds,
pounds of crude protein or
pounds of total digestible
nutrients on native hay and
alfalfa plots. However, visual
damage losses after one year
between covered and uncov-
ered with twine or net wrap
are reported.
It should be recognized
that there’s no one “right
way” for everyone when it
comes to hay storage. Pro-
ducers should consider three
factors in determining their
optimum storage method.
1. Look at hay quality, or
value. There is a remarkable
dollar difference in a 25%
loss on $200/ton of hay vs.
$100/ton hay. The better the
quality, the more you’ll save
putting it under storage.
2. Evaluate the likelihood
of spoilage in your climate.
Spoilage, or weathering, is
the result of moisture getting
into bales, and temperature
accelerating bacterial break-
down of the cellulose. Warm-
er temperatures, combined
with moisture increase bale
deterioration.
Wind can also influence
drying time. Moisture gets
into bales in three ways: rain-
fall, snowmelt, and humid-
ity. The tops of bales absorb
moisture from rain, snow-
melt, while the bottom wicks
moisture from the ground.
3. Consider the length of
time bales will be exposed
to weathering. First cutting