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PROTECTING HAY SAVES MONEY

AUBURN, MARCH 17, 2000---Most hay produced in Alabama is packaged in large round bales and stored for several months before being fed to livestock. Use of round balers saves time and labor for hay producers, but poor storage techniques often associated with round bales can be extremely costly in terms of storage and feeding losses, says Don Ball, an agronomist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Before 1960, most hay was packaged in small rectangular bales and was stored in barns. However, round bales are often stored outside, which greatly increases losses unless steps are taken to avoid them. In hot, humid climates such as we have in Alabama, there are three adverse consequences of failing to protect hay during storage, says Ball. These are dry matter losses, forage quality losses and feeding losses.

Dry matter losses during storage result from plant respiration (the continuation of normal plant processes), microbial activity, and leaching of nutrients from hay due to water moving through the hay. Research shows when hay stored outside in climates such as ours is not protected, dry matter losses between baling and feeding often exceed 30 percent!

Storage conditions also can have a dramatic effect on hay chemical composition and feeding value.

Compared to unweathered hay, the 70 percent of dry matter remaining after unprotected outside storage has reduced digestibility, increased fiber levels and lower crude protein content. This results in lower animal performance.

As storage losses increase, hay feeding losses increase, adds Ball. Weathered hay is lower in quality and is less palatable, causing animals to reject and waste higher amounts of it. Producers having the highest levels of storage loss also have the highest feeding losses.

Baler purchase decisions have an effect on storage losses. Some balers make tighter bales than others, thus making the bales more resistant to rainfall penetration. In addition, other things being equal, large bales have lower overall spoilage losses because a smaller percentage of the hay is in the outer, more weathered portions of the bales.

Research shows that for most types of hay stored outside, there is more loss associated with moisture moving into the bales from the soil than from rainfall. The most effective way to reduce losses is to prevent hay/soil contact. This can be accomplished by placing hay on a rock pad, wooden pallets, or other objects such as cross ties or telephone poles. If hay/soil contact cannot be avoided, selection of a well-drained site will at least lower losses.

Once the storage site has been located, give attention to bale placement and orientation, says Ball. Except when using multiple-bale covers, store large round bales in rows with sides not touching to avoid creating a moisture-holding area between sides. If possible, run rows north and south and downslope. Leave at least 3 feet between bale rows to ensure sunlight penetration and allow good air circulation, says Ball.

Numerous types of commercial bale covers as well as tarps, plastic sheeting or other fabric coverings can be used to protect hay from rainfall. Such covers are quite effective in keeping rain away from hay if they can be securely fastened and don't trap and hold moisture next to the hay.

Barn storage is a more effective hay storing method. Dry matter storage loss of hay from inside storage is usually around 5 percent. When compared to the 30 percent or more loss from hay stored outside, it's easy to see that reduced losses can pay back barn construction costs within a few years.

On many farms, hay storage and feeding losses add greatly to the cost of owning livestock. Such losses are unnecessary and can be greatly reduced with minor investments of time, energy, and money. For additional information, Extension Publication ANR-163 "Minimizing Losses In Hay Storage And Feeding," is available free of charge from Extension county offices.

SOURCE: DON BALL, Extension Agronomist/Alumni Professor, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-5491