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Comments by: James I. Sprague, Livestock Nutritionist Big Bales Replacing Loaves Procurement of quality hay is a priority of every feedlot. Many production and harvesting factors are important, such as cutting time and weather factors. Proper storing and covering of hay insures the original quality is preserved. In the Lamar area of eastern Kansas, the hay stacks of old and the "Hesston big loaves" of alfalfa hay are fast being replaced by the big bale system. The "Hesston big loaves" do not need to be covered. These big loaves of hay shed water "like a duck," while big bales can become damaged if not stacked properly and covered. Compared to the loaf system, the big bales can be readily moved from the fields to stack areas, and easily loaded and shipped to areas far from the original place where the hay was produced. Single Row for Big Bales Storage of quality hay is important. Moisture escapes easier if big bales are stored in a single row rather than a double row. The picture of the big bales demonstrates a single row with a tarp covering. The picture of the round bales also depicts a single row of bales with the top round bale placed to shed the moisture. If the bales are put in a double row and not covered, moisture from rain and snow melt accumulates between the two rows and mold may develop. The importance of mold prevention is critical for quality palatable feed. Covering Hay The big square bales need to be covered to preserve the quality and prevent moisture penetration. Tarps have become popular, particularly with the development of the dairy market for quality hay. But feedlots have become fussy about their hay quality too. Feedlots may not require as high of energy as dairy farms, but they need palatable hay to provide the roughage factor as well as feed acceptance that roughage provides in cattle rations. Covering hay is particularly important for small bales. Moisture seeps into the seams of storage areas of small bales and mold often is the result of the poor storage techniques. Store High and Dry The picture of the round bales was taken in eastern Kansas. The hay is brome or prairie grass hay produced on a Kansas Flint Hills cattle farm. Note the producer not only stacked the hay so the top layer of bales will shed the moisture but the hay was stored in a single row of bales. These bales were placed on a slope for moisture drainage from the stacks. Space Between the Stacks for Fire Prevention There are several considerations. One of the important reasons for space between stacks is fire prevention between the stacks. Another is space for sunshine to evaporate moisture from rain or snow. ©
The big square bales to the left are piled in a single row instead of a double row to prevent molding between the rows. To the right, the round bales on top shed moisture. The space between the bales allows for moisture drainage and air movement. |
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