Green Acres

 

December 28, 2022



Dry Matter Losses of Hay from Field to Feeding

This article was written by Dennis Cash, retired MSU Extension Service forage specialist. Winter feeding is likely your single largest ranch expense. Reducing hay waste can save you money. Hay losses at feeding on most ranches averages about one fourth, but can easily approach half.

During good haying conditions and with proper storage, most losses to alfalfa or alfalfa-grass hays can be minimized. Dense large round or rectangular bales are widely used, but significant losses occur when these are stacked in the open. Hay sheds and tarps are not widely popular in Montana due to their expense or nuisance. A few cash hay producers utilize sheds and tarps because they are not willing to sacrifice 20% of their hay crop or risk spoilage.

Dry matter losses of hay from field to feeding (Anderson and Mader):

Swathing with conditioner = 5% average

Raking = 10% average

Plant respiration = 5% average

Baling, % of windrow = 5% average

Outside storing, % of stack = 15% average

Inside storing, % stack = 5% average

Stack transporting hay = 3% average

Fed in feed rack, % of stack or bale = 5% average

Fed on ground, % of stack or bale = 15% average

Total % of original standing crop = 35% average

For alfalfa hay, the losses in forage nutrient quality may be even more extreme due to leaf shatter and loss. Hay losses can range as high as 45% when unrolling and feeding round bales on the ground. Losses are due to trampling, over consumption, and fouling of the hay from manure or urine. Bale feeders or racks can usually be


See Page 3: Green

cost effective if you have the equipment and patience to use them. Significant losses occur when cows have 24/7 access to hay. Dry, pregnant mature cows will eat 20 to 30% more hay than their daily needs if they are unrestricted, plus waste increases.


Reference: “Management to Minimize Hay Waste” by Bruce Anderson and Terry Mader (University of Nebraska Extension Specialists) available in Great Plains Extension Beef Cow-Calf Handbook MT1328, CL328).

Additional ranch management information is available at the Chouteau County Extension office at 622-3751. We are located in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse.

Montana State University U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.

 
 

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/06/2024 08:39