Providing high-quality forage to livestock requires careful consideration, especially when facing unpredictable weather patterns. Baleage, an innovative approach to forage preservation, offers a solution that guarantees excellent feed quality while minimizing spoilage. Let's dive into the details of this technique.
- Managing Moisture: The key to successful baleage lies in the moisture content. To ensure the best results, we aim to bale hay when moisture levels range from 40% to 65%. Rapid wrapping within two hours of baling creates anaerobic conditions, using fermentation acids to protect the hay.
- Effective Fermentation: Unlike haylage, baleage fermentation takes around six weeks. When baling forages moisture levels between 25% and 40%, prioritize conditions that limit oxygen. Mold risk increases at this moisture range, so denser bales with more plastic wraps are needed to prevent oxygen penetration. Immediate feeding is recommended, as baleage at this moisture level isn't suitable for long-term storage.
- Strategic Planning: Baleage can serve as a proactive strategy rather than a last-minute solution. Recent research explored wrapping hay with 25% moisture – an intermediate state. Wrapping significantly reduced heating, preserving protein integrity. The addition of propionic acid further reduces heating, improving aerobic stability and extending bunk life.
- Optimal Harvesting: Effective baleage starts with careful mowing. Maximize your harvest by making swaths as wide as your mower allows, speeding up drying to 65% moisture within about 11 hours. During baling, focus on creating dense bales, as increasing density from 6 pounds per cubic foot to 8 pounds per cubic foot adds 12 hours of bunk life.
- Expert Wrapping: Swift wrapping prevents spoilage, with at least 5 mils of plastic needed to block oxygen infiltration. Be cautious of rain and ensure forage doesn't pierce the plastic, as both compromise sealing effectiveness. Keep bales at or below 120ºF to maintain quality.
- Careful Handling: Handle wrapped bales gently to avoid plastic tears. Regularly inspect and repair any damage. Use bale spears only on the feeding day. Feed baleage within a year of wrapping, adjusting for moisture levels – below 40% within six months and over 60% within three months.
- The Right Balance: Baleage can shine as a reliable feed option when executed correctly. Assessing quality through sight and smell is vital to avoid feeding compromised forage to livestock.
Elevate your livestock's nutrition by mastering the art of baleage. By understanding moisture levels, proper wrapping, and strategic feeding, you can ensure top-notch forage preservation and feed quality.
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Categories: Ohio, Livestock