Changes in Round bales during storage

Abstract

A research study was conducted to evaluate the quality changes and storage losses with large round bales of ryegrass and alfalfa in Southeastern Louisiana. Six different methods of storage for ryegrass and three for alfalfa bales were studied. Storage changes were evaluated by determining the shrinkage in bale volume, handling loss, dry matter loss and feeding loss. Hay quality changes during storage were also determined. Bales stored uncovered and on ground showed as high as 65 percent total quantitative loss during outside storage of ryegrass bales