Table of Contents
How do you keep hay from getting moldy?
Stack the bottom layer of bales on their sides, with the strings facing sideways instead of up. The uneven surface allows better air circulation and helps prevent mold from growing. Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, all pointing in the same direction.
How do I protect my hay in the winter?
Winter Storage of Horse Hay
- Start dry. Buy only properly cured hay, so it’s dry from the start.
- Go undercover. Store your hay underneath a roof, where it’s protected from rain and other elements.
- Ventilate.
- Stack loosely.
- Keep it up.
- Check and recheck.
Does Salt keep hay from molding?
[answer]The basic answer is yes, salt (sodium chloride) can be effective in inhibiting growth of mold organisms in hay. In earlier days, the practice was not uncommon for small rectangular bales.
How do you keep hay dry in a barn?
Use Plastic Hay Crates You can stack the crates to keep them organized and to prevent your hay from getting wet. If you decide to use these crates, you should continue to cover the hay with a plastic covering or canvas tarp to have the added protection against moisture and mold.
What causes white mold in hay?
A principal concern for cattle is the total amount of mycelium and spores combined or the total “fungal biomass.” In hay, the white mold in the bale is the mycelium and dustiness is from the tiny spores. Most molds are harmless; they don’t produce known mycotoxins.
How do you preserve hay bales?
If you decide to bale hay in large bales, wrap them with net wrap or plastic twine to reduce bale sag and help maintain bale shape. Plastic twine resists weathering, insects and rodents better than natural-fiber twines. Twine should be snug and spaced 6 to 10 inches apart.
Can you save bales of hay?
Store hay inside “In most cases, it is recommended to elevate bales using gravel, which can reduce DM losses to 3-15\%. The best option for storage is covering hay bales with tarps, which will help to prevent losses on hay stored outside.”
What causes moldy hay?
What Causes Mold to Grow on Hay? Much hay has been rained on or left lying in the field for prolonged periods of time due to excessively wet and humid conditions. The long drying periods with high humidity can allow mold to grow on the hay in the field.
Can you save wet hay?
If the hay bales were just exposed to water, you have a shot at saving them! For more than a bale or two of freshly wet hay, you can make an attempt at drying it before mold can grow. However, this is going to take some time and space; it may or may not be worth it for your farm.
How do you store hay without a shed?
The cheapest and most effective way to protect your hay without a barn is by using a simple system of a tarpaulin and pallets. Stack wooden pallets on the ground to keep the hay off the damp floor, then stack the hay on top of the pallets and cover the whole thing with a solid, heavy-duty tarpaulin.
Can you store hay under a tarp?
Cover Hay for More Control Barns are good for hay. Expect losses up 10 ten percent when hay is stored under tarps. You’ll minimize these losses by stacking square bales on dry days, buying pre-wrapped round bales, and checking the undersides of tarps for condensation after heavy dews and rains.
How do you prevent mold from growing on Hay?
Another mold prevention strategy is to use a hay preservative. This limits microbial growth that contributes to heating and as well as inhibit mold growth when hay is baled at higher moisture levels. Thus, hay can be baled sooner with less concern for heat or mold damage.
Why is my Hay moldy after baling?
Adverse weather conditions during or after baling can allow mold growth, because mold grows and thrives in warm and wet conditions. Hay with 14-15\% moisture is subject to mold. Humidity, along with prematurely baling or excessive rain and flooding events, can promote mold growth.
Is mold in Hay harmful to livestock?
One of the most frustrating factors that results in downgraded hay is mold. Not only is it generally less acceptable to livestock, but it can also be less nutritious and cause animal and human health problems. This paper will provide a brief overview of how mold growth occurs, its effect on hay quality, and potential solutions.
What is the best way to preserve Hay?
Thus, hay can be baled sooner with less concern for heat or mold damage. The most effective preservatives are organic acids like propionate and acetate and their derivatives such as sodium diacetate. Another preservative in anhydrous ammonia that can be injected to hay bales after harvest.