Nutrient losses in cereal and pasture hays stored in three types of hay packages in the open in two environments

Abstract

Cereal and pasture hays, cut at the same site, were packaged into medium-sized round bales, large round bales and stacks. Halfthe number of each hay type and of each hay package were stored in the open for up to 15 months in a 500 mm rainfall area and half were transported to and stored for up to 15 months in a 1000 mm rainfall area. Densities of the pasture hay packages were within the manufacturers' specified ranges but those of the cereal hay packages were lower. Medium-sized round bales were less dense than large round bales and weathered more than large round bales and stacks after 10 and 15 months storage. Cereal hay packages deteriorated more than pasture hay packages with long-term storage. Medium-sized round bales lost more dry matter than large round bales after storage over the winter and more digestible dry matter over this period and after long-term storage. They also lost more crude protein than large round bales when stored over the first summer and over the following winter. It was economic to store all packages in the open over the first summer. It was uneconomic to store medium-sized round bales in the open over the following winter, while storage of large round bales and stacks was economic. For long-term storage, it was uneconomic to store any of the hay packages in the open, and storage under cover would have to be considered.