[pullquote4 align=”center”]How you store your hay can dramatically affect losses due to spoilage[/pullquote4]
How you store your hay can have a dramatic effect on hay losses due to spoilage. Losses due to spoilage can be minimized by choosing the best storage system. For example, if you have to store hay outside, cover it and keep it in a sunny spot with good drainage. Take into consideration these figures on losses based on type of storage system used:
[chart type=”bar” title=”% Potential loss due to spoilage by storage system” width=”900″ height=”280″]
var data = google.visualization.arrayToDataTable([
[‘Element’, ‘Spoilage’],
[‘Ground + Exposed’, 35],
[‘Elevated + Exposed’, 25],
[‘Ground + Covered’, 12.5],
[‘Elevated + Covered’, 7.5],
[‘Roof’, 5],
[‘Barn’, 3],
]);
[/chart]
Reference: Huhnke, R.L. 2003. Round bale hay storage.
Oklahoma State Coop. Ext. Serv. F-1716.