Hay Moisture Probe

Hay Moisture Probe Contacts

Accuracy of Various Hay Moisture Probes – 4th cutting Bermudagrass

Determining Moisture Methods: 4. Hay Moisture Testers/Probes 3. By feel (if calibrated). 2. Microwave moisture test http://bit.ly/MicroMoisture

Determining Moisture Methods: 4. Hay Moisture Testers/Probes 3. By feel (if calibrated). 2. Microwave moisture test 1. Moisture tester (e.g., Koster) Home

Determining Moisture Methods: 4. Hay Moisture Testers/Probes 3. By feel (if calibrated). 2. Microwave moisture test http://bit.ly/MicroMoisture

Determining Moisture Methods: 4. Hay Moisture Testers/Probes 3. By feel (if calibrated). 2. Microwave moisture test 1. Moisture tester (e.g., Koster)

The Effect of Rain on Tall Fescue Hay No Rain Rain Damage Intake, % of b.w. 2.10 1.92 NDF, % 68.1 76.0 Digestibility, % 63.2 59.7 Turner et al., 2003

Effects of Moisture Content on Silage pH Hancock and Collins (2006): combined data from two trials; alfalfa harvested at mid-bud stage of maturity

Effects of Moisture Content and Rain-Damage on Fermentation Borreani and Tabacco (2006) Slide credit: Dr. Wayne Coblentz, USDA-ARS

Effects of Moisture Content on Bale Deformation (ft vertical/ft horizontal) Hancock and Collins (2006): combined data from two trials; alfalfa harvested at mid-bud stage of maturity; estimate for hay is mean of bales made at 16.6 and 19.8% moisture, and stored outdoors, uncovered.

Drying Times Vary 80 60 40 Moisture (%) 20 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Days 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Days 80 60 40 20 Moisture (%) Good Drying Conditions Poor Drying Conditions

Night-Time Moisture Fluctuations 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Days 80 60 40 20 Moisture (%) Good Drying Conditions Poor Drying Conditions

The Effect of Relative Humidity 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 Relative Humidity, % 40 30 20 10 Equilibrium Moisture (%) 77° F 95° F

Moisture distribution of mixed grass-legume round bales stored on the ground Twine Wrapped Net Wrapped Moisture differences at 4 inches due to wrap appear to be greater with predominately alfalfa bales as compared with grass bales. Wisconsin researchers noted little change in bale core nutrient profiles due to wrap. This is due to low moisture (less than 20%) in the core of bales studied. Change in nutrient composition of the outer portion of the bales tends to be higher with twine wrapping as compared to net wrapping. (Reference: Shinners et al., 2002 ASAE International meeting, paper 021067) Shinners, University of Wisconsin

Moisture distribution of mixed grass-legume round bales stored on the ground vs. elevated Twine Wrapped On a Pallet Moisture differences at 4 inches due to wrap appear to be greater with predominately alfalfa bales as compared with grass bales. Wisconsin researchers noted little change in bale core nutrient profiles due to wrap. This is due to low moisture (less than 20%) in the core of bales studied. Change in nutrient composition of the outer portion of the bales tends to be higher with twine wrapping as compared to net wrapping. (Reference: Shinners et al., 2002 ASAE International meeting, paper 021067) Shinners, University of Wisconsin

Approximate proportions of hay within the structure of a 6 ft. diameter bale. 6 ft. Diameter Round Bale Outer 4 in. 25% of the bale Outer 12 in. 50% of the bale Inner 3 ft. 25% of the bale Outer 6 in. 33% of the bale Outer 18 in. 75% of the bale Source: Haag, E. Baling Strategy Cuts Losses. Angus Journal October 2007, pg. 282-285.