1. Hay Moisture Probe

2. Hay Moisture Probe
Contacts

3. Accuracy of Various Hay Moisture Probes – 4th cutting Bermudagrass

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

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

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

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

8. 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

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

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

11. 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.

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

13. Night-Time Moisture Fluctuations
Days 80 60 40 20
Moisture (%)
Good Drying
Conditions
Poor Drying
Conditions

14. The Effect of Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity, % 40 30 20 10
Equilibrium Moisture (%)
77° F
95° F

15. 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 )
Shinners, University of Wisconsin

16. 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 )
Shinners, University of Wisconsin

17. 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