Hay Bale Moisture Chart

Hay Bale Moisture Chart - Figure 1 shows the importance of baling at higher moisture contents. The easiest and most effective way to test hay for the moisture is to use an electronic moisture tester. The first is microwave drying. The optimum moisture levels for round bales is 15 percent and for square bales 18 percent. Moisture levels for safe storage of hay vary with size and density of the bale and type of hay. Hay baled at a moisture content above 15 percent has much less leaf loss than hay baled below 15 percent moisture. For a large square hay bale, the allowable range for moisture content is often between 12% and 16% with 12 being more desirable for.

For baled hay, long probes that allow penetration into the bale of hay work best, since moisture content is not consistent throughout a bale. Hay in small square bales should be baled between 15 and 22 percent moisture to minimize leaf shattering, molding and heating. The hay will also not be palatable if it is very dry. Hay moisture content is the largest single factor contributing to leaf loss during baling.

Therefore, the general rule is to fill a bucket with hay that is tightly compacted. Collecting a hay sample from a round bale. Obtaining reliable results requires taking multiple readings from different areas of the bale and then averaging. The optimum moisture levels for round bales is 15 percent and for square bales 18 percent. Therefore, measuring moisture in hay is crucial for good quality and value. For a large square hay bale, the allowable range for moisture content is often between 12% and 16% with 12 being more desirable for.

Some types of grass hay, in dry weather conditions or on dry ground, will be much too dry when baled as small bales using the eight to 15 percent moisture (the traditional rule of thumb) as a guide. Of the different kinds of hay bales, small square bales tend to have the highest tolerance for moisture. For baled hay, long probes that allow penetration into the bale of hay work best, since moisture content is not consistent throughout a bale. Generally speaking, small square hay bales have an ideal moisture content of between 18 and 20 percent. Figure 1 shows the importance of baling at higher moisture contents.

Some types of grass hay, in dry weather conditions or on dry ground, will be much too dry when baled as small bales using the eight to 15 percent moisture (the traditional rule of thumb) as a guide. Bale size to moisture contents Large round bales retain internal heat much longer than conventional bales. “the only way to know what these exact losses are is to test hay.

In General, Hay In Small Rectangular Bales Should Be Baled At Less Than 22 Percent Moisture To Keep Molding And Heating To A Minimum.

For baled hay, long probes that allow penetration into the bale of hay work best, since moisture content is not consistent throughout a bale. Some types of grass hay, in dry weather conditions or on dry ground, will be much too dry when baled as small bales using the eight to 15 percent moisture (the traditional rule of thumb) as a guide. Much of the original research suggests hay moisture content should be kept less than 20% for small rectangular bales, less than 18% for round bales, and less than 16% for large rectangular bales. Note that readings are more accurate with higher volumes of hay.

Bale Size To Moisture Contents

Of the different kinds of hay bales, small square bales tend to have the highest tolerance for moisture. Obtaining reliable results requires taking multiple readings from different areas of the bale and then averaging. Therefore, measuring moisture in hay is crucial for good quality and value. Optimum moisture content within hay is of critical importance when baling and storing a safe, stable, and a more valuable product.

Hay Moisture Content Is The Largest Single Factor Contributing To Leaf Loss During Baling.

“the only way to know what these exact losses are is to test hay. Moisture meters can help you determine when to bale and store your horses’ hay and can protect against barn or storage building fires. If the moisture is less than 10 percent, the hay will be very dry and lose a lot of nutritious leaves to shattering. The hay will also not be palatable if it is very dry.

The First Is Microwave Drying.

“excessive moisture at baling leads to bale heating and a potential reduction in crude protein and tdn, as well as an increase in fiber density,” rogers summarizes. Large round bales retain internal heat much longer than conventional bales. The best moisture level for baling hay or green feed depends on the type of baler you use. For a large square hay bale, the allowable range for moisture content is often between 12% and 16% with 12 being more desirable for.

High quality hay needs to be baled at appropriate moisture levels to prevent spoilage, yet moist enough to prevent shattering losses, and is free of foreign matter, weeds and molds. “excessive moisture at baling leads to bale heating and a potential reduction in crude protein and tdn, as well as an increase in fiber density,” rogers summarizes. Moisture meters can help you determine when to bale and store your horses’ hay and can protect against barn or storage building fires. “the only way to know what these exact losses are is to test hay. For baled hay, long probes that allow penetration into the bale of hay work best, since moisture content is not consistent throughout a bale.