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Influence of Storage Methods on the Utilization of Large Round Hay Bales by Beef Cows¹

Iowa State University^2,3,4, Ames 50011

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate efficacy of protecting large round hay bales stored outside. Alfalfa-bromegrass (Exp. 1 and 2) and bromegrass (Exp. 2) hay bales were stored either on the ground and not covered (control) or raised on tires and covered with plastic sheets (protected). Protected alfalfa-bromegrass bales had lower concentrations of NDF (P < .01) and ADF (P < .05) and higher (P < .01) concentrations of DM than control bales after 20 to 28 wk of storage. Protected bromegrass bales had a higher (P < .05) DM concentration and lower concentrations of NDF (P < .01), ADF (P < .05), ADL (P < .01) and acid detergent insoluble N (P < .05). In Exp. 2, protected bales had greater (P < .05) recoveries of DM and in vitro digestible DM (IVDDM) than control bales. In Exp. 1, 56 Charolais x Angus cows in mid-gestation were allotted to eight pens and limit-fed equal amounts of protected or control bales either as whole bales or as shredded hay. In Exp. 2, 48 Charolais x Angus cows and 8 Charolais x Simmental heifers in mid-gestation were allotted to eight pens and had ad libitum access to protected or control bales of alfalfa-bromegrass or bromegrass hays. Storage treatment had no effect on cow daily gains in either experiment. The primary advantage of protective storage of large round bales was increased DM recovery, which was improved by an average of 4.5% in these experiments.

¹ Journal Paper No. J12636 of the Iowa Agric. and Home Econ. Exp. Sta., Ames. Project No. 2373.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci.

³ Appreciation is expressed to Vermeer Manufacturing Co. for loaning the hay processing equipment used in the first experiment. The authors are grateful to R. K. Berryman for his assistance in conducting these experiments.

⁴ Mention of a trade name or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product by Iowa State University or imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				N. A. Janovick, J. R. Russell, D. R. Strohbehn, and D. G. Morrical Productivity and hay requirements of beef cattle in a Midwestern year-round grazing system J Anim Sci, August 1, 2004; 82(8): 2503 - 2515. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]