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2. 33% Hay Bale Diameter 2m (6’6”) 26% 20% 13% 8% Inner 450 mm (18”) Percentage of bale/150 mm depth into bale

3. 33% Hay Bale Diameter 2m (6’6”) 26% 20% 13% 8% Percentage of bale/150 mm depth into bale Inner 450 mm (18”)

4. 33% Hay Bale Diameter 2m (6’6”) 26% 20% 13% 8% Percentage of bale/150 mm depth into bale Inner 450 mm (18”) Rotted Away!

5. Storage Losses of Round Bales Hay over one Year (~750 mm RF) STORAGE BALE DIAMETER(m) METHOD1.21.51.8 In shed8.08.08.0 Covered Stack11.49.89.0 (Plastic sheet) Plastic Wrapped14.611.410.0 (Kept off ground) Uncovered Stack26.217.413.4 (Kept off ground) Uncovered Stack32.423.819.6

6. Effect of storage method on dry matter (%) loss from large round hay bales Source: Huhnke, 2003

7. Dry matter losses (%) in outer layers of large round hay bales of different diameters Source: Huhnke, 2003

8. Effect of large square bale hay storage method on per cent dry matter (DM) loss* * Guesstimates only due to lack of measurements ¹ Tarp or roof only ² No cover of any type

9. Hay storage losses dependent on:- Moisture content at baling Moisture content at baling Humidity & temperature of bale Humidity & temperature of bale Bale density Bale density Method of storage Method of storage Species type Species type

10. Hay moisture equilibrium Once hay reaches moisture equilibrium Once hay reaches moisture equilibrium There will be 1% DM loss for every 1% loss in original baling moisture There will be 1% DM loss for every 1% loss in original baling moisture Eg. If baled at 20% moisture, and cures down to 12%, then get ~8% DM loss! Eg. If baled at 20% moisture, and cures down to 12%, then get ~8% DM loss!

11. Dry matter losses (%) of silage storage systems* * Reflects many measurements ¹ Reflects best management ² Reflects poor sealing techniques and poor maintenance during storage period

12. DM content of silage DM content of silage Period before sealing post harvest Period before sealing post harvest Efficiency of sealing Efficiency of sealing No. of plastic layers (Bales) No. of plastic layers (Bales) Length of storage Length of storage Silage density Silage density Maintenance of seal Maintenance of seal Silage storage dry matter losses dependent on:-