Alexei Volkov
Hay is an important agricultural product used to feed cattle, horses, and other livestock. Properly storing hay is critical to maintaining its quality and nutritional value. Improper storage can lead to heating, spoilage, and mould. There are several methods for storing hay, including in a barn, plastic-wrapped, stacked outside, or in specific packaging such as bags or bins. When storing hay, it is essential to protect it from the elements, particularly rain, sunlight, and moisture, which can cause damage and reduce its nutritional value. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and airflow is crucial to preventing mould and allowing the hay to breathe. While plastic containers are often used for hay storage, it is recommended to avoid airtight containers and instead create ventilation holes to prevent mould formation. Overall, proper hay storage helps maintain the quality and nutritional content of the hay, ensuring it remains safe and edible for livestock.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hay storage | Plastic bins, woven mesh bags, timber/plastic chests, plastic bags, cardboard boxes, hay sleeves |
| Proper hay storage | Maintains nutritional value, prevents mold, retains taste |
| Improper hay storage | Loss of nutritional value, mold, reduced palatability, heating, spoilage |
| Hay storage location | Inside in a well-ventilated, dark area, cool, dry place, covered building |
| Hay storage outside | Covered with tarps, stacked on pallets |
| Hay packaging | Original packaging with "breather holes", resealable bags, plastic wrap |
| Hay preservation | Inoculants, preservatives |
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What You'll Learn
Proper hay storage
When storing hay, it is best to keep it away from the elements, in a covered building that is cool and dry. The type of hay bale container, packaging, and storage solutions are also important considerations. Large round bales, for instance, can spoil within 2-3 days of exposure to the elements. Square bales should be stacked by alternating their direction, while round bales can be stacked in various ways. Stacking hay on pallets can prevent rot and waste.
Hay can be stored in plastic bins, woven mesh bags, or timber/plastic storage chests. If using plastic containers, it is essential to ensure ventilation by creating holes in the sides and top. The containers should be kept off the ground to prevent moisture from getting in and allowing airflow on all sides. Cardboard boxes are another option, as cardboard breathes, but holes may be needed for long-term storage.
For small pet owners, the original packaging of hay is often designed for convenient storage, with small holes for ventilation and limited windows to prevent sun bleaching. It is recommended to keep the hay in its resealable bag or store it in a large plastic container with "breather holes". The original packaging should be kept until all the hay has been consumed.
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Hay nutritional value
Hay can be stored in plastic bags or containers, but it is important to ensure that the container is well-ventilated. Hay that is stored in a cool, dry place without ventilation may begin to sweat and can become mouldy. Drilling holes in plastic containers is a common method to improve airflow.
Now, onto the nutritional value of hay. Hay is a good source of protein and fibre, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. These nutrients can remain in the hay indefinitely if it is stored properly.
However, hay that is not stored correctly will lose nutritional value over time. For example, vitamins A and E will drastically decrease after the first year. To preserve nutritional value, it is recommended to purchase and feed hay within a year of harvest. Hay should be stored in a dry, sheltered area, out of the rain, snow and sun.
When buying hay in bulk, it is a good idea to have it analysed by a certified forage laboratory to determine its actual nutrient content. A basic hay analysis can cost as little as $20 and will determine the dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and mineral content. This is especially important if you are concerned about the quality of the hay or if your animal is having nutrition problems.
Additionally, the NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) level in hay can be helpful to consider when selecting hay for horses that are sensitive to dietary starch and sugar, such as those with PSSM, EMS or laminitis. Hay containing greater than 10 to 12% NSC should not be fed to these horses or should be soaked before feeding.
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Hay containers
Proper hay storage is critical to maintaining its quality and quantity. Hay stored correctly can last for over two years, while improper storage can result in mould, loss of nutritional value, and reduced palatability.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are a popular choice for storing hay. They are easily accessible and can be purchased in various sizes, such as 8L, 15-18 gallon, or 35-gallon bins. If you choose to use a plastic container, ensure it has proper ventilation by drilling holes on the sides and lid. This will prevent the hay from sweating and moulding. Some people choose to leave the lid off or place it askew to allow for airflow. It is also important to keep the hay in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to further prevent moulding.
Original Packaging
Hay bags are specifically designed to keep hay fresh, nutritious, and safe. They have small holes that allow for proper ventilation and limit sun bleaching. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the hay in its original packaging whenever possible. If you choose to store hay in its original resealable bag, ensure you follow the tips provided by the manufacturer for proper resealing.
Woven Mesh Bags and Timber/Plastic Storage Chests
Woven mesh bags provide natural ventilation due to their breathable material. Timber or plastic storage chests can also be used, but it is important to add a couple of air vents to the sides to prevent moulding. Keep these containers in a well-ventilated, dark area, away from direct sunlight or moisture.
Barns and Tarps
For larger quantities of hay, barns or covered buildings are ideal for storage. When storing hay outside, it is crucial to protect it from the elements using tarps. Ensure proper stacking on pallets to prevent rot and waste. Round bales can be stacked in various ways, but it is important to remember that they can weigh up to 1800 pounds, so practice safe stacking to prevent injuries.
Hay Sleeves
Hay sleeves are manufactured from agricultural products and offer a breathable protection for hay bales. They are a durable and economical solution, helping to keep hay out of the elements and ready for livestock consumption.
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Hay ventilation
Hay is an important agricultural product used to feed cattle, horses, and other livestock. Properly storing hay helps ensure that it is safe and protected from the elements such as rain, sunlight, and mould. Hay stored correctly can last for over two years and will retain its nutritional content and taste.
Hay is susceptible to mould if it is not properly ventilated. Hay naturally has some moisture in it and must be able to "breathe" or it will mould. If there isn’t ventilation, the hay will sweat and can go mouldy, especially if the container is in the sun. Therefore, it is important to store hay in a well-ventilated area.
Hay can be stored in a variety of containers, including plastic bins, woven mesh bags, or timber/plastic storage chests. If you are using a plastic container, it is important to drill holes in the sides to allow for airflow. One person mentions that they drilled "a ton of little holes" in their plastic storage bin and filled it up to the top with hay. Another person mentions that they drilled holes in a plastic chest of drawers and stored hay in the top drawer.
If you are storing hay in its original packaging, it is important to keep the bag open and not sealed. The original packaging is designed to assist in proper hay storage and typically includes small holes that allow for proper ventilation. One person mentions that they store their hay in the original bag inside a larger plastic trash can, and this setup works well for them.
In addition to ventilation, there are other factors to consider when storing hay. It is important to keep hay in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, and off the ground. Sun bleaching can deplete the nutritional value of the hay. It is also important to stack hay properly to prevent rot and waste.
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Hay preservation
When storing hay, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. While plastic containers are often used, it is crucial to ensure proper airflow by leaving the lid askew or drilling holes in the container to prevent the hay from sweating and moulding. Some people prefer cardboard boxes as they allow the hay to breathe, but if storing for an extended period, punching holes in the box is necessary.
For small pet owners, the original packaging of hay is specifically designed for storage, with small holes for ventilation and limited sun exposure to maintain freshness and nutrition. If using a different container, it is advised to keep the original packaging until the hay is consumed. Additionally, "breather holes" are recommended for airflow, which can be created using a hand drill.
For larger-scale hay preservation, there are various methods, including storing hay in a barn, plastic-wrapped, stacked outside, or in John Deere B-Wrap®. Chopped hay can be stored in a bunker or a bag, but it requires additional equipment and inoculants to prevent fermentation and dry matter loss. Proper dry-down time is also necessary to minimize moisture content and spoilage.
Overall, the key to successful hay preservation is to protect it from moisture, sunlight, and extreme temperatures, ensuring proper airflow and ventilation to prevent mould and spoilage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can store hay in a plastic bag, but it is not recommended. Hay emits gasses for 3-5 months after it has been cut and baled, so it needs to be stored in a well-ventilated area. Plastic bags should have holes in them to allow for airflow.
The best way to store hay is in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Hay can be stored in plastic bins, woven mesh bags, or timber/plastic storage chests. If you are using a plastic container, it is recommended to leave the lid off or propped open to allow for airflow.
If stored correctly, hay can last for over two years. However, it will start to lose its nutritional value over time. Some nutrients, such as protein and fiber, can remain indefinitely in hay when properly stored.
Improper storage of hay can result in mold, loss of nutritional value, and reduced palatability. This can lead to additional expenses, as your animals may refuse to eat the hay.
