Omar Khalid
Wrapping hay in plastic is a common practice to preserve its freshness and quality over a longer period. By creating a barrier against the elements, the plastic wrap shields the hay from rain, humidity, and moisture from the ground, preventing spoilage and maintaining its nutritional content. This practice is especially beneficial for farmers, as it helps sustain the quality of hay bales, reduces storage losses, and enhances overall farming efficiency. However, it is important to manage condensation and ventilation to avoid mold and bacterial growth, which can be harmful to animals. The number of plastic layers and the timing of wrapping also play a role in effectively preserving hay bales.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Sustains quality for a longer period, Improves digestibility, Shields from harsh weather conditions, Prevents spoilage, Cost-effective, Preserves nutrient value, Reduces storage losses |
| Disadvantages | Mold and mildew can develop, Requires UV protection, Additional condensation, Requires multiple layers of plastic wrap |
| Recommendations | Use black plastic, Allow for ventilation between bales, Wrap immediately after baling, Store in a cool, dry place |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of wrapping hay in plastic
Wrapping hay in plastic wrap can sustain its quality for a longer period. The application of a few layers of plastic can dramatically improve the storage time and increase protection from harsh weather conditions like rain and morning dew that can cause the hay to rot from the inside out. The plastic wrap also prevents the hay from absorbing moisture from the ground, thus preventing spoilage and saving farms significant operational costs.
The plastic wrap creates a barrier that protects the hay from rain and humidity, maintaining its nutritional content. This preservation is crucial because hay that retains its nutrient value can provide animals with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy, contributing to their overall health and productivity. Wrapped bales are also far less likely to harbor harmful toxins that adversely affect animal health, resulting in improved digestibility and a reduced risk of digestive issues.
Research at the University of Wisconsin found that bales wrapped with at least 6 ml of plastic (either four 1.5 ml layers or six 1.0 ml layers) had an immediate temperature drop and reached ambient temperature in about 8-9 days. The researchers concluded that bales should receive at least 6 ml of total plastic thickness, which is generally a good rule of thumb. This will change depending on weather conditions, and more layers might be needed. Hay bales should be wrapped immediately after baling to minimize the chances of spoilage.
The proliferation of farmers offering custom wrapping has helped make wrapping cost-effective for many farms that would not have been able to justify owning wrapping equipment. Wrapping dry hay is a valuable technique for all hay producers, greatly enhancing both the quality of the feed and the efficiency of the overall farming operation.
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How many layers of plastic are needed?
Wrapping hay in plastic wrap is a technique that has gained traction in recent years. It involves wrapping baled hay in plastic film to create a weather-resistant package. This method is used to sustain the quality of the hay for a longer period. The number of layers of plastic wrap needed to wrap hay depends on various factors, including storage conditions, the type of hay, and the length of storage.
A good rule of thumb is to use six layers of plastic wrap. However, this may vary depending on weather conditions, and more layers might be needed. For example, if you plan on storing the dry hay for extended periods (2 seasons or more), it is recommended to increase the layering to six layers. This is due to the holes that can be created by mice or other predators. Additionally, the dryness of the hay should be considered. Drier hay tends to have sharper stems that can poke through if there aren't enough layers of plastic.
Research by the University of Wisconsin (Undersander et al.) supports the use of at least six layers of plastic wrap. They found that bales wrapped with at least 6 ml of plastic (either four 1.5 ml layers or six 1.0 ml layers) experienced an immediate temperature drop and reached ambient temperature in about 8-9 days. The total plastic thickness, rather than the number of wraps, was identified as the most critical factor.
It is important to note that wrapping hay too tightly in plastic can lead to moisture accumulation and mould formation, especially when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, some farmers recommend making slits or cuts in the plastic to allow the bales to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.
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The process of wrapping hay
Wrapping hay in plastic is a technique that has gained popularity in recent years. The process of wrapping hay involves using plastic film, commonly made from LDPE, to create a protective barrier around the hay bales. This practice offers several benefits that enhance the quality of the feed and improve the efficiency of farming operations.
The first step in the process of wrapping hay is to ensure that the hay is dry. The optimal moisture content for dry hay bales typically ranges between 12% and 16%. Allowing the hay to sit in a barn or protected area for a few weeks before wrapping can help reduce moisture levels. Once the hay is sufficiently dry, it is then baled and wrapped immediately to prevent any exposure to moisture.
The number of layers of plastic wrap required depends on various factors, including storage conditions, the type of hay, and the length of storage. A good rule of thumb is to use six layers of plastic wrap, but this may vary depending on weather conditions and the dryness of the hay. Drier hay tends to have sharper stems that can penetrate the plastic, so additional layers may be necessary.
When wrapping the hay bales, it is important to ensure that the plastic film is tightly wrapped around the bales, creating an effective barrier against moisture and outside elements. The plastic film should be wrapped around the bales in a way that prevents any air or water from leaking into the bales, as this can activate microorganisms that can damage the hay and reduce its nutritional value.
Additionally, some farmers recommend making vertical cuts of about 12 inches on the sides of the bales to promote ventilation and prevent moisture buildup. This technique allows moisture to escape from the sides of the bales instead of accumulating at the top. It is also suggested to use black plastic for wrapping dry hay, as it can provide UV protection and help heat up the bales during colder months.
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The colour of the plastic wrap
Wrapping hay in plastic wrap is a common practice to sustain its quality for a longer period. The plastic wrap acts as a barrier that protects the hay from external factors such as rain, humidity, and morning dew, which can cause spoilage and reduce its nutritional content.
When it comes to the colour of the plastic wrap, there are a few options to consider, each with its own advantages and purposes:
White: White plastic wrap is commonly used by farmers as it reflects heat instead of absorbing it, keeping the hay cool. However, it has been noted that white wrap can lead to moisture accumulation and mould formation when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to store white-wrapped hay in a temperature-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight.
Black: Black plastic wrap is suggested for use during the winter months as it can absorb heat and keep the hay warm. This colour is also believed to provide better UV protection. However, black wrap has been associated with more significant nutrient and fodder loss compared to other colours, especially when used with fewer layers.
Green: Green plastic wrap is the most common colour used in Australia. It offers a balance between heat absorption and reflection, providing adequate protection from the elements. Using green plastic wrap can help maintain the nutritional value of the hay and reduce the risk of mould and bacterial growth.
Pink: Pink plastic wrap is often used during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Farmers use this colour to show support for breast cancer research and honour those affected by the disease.
Purple: Purple plastic wrap is becoming more popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. It is used to honour the Children's Medical & Research Foundation and raise awareness for children's health initiatives.
The choice of colour depends on personal preferences, regional practices, and the specific needs of the farmer. Some colours may be chosen for their functional benefits, such as heat reflection or absorption, while others may be selected for their symbolic significance or to show support for a particular cause.
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Preventing mould and condensation
Wrapping hay in plastic bags can help protect it from the elements over the winter. However, condensation and mould can still form, especially when the hay is wrapped before it has dried completely. To prevent this, it is recommended to let the hay "'sweat'" for a week or two before wrapping it.
When using plastic wrap, black plastic is recommended over white plastic as it is cheaper, draws heat, and helps to evaporate condensation within the bale. It is also important to ensure that the hay is completely dry before wrapping it, as any remaining moisture can condense and cause mould to form.
To further prevent condensation and mould, it is suggested to make a vertical cut at the bottom of each bale to allow for ventilation. Additionally, commercial-size desiccant bags can be placed under the tarps to absorb moisture. Proper airflow in the storage area can also help to keep moisture accumulation down.
Another method to prevent mould is to apply an acid coating to the hay. This can deter mould growth, especially in high-humidity environments. Overall, by following these steps and allowing the hay to dry sufficiently before wrapping, condensation and mould can be minimised when storing hay over the winter.
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Frequently asked questions
Wrapping hay in plastic bags can sustain the quality of the hay over a longer period. It also prevents water from penetrating the bales, ensuring the hay remains in optimal condition until it's ready to be fed to animals.
Generally, it is recommended to use six layers of plastic wrap. However, the number of layers may vary depending on weather conditions and the dryness of the hay. Drier hay tends to have sharper stems that can poke through thin layers of plastic.
Some sources suggest using black plastic wrap, while others recommend white wrap. Black plastic may cause heat buildup, which could be beneficial in the winter to keep the bales warm. White wrap may provide better UV protection.
It is recommended to wrap the hay bales as soon as possible after baling to minimize the chances of spoilage. However, some sources suggest letting the hay sweat first and then wrapping it to prevent condensation and mould.
Yes, one potential issue is the formation of condensation inside the plastic, which can lead to mould and bacterial growth. This can occur when moisture from the bale migrates to the colder plastic and allows mould to grow on the outer layer of the bale. Proper ventilation is crucial to preventing condensation and mould growth.
