Lowering spoilage

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

Following is part 2 of a two part article on baleage tips provided by Joel Bagg, Forage Specialist with OMAFRA.
Some producers have had success when wrapping large bales as “low moisture baleage”. This is sometimes the result when the original intention is to make dry hay, but due to impending rain it gets baled at moistures in the 25 to 35% range instead. Although low moisture baleage can be high quality, it has a higher risk of spoilage because it usually doesn’t ferment as well and ends up with a higher pH. It can be very unforgiving if everything isn’t done right. This includes making dense bales (large squares work better), avoiding rained-on forage, wrapping quickly, repairing holes, and all the other management factors mentioned in this article. It is critical that low moisture baleage be covered with plenty of plastic. Moisture should come from the plant, not dew or rain.
Bales should be wrapped air tight with at least 6 mils of plastic film (6 wraps of 1 mil). To ensure against tears and punctures, 8 mils or more is preferable. Because of their large area of contact with the ground, large square bales sometimes require more plastic to protect them from punctures.
Round bales should be wrapped within 2 hours of baling at high temperatures and within 4-12 hours at cooler temperatures. Large square bales have a higher density, and don’t “squat” and stretch the plastic wrap, so they are more forgiving of delayed wrapping up to 24 hours. Plastic wrap is often easier to work with in the cooler temperatures and higher humidity of night or early morning, as opposed to a hot afternoon.
Wrapping should be done on an area free of sharp projections that can tear the plastic, such as rocks and hay stubble. Select a well drained, clean storage site that reduces the risk of rodent damage. Stacking individually wrapped round bales on their flat side (ends) prevents squatting and provides more plastic between the bale and the ground.
Some spoilage is the result of moisture migration within the bales. During hot summer days the moisture vapourizes, and then during the cooler nights the moisture condenses on the cooler north sides and bottoms of the bales. The wet portions of the bales get a slimy, butyric acid fermentation, while the dry parts of the bale don’t always ferment enough and can mould. Setting up baleage rows in a north-south direction, or selecting a shady area in a tree line out of direct sunlight can help minimize this.
Rodent, bird, raccoon and other wildlife damage is a constant threat. Cats, dogs and kids should also be kept off the bales. Continually monitor stored baleage and be prepared to repair tears and holes.
Be sure to use the appropriate tape, available from the plastic suppliers, that sticks more permanently to the wrap. Bad things can happen to baleage when you’re not looking. The bales should be located where regular inspections are more likely to happen. Carefully stack individually wrapped bales if possible to provide some protection and easier inspection.
For more information refer to “Maintaining Quality in Large Bale Silage” on the OMAF Forage Website at http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/field/forages.html, or the OMAF
Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877- 424-1300.