High Moisture Content

[ROCKSPRINGS]

Getting ready to buy a lot of coastal round bales. The guy told me he will reduce the price per bale by $10.00 because it has a high moisture content. He said it is OK for cows but would not give it to horses. What does " High Moisture Content" mean ?

 

[cfpinz]

Never dealt with coastal but I'd wager he baled it way green, could be molded and such. I'd buy one bale first and unroll it before I signed the note on the lot.

 

[novaman]

I've had it happen before when the hay got baled a touch too wet. Cows loved the hay as it had a sweet smell to it but nutrient-wise it isn't very good. The bale heats and degrades the protein.

 

[Kingfisher]

http://www.gemplers.com/hay-moisture-meters

 

[Kingfisher]

Or you could do it the Canadian way.................:)
Home Moisture Testing
# According to the University of Manitoba, testing the moisture content of hay can be accomplished with a home microwave.

The farmer should select a representative sample and cut the hay into one-quarter to one-half inch pieces. Weigh out 100 grams of the hay sample with a kitchen scale. Other weights can be used, but 100 grams will simplify the math of calculating the moisture content.

The sample is placed on a paper plate and microwaved for three to four minutes, along with a small glass of water to prevent fire in the microwave. At the end of the cycle, remove and weigh the hay before returning it to the microwave for one more minute.

The weight loss of the hay represents the moisture evaporated out of the hay. The microwaving and weighing cycle is repeated until the weight remains constant from cycle to cycle. This indicates all the moisture has been removed from the hay. At this point, if the process started with 100 grams of hay, the difference in the weight between the dried hay and 100 grams is the percentage moisture content of the original hay.

If the testing started with something other than 100 grams of hay, the formula for determining the moisture content is the original weight minus the final weight divided by the original weight times 100.
When to Moisture Test Hay
# The best time to moisture test hay is just before baling or loose stacking is planned. The idea is to determine if the hay is at the right moisture content for storage before it is baled.

Also, caution is suggested during microwaving to make sure the hay doesn't burn. The fire could damage the microwave, and the smell of burnt hay is likely to linger for a long time.

 

[ROCKSPRINGS]

Thanks every one.

 

[TexasBred]

Rock...have it lab tested and you'll find out the moisture plus everything else about it. Will cost you about $12-15 per sample. Probe several bales and mix.

 

[mattyboy]

I used to battle that alot when I put up dry hay. High moisture probably means 15 to 20%...like novaman said not the best quality but the cows will eat it.

 

[dun]

http://www.gemplers.com/hay-moisture-meters

I have the Farmex HT and really like it. The company claims that for garss (not alflafa) hay to subtract 5% from the reading. You reaklly have to put a hard twist on the sample and stick the porbe into the tightest part to get an accuarte reading. If it's already baled just sticking the probe in works fine. One of the best features is the temperature reading. After I bale I take the bale temp the next day and then the follwoing day. As soon as the temp has gone down I know it's gone through the sweat and it's safe to put in the barn. I use it on bothe round and small squares

 

[msscamp]

What does " High Moisture Content" mean ?

That it was either baled green, or it was rained on after baling. Either way, it will mold faster than is acceptable when stacked. Check with your extension office and see if you can borrow a moisture tester. It will tell you the moisture content of each bale. Reject anything that has a moisture content of higher than about 16% unless you can feed it immediately.

 

[ROCKSPRINGS]

Thanks again everyone, I am going to buy the hay and use it first, also store it outside. $60.00 for a large round (coastal) is an excellent price around here lately.