The Loss of Nutrients in Hay and Meadow Crop Silage during Storage

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Abstract
This is a review of the more recent literature on the subject. For storing as long hay, the material should contain > 30% moisture. Under these conditions, the dry matter losses have been reported as varying from 3.5 to 9%. With > 30% moisture, the losses noted ranged from 15 to 40% and sometimes greater, even to a total loss from spontaneous combustion. Excessive heating results in a browned or blackened hay, low in digestibility and generally low in palatability. Salting will not prevent excessive heating. Mow drying by means of forced ventilation with or without artificial heat has been shown to result generally in hay of good quality with a high feeding value. Carotene losses occur continuously in well cured hay, but the losses are much greater in undereured hay. In storing as silage, losses of dry matter amount to 3-6% as top spoilage, 1% from seepage, and 5-10% from fermentation. Feed analyses and digestibility of the silage are similar to the material ensiled, unless excessive heating has occurred. Carotene is generally well preserved, although important exceptions have been noted. Proper moisture evaluation and control are necessary for minimizing the losses in storing forages as hay and silage.

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