EFFECTS OF STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR LARGE ROUND BALES ON QUALITY OF GRASS-LEGUME HAY

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Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of storage conditions on the quality of large round bales (LRB). Samples were taken at 75-d intervals from LRB stored inside, outside single bales covered with a 15-mm black polyethylene plastic bag, outside uncovered as single bales, outside uncovered in a single row and outside uncovered in a double stacked row. Bales were sampled at depths of 0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm. Time, storage and depth factors had an influence on the chemical components of the LRB except for protein. Weathering had the most effect after 150 d of storage and with LRB stored uncovered and in the top 15-cm layer. Significant (P < 0.05) interactions in in vitro dry matter digestibilities were found for storage time × depth of sample, storage time × storage methods and for depth of sample × storage methods. Under the conditions of our experiments, weathering damages were limited to the superficial layer of LRB left uncovered. Key words: Large round bales, weathering, storage, moisture

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