Modern Processed Hay..."Good Feed"
Comments and report from James I. Sprague, Livestock Nutritionist
Advantages of Processed Hay
Processed hay, like any new development, has evolved over time. Modern
hay processors can fit a niche for small or medium size feedlots and
stock farms. For larger feedlots, even though tub ground hay will
continue to be the major source of the dry roughage, processed hay
can be used for starting cattle rations and emergency roughage feeding.
Here are a few features of processed hay.
Tub Ground Hay, the Standard for Comparison
One of the advantages of tub ground hay is the rapid speed of the
grinding process. Another advantage is the uniformity of the mixed
ration. The small particles of ground hay mix well with grain, supplement,
liquids and silages. The disadvantage of the tub ground hay is the
lack of uniformity of the particle size (reduction of the roughage
factor) and the loss of leaves during the hammer milling process.
Sliced Hay vs. Ground Hay
One of the interesting developments of hay processors is the slicing
action of a rotor and cutting knives as the hay is processed. One
of the products being offered to feedlots and stock farms is the DewEze
RotoSlicer, made by Harper Industries at Harper, Kansas. The slicing
action produces a more uniform product. The uniformity of the particle
size produces an outstanding "roughage factor."
Less Wastage with Processed Hay
One of the problems of the round bale system has been the feeding
out of the forage. Many times the round bale is put in a circular
feeder. This leads to considerable wastage around the feeder. With
the use of the hay processor, the forages can be placed in feed bunks
or fed under a hot wire. This method not only helps prevent wastage,
but assists in controlling the volume fed to meet production goals
and condition of the livestock.
Feeding Round Bale Silage
In the May-June issue of Feed*Lot Magazine (Vol. XI, No. 3, 2003,
page38-39), we reported "Silage in a Bag-Good Stuff." However,
silages in round bales are difficult to feed. A slicing hay processor
can reduce forage length to four to five inches. Using a hay processor
is an excellent method to prepare this forage for either a complete
mixed ration or feeding in feedbunks or under hot wires. Feed wastage
can be reduced to a minimum. ©
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