[answer]The basic answer is yes, salt (sodium chloride) can be effective in inhibiting growth of mold organisms in hay. In earlier days, the practice was not uncommon for small rectangular bales.
Why do people put salt on hay?
Sprinkling salt over bales of hay is a tradition some farmers have used for added assurance that the moisture is drawn out of their hay.
How do you keep hay from rotting?
Add plastic covering inside them, and then place the hay on top. Not only will you have protection from the pallets, but also the protective plastic covering that you have used to line the bottom of those pallets. It is a solution that makes sense when you need to keep the hay dry.
Can you put wet hay in the barn?
Actually, wet hay is more likely to lead to spontaneous combustion than dry hay. If wet hay with more than 22% moisture is stored in a barn or stacked then the risk of spontaneous combustion is increased. Further, the wet hay loses in forage quality.
Does salting wet hay work?
In the past, some farmers have applied salt to the surface of hay that was baled wet, but research has shown little benefit from salting. While the theory is good, the amount of salt needed would be very large and expensive, and would likely reduce the palatability of the hay.
23 related questions foundWhat causes moldy hay?
What Causes Mold to Grow on Hay? Much hay has been rained on or left lying in the field for prolonged periods of time due to excessively wet and humid conditions. The long drying periods with high humidity can allow mold to grow on the hay in the field.
Why do farmers burn hay bales?
High-moisture grass baled above 24% moisture can cause spontaneous combustion. Overheated bales can burn down a hay barn. Craig Roberts, University of Missouri forage specialist, says frequent rains this year helped grass growth, but it's been bad for making hay.
Can hay catch fire by itself?
Plant reactions and bacterial growth combine to raise temperatures in even the driest hay bales, although most never catch fire on their own. However, when hay is packed tightly, and enough moisture gets in, the conditions may be right for spontaneous hay combustion.
At what temperature does hay spontaneously combust?
When hay's internal temperature rises above 130 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius), a chemical reaction begins to produce flammable gas that can ignite if the temperature goes high enough. Fire is possible in hay that's loose, in small or large bales or stacks, and stored inside or outside.
How do you store hay without a barn?
Without a barn, you can adapt a large storage shed or cargo container. If you have to store hay outdoors, protect stacked hay with secured tarps or a plastic covering. Raise hay off bare ground using wood pallets or tires, or by building a pad of rocks or gravel.
How do you keep hay dry without a barn?
The cheapest and most effective way to protect your hay without a barn is by using a simple system of a tarpaulin and pallets. Stack wooden pallets on the ground to keep the hay off the damp floor, then stack the hay on top of the pallets and cover the whole thing with a solid, heavy-duty tarpaulin.
Can hay bales go bad?
The good news is that if you manage your stores properly, your bales can last almost indefinitely. Storing them in a barn is the best option because it works as a shelter from bad weather, animals, and other conditions.
What do I do if my hay bales get wet?
Cut the bales and fluff them, offering each bit of hay excellent air circulation. Keep the wet hay in a dry area, where the water can evaporate quickly. Turn the bale two or three times per day to keep the evaporation moving along quickly.
How do you save wet hay?
Use net wrap or plastic twine spaced no more than 4 in. apart on round bales to maintain bale shape and provide a smooth surface that encourages water runoff.” Anderson recommends storing hay on elevated, well-drained spots that will prevent the bales from soaking up moisture from wet soil or standing water.
How do you stack damp hay?
Always stack hay with cut side down. That means the strings will always be on the side of the bale when you look at the stack. Not only does this deter mice from gnawing on the strings of the bale, it also allows moisture to run down through the stack to the bottom layer.
When should you rake hay?
As a rule of thumb, wait to rake hay until after the dew has dried and the sun nears its peak, or around 11:00 am. If possible, let the raked hay sit for an hour or two before baling to allow more drying time. Haymakers have several types of rakes available.
How do you keep hay green?
“Generally, we start adding preservative when moisture levels get much above 15 to 16%,” says Chris. “In addition, we try to leave a space between each stack of bales when we put them in the shed. That allows the air to move around the bales so they maintain their green color.
How long does it take hay to cure?
“Some traditional horsemen believe that fresh-baled hay should 'sweat' for two to four weeks before feeding. This allows the hay to cure, which might be important if the hay too wet when it was baled.
How many times a year can you harvest hay?
How many times a year can you harvest hay? In most areas of the country, grass hay can be cut twice, sometimes three times, per year. The first cutting generally has the largest yield.
How do you make hay dry faster?
Lay the crop as wide as practical. Do not cut hay into a tight windrow. A wider swath will dry faster, because more drying area of the hay is exposed to sun and wind. Solar radiation cannot penetrate very deep into the swath.
Can hay be too dry?
Hay that is baled with too much moisture will heat up, become moldy and/or dusty, and has a foul smell. However, if hay is baled too dry, it can get very brittle and dusty. Hay at the peak of maturity is ideal hay for horses. As hay becomes overly mature, it loses nutritional value.
Will horses eat bad hay?
Horses will eat moldy hay, especially if they have no alternative forage, but consuming moldy hay is dangerous and can cause digestive and respiratory diseases. Moldy hay can be fatal for horses; however, eating a small amount shouldn't cause serious problems.
Will horses avoid moldy hay?
Quick facts. Don't feed moldy hay to horses. Most moldy hay problems are from mold spores, which can produce respiratory disease in horses. Many of the common mold toxins develop in the field during a delayed harvest.
Can you fix moldy hay?
In severe cases, hay may be replaced by hay cubes. Soak dusty hay for 5 to 30 minutes before feeding so that the horse can eat it while it's wet.
