Search Results (18)

The recycling rate of silage and stretch films is low. The low degree of recycling of polymer films used in agriculture results from the high contamination of films and technological problems in their processing. Material recycling of haylage preservation films is conditioned by the possibility of their effective and cost-effective cleaning. Thus, the study focuses on designing a new generation material for wrapping hay-silage bales that meet the closed-loop material cycle condition while at the same time guaranteeing the desired operating conditions. The developed new generation silage films made it possible to achieve 100% recycling, while this indicator for traditional films did not exceed 50%. The concept is based on the notion of circular economy. The study compared four types of film—one that is commonly used for feed preservation and three types of new generation film. The nanosilver-containing film and the film containing a microbiological additive of zinc provided a high quality of silage and, due to the low contamination, facilitated the recycling of the burdensome waste. The 8% microcellulose film had too little viscosity, which was why it did not cut off the atmospheric air penetration into the bale. Hence, the biodegradable film with the addition of microcellulose does not comply with the technological regime for feed preservation. Full article

Alfalfa hay bale drying technology can effectively reduce alfalfa leaf loss and improve forage quality. However, due to the large volume and high density of fresh-stored hay bales, deep-level drying is uneven, leading to nutrient loss in alfalfa. To address these issues, a hay bale drying test bench was constructed to systematically investigate the effects of initial moisture content, bale density, drying temperature, and air velocity on drying performance. The results showed that when the hot air temperature was 70 °C and the air velocity was 2 m/s, the average moisture content of hay bales with an initial moisture content of 25% (w.b.) could be reduced to 17% (w.b.) within 1.5 h, with a drying efficiency of 26.67 kg/h. However, increasing the bale density from 127.95 kg/m³ to 144.15 kg/m³ prolongs the drying time by 50% (w.b.). Batch drying of multiple bales further reduces drying efficiency due to increased airflow resistance. The problem of uneven drying is significant, especially when hot air is introduced in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the precise control of drying parameters such as temperature, airflow direction, and bale density is essential for achieving uniform moisture reduction. These findings provide important theoretical support for the efficient drying of alfalfa hay bales. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) and chitinase combinations on the conservation and nutritive value of alfalfa high-moisture hay (HMH). P. pentosaceus [10¹² colony forming unit/g fresh forage] combined with (g/tonne of fresh forage) 1.5 (PP + LC), 7.5 (PP + MC), or 15.0 (PP + HC) g of LANiHay01 chitinase (Exp. 1) or with LANiHay02 (PP + Fe; 1.5 g), LANiHay01 (PP + Pe; 1.5 g), or Sigma (PP + Si; 55 mg) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 2) were used in 2016. In 2017, PP was applied alone or in combination with LANiHay01 at 1.5 g (PP + LC) or 7.5 g (PP + MC) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 3 and 4). Deionized water and propionic acid (4.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 1 and 2 and at 6.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 3 and 4) were applied as neutral (CON) and positive control (CON+), respectively. The maximum temperature (r² = 0.66) and NH₃-N concentration (r² = 0.80) of the HMH were positively related to total microbial populations. PP + MC had lower (p ≤ 0.05) yeast and mold counts than CON in Exp. 3 and 4 while the neutral detergent fiber degradability was greater (p < 0.01) for PP + MC and PP + LC than CON in Exp. 1 and 3, respectively. P. pentosaceus in combination with chitinase has the potential in conserving the nutrient quality of alfalfa HMH. Full article

(1) Background: Yield-monitoring systems are widely used in grain crops but are less advanced for hay and forage. Current commercial systems are generally limited to weighing individual bales, limiting the spatial resolution of maps of hay yield. This study evaluated an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based imaging system to estimate hay yield. (2) Methods: Data were collected from three 0.4 ha plots and a 35 ha hay field of red clover and timothy grass in September 2020. A multispectral camera on the UAV captured images at 30 m (20 mm pixel⁻¹) and 50 m (35 mm pixel⁻¹) heights. Eleven Vegetation Indices (VIs) and five texture features were calculated from the images to estimate biomass yield. Multivariate regression models (VIs and texture features vs. biomass) were evaluated. (3) Results: Model R² values ranged from 0.31 to 0.68. (4) Conclusions: Despite strong correlations between standard VIs and biomass, challenges such as variable image resolution and clarity affected accuracy. Further research is needed before UAV-based yield estimation can provide accurate, high-resolution hay yield maps. Full article

The spontaneous combustion of hay when stacked after baling is an issue frequently encountered by farmers in Australia and elsewhere. While there is a basic understanding of why this occurs the interactions of the many factors involved mean that there is still no consistent methodology for its prevention. Recent technological advances in sensors and communications allow for the continual collection of quantitative data from hay bales or stacks for managers to utilize in their decision-making processes with regards to minimizing the risks of spontaneous combustion. This review discusses both the factors involved in the spontaneous combustion of haystacks and the types of sensors available for the monitoring of these factors. This includes advancements in sensor technologies and their practical applications in monitoring hay bale conditions. Full article

Poultry litter is a widely available fertilizer in the southeast USA and subsurface application of litter can increase both forage production and nutritive value. Frequent rainfall events and high humidity often limit time available for hay curing; baled silage techniques can increase harvest time flexibility. Unfortunately, rainfall events can still occur without forecast during harvest events, resulting in delayed baling or wrapping. The objective of this study was to evaluate poultry litter amendment methods, subsurface (SUB) and surface (SURF), and the effect of no rain (NR) on bales with wrapping after 2 h compared with rained-on bales with 17 h delayed wrapping (RDW) on warm-season grass baleage fermentation and nutritive value. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with two amendment treatments and two post-baling treatments. Crude protein (CP) was greater (p < 0.01) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was lower (p < 0.01) in both pre- and post-ensiled bales with subsurface-applied poultry litter. Rain and delayed wrapping resulted in lower pH (p = 0.03), starch (p < 0.01), and water-soluble carbohydrates (p < 0.01) in pre-ensiled bales, compared to those that did not receive rain and were wrapped within 2 h, while post-ensiled bales only differed in lower (p < 0.01) starch and slightly greater (p < 0.01) NDF in RDW. Lactic acid (p < 0.01), acetic acid (p < 0.01), and total acids (p = 0.03) were greater in SUB, while butyric acid tended to be greater (p = 0.09), and alcohols (p = 0.05) were greater in SURF. Bales from RDW and NR only differed by greater (p < 0.01) propionic acid concentrations in NR. Under the conditions of this experiment, subsurface application of poultry litter increased final nutritive value, while rainfall and delayed wrapping of 17 h had few effects on the final nutritive value of warm-season grass baleage. Full article

Despite our improved understanding of equid digestive health and accurate rations formulations, obesity in the UK horse population remains high. Study aims: (1) to determine how owners are feeding their horses and what influences their choices, (2) to understand owners’ knowledge of haylage and (3) to identify key areas that require additional education. Data were collected in 2020 from 1338 UK horse owners via two online surveys. Survey 1 was on general feeding practices, and Survey 2 was specifically on the feeding of haylage. Data were processed using chi square analyses + Bonferroni tests, with a significance p < 0.05. Equal numbers of leisure and performance horse owners completed both surveys. For Survey 1, 67% fed hay as the only forage, 30% fed forage (hay/haylage) + balancer, 36% fed haylage and hay to manage energy intake, 84% added a cube or coarse mix, 88% did not do forage analyses, 74% did not see the need for it and 16% did not know analyses could be done. In Survey 2, those who were not feeding haylage, 66% were not sure how to feed it, 68% worried about aerobic spoilage and 79% said the bale size was unsuitable. Body weight measurements (Survey 1 and Survey 2) were rarely performed (11%). Aspects of ration formulations, the value of feed analyses and how to interchange hay and haylage require additional education to owners for improved ration compilation. Full article

Recent Colorado, USA water law provisions allow a portion of irrigation water to be leased between agricultural and other users. Reducing consumptive use (CU) through deficit irrigation while maintaining some crop production could allow farmers to earn revenue from leasing water rights. This observational study aimed to determine if deficit irrigation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) can be used to reduce CU, provide parameters for an alfalfa crop water production function (WPF), and evaluate the potential for improved farm income by leasing water. Soil water balance, evapotranspiration (ET), and dry matter yield from eight commercial fields (1.70 to 2.14 ha zones), growing subsurface drip-irrigated alfalfa, were monitored for five seasons (2018–2022) at Kersey, Colorado. Four irrigation treatments [Standard Irrigation (SI) = irrigate when soil water deficit (D) exceeds management allowed depletion (MAD); Moderate Deficit Irrigation (MDI) = 70% of SI; Severe Deficit Irrigation (SDI) = 50% of SI; and Over Irrigation (OI) = 120% of SI] were applied, with two zones per treatment. Reductions in CU ranged from 205 to 260 mm per season. The shape of the alfalfa WPF (dry biomass yield vs. ET) was concave, indicating that water use efficiency (WUE) could be optimized through deficit irrigation. The average WUE was 0.17 Mg ha⁻¹ cm⁻¹ and tended to increase with greater deficits. Deficit irrigation also increased the relative feed value. If conserved CU from deficit irrigation can be leased into a transfer water market, farmers could profit when the water lease revenue exceeds the forgone profit from alfalfa production. We found incremental profit from deficit irrigation and water leasing to be positive, assuming 2020 prices for hay ($230 bale⁻¹) and water prices above $0.50 m⁻³. Full article

Greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) produced by agriculture contribute to global warming and climate change. Various practices followed by farmers in different environmental conditions contribute to the increase in the phenomena, and there is a need for immediate measures. The current study examines the environmental impact of barley production under rain-fed conditions in Cyprus. For this, four different nutrient management scenarios were investigated in order to evaluate the environmental performance of crop production, namely: (1) Nitrogen (20%), Phosphorous (20%), Potassium (10%); (2) Nitrogen (20%), Phosphorous (20%), Potassium (10%) and manure; (3) Nitrogen (25%), Phosphorous (10%), Potassium (0%); and (4) Nitrogen (25%), Phosphorous (10%), Potassium (0%) and manure. Data were collected from two different areas of Cyprus (Nicosia and Larnaca) through on-site visits and questionnaires. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used as a method to quantify environmental impacts which were categorized into six impact categories: (i) acidification potential (AP), (ii) eutrophication potential (EP), (iii) global warming potential (GWP), (iv) ozone depletion potential (ODP), (v) photochemical, ozone creation potential (POCP), and (vi) terrestrial ecotoxicity (TAETP). LCA was used with system boundaries from field to harvest and a functional unit (FU) of one bale of hay. Research results showed that the addition of manure increased values in all impact categories. Comparing scenarios without manure (1 and 3) and with manure (2 and 4), the main process which contributed to GWP was field preparation, which resulted in 3 t CO₂-Eq∙FU⁻¹ and 46.96 t CO₂-Eq∙FU⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, the highest contribution of sub-processes to GWP (kg CO₂-Eq∙FU⁻¹) was machinery maintenance (scenarios 2 and 4). The potential to reduce environmental impacts from barley and moreover, to mitigate the footprint of the agriculture sector in Cyprus is proposed by changing existing practices such as decreasing fuel consumption by agricultural machinery, and monitoring fertilizing and seeding. Conclusively, the carbon footprint of barley can be decreased through the improvement of nutrient management and cropping practices. Full article

Hens in free-range systems are given enrichments to increase foraging and limit injurious pecking, but the efficacy of enrichment types requires investigation. We studied hen behaviour and feather cover in eight commercial free-range flocks each given access to four enrichments within the shed. Sheds were split into quarters, in which two enrichments (jute ropes (R) + other) were installed. Other enrichments were: lucerne hay bales (B), pecking blocks (PB), pelleted feed (PF), or further R (control). Hens were observed at three ages, at three times per age (−1, 0, ≥1 h relative to PF application), in 1 m diameter circle locations around ropes (ControlR), Enrich (B, PB, PF, R), and Away from each enrichment. Feather scores were recorded at all ages/times, at the Away location only. Significantly more birds were in Enrich locations where PB, B, and PF were available, and least near R, ControlR, and Away locations (p < 0.001). Proportions of birds interacting with enrichments were significantly higher for PB, B, and PF than R (p < 0.001), but enrichments did not generally affect proportions of birds foraging in the litter, apart from a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in PF birds foraging in the Enrich location because they were directing behaviour at PF instead. Feather scores worsened with age (p < 0.001) but were not consistently affected by enrichment. Enrichment replacement rates varied between farms. Enrichments costs were highest for PB and cheapest for R. Enrichments except R were used by hens, but with no obvious effect on feather cover. A balance has to be struck between enrichment benefits to hens and economics, but evidence suggested that hens did not benefit from R. Full article

Mice cause substantial economic, social, and environmental damage to rural production systems and communities in Australia, especially during mouse plagues. The losses and damage caused by mice to hay/fodder storage are not well understood, given the size of the industry, so a pilot study (survey of 14 growers) was designed to better understand the physical and economic damage, consider disease implications, and identify the management strategies available. During a mouse plague, mice were regarded as the only factor (other than weather) that affected the long-term sustainability of fodder storage. Growers were feeding fodder to livestock (sheep/cattle) at twice the rate they normally would because of mouse damage and contamination. Mice damaged strings and the structure of bales, making transport impractical, leading to destruction of some stacks. Losses caused by mice were estimated at AUD 140,000 (range = AUD 7000–461,580; equivalent to 30–40% loss of value) and included estimates of physical damage to hay/fodder bales, rodenticides, and labour costs. Growers were concerned about contamination and disease transfer to livestock (and workers) from mice through urine/faeces and their carcasses, especially during mouse plagues. There are significant gaps in our knowledge on the impacts of mice to fodder storage in Australia. Research is needed to (1) identify effective mouse control options, (2) determine the economic impact of mice, and (3) undertake a disease study of mice, to help inform appropriate management strategies for effective control. Full article

Storing silage in round bales (balage) is a commonly used method for preserving forage for use as stock fodder that has a higher nutritional content than hay. Baling at the optimum density is important for ensuring ideal fermentation conditions. In the manuscript, we present the research methodology and the results of the experiment. We did experiments over the density of haylage bales. We investigated the effect of the moisture content in the harvested material, the length of the cut material and the pressing pressure in the round baler. We used the Barenbrug BG-5 forage mix at different moisture content levels (69, 63, 56, 49, and 42%), that was either unchopped or chopped by the round baler’s cutter bars (312 and 183 mm length) and baled at three different pressing pressures (0.9, 1.4, and 1.8 MPa). The results showed that forage density in the bales reached the highest value at a moisture content of 56% and a pressing pressure of 1.8 MPa, with the forage chopped by the cutter bars. Full article

Livestock producers often resort to either baling or grazing of crop residues due to high hay prices and reduced supply of other forages and silage in the markets. Soil-water-crop management practices can affect residue nutrient qualities for its use as cattle feedstock. A two-year study (2018–2019) was conducted to investigate the effects of irrigation (AI, all row-irrigation; ARI, alternate row irrigation; and RF, rainfed) and planting pattern, PP (SR, single row; and TR, twin-row) on soybean (maturity group IV cv. 31RY45 Dyna-Gro) post-grain harvest residue quality such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), net energy for maintenance (NEM), net energy for gain (NEG), net energy for lactation (NEL), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and relative feed value (RFV). Irrigation has a significant effect on CP, ADF, NDF, and TDN while PP affected only NDF. All the above parameters were significantly affected except NEM by the contrasting climate conditions, particularly during July through August coinciding with early crop reproductive stages and maturity. The RFV values ranged from 70.4 to 81.6 and this lower range was attributable to nutrient translocation to seeds and higher lignification during plant senescence towards the grain filling stage of the crop as good quality hay records over 120 RFV. These results indicate that both irrigation and weather during soybean seed development can alter post-grain harvest residue quality parameters, thereby playing critical roles in its RFV. Full article

Herbivores like cervids usually graze on widely scattered forage, but anthropogenic food sources may cause spatial revisitation and aggregation, posing a risk for transmission of infectious diseases. In 2016, chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first detected in Norway. A legal regulation to ban supplemental feeding of cervids and to fence stored hay bales was implemented to lower aggregation of cervids. Knowledge of further patterns and causes of spatial revisitation can inform disease management. We used a recently developed revisitation analysis on GPS-positions from 13 red deer (Cervus elaphus) to identify the pattern of spatial clustering, and we visited 185 spatial clusters during winter to identify the causes of clustering. Anthropogenic food sources were found in 11.9% of spatial clusters, which represented 31.0% of the clusters in agricultural fields. Dumping of silage and hay bales were the main anthropogenic food sources (apart from agricultural fields), and unfenced hay bales were available despite the regulation. The probability of the clusters being in agricultural fields was high during winter. It may be necessary to find other ways of disposing of silage and enforcing the requirement of fencing around hay bales to ensure compliance, in particular during winters with deep snow. Full article

Herbaceous biomass will contribute significantly to meeting renewable energy goals. Harvesting equipment for hay is generally suitable for mowing, raking, and baling grasses such as switchgrass; however, there is a need for field data to better understand machine performance in energy crops. The purpose of this study was to collect field data to estimate baler field capacity, throughput, and speed. Data gathered with a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) unit during baling provided time-motion studies of baler productivity. Six fields were used to compare field capacity, speed, and throughput results from four round balers and one large-square baler. The results show that in-field performance of round balers is significantly affected by yield, but that the relationship can be represented with machinery management concepts, knowledge of maximum throughput, and wrap-eject time. Baler performance will be overestimated if the yield, maximum throughput, and wrap-eject time are not correctly accounted for. Full article