Tama Assist The Impact of Proper Baling on Livestock Feed Quality: The Role of Silage and Forage Management
Baling directly influences the nutritional quality of livestock feed. How farmers handle, wrap, and store forage determines the quality of the feed formulation. Well planned harvesting, correct baling and proper forage and silage management will result in better feed quality and lower storage losses.
Getting the moisture content right is one of the most important steps in preserving the quality of baled silage, especially when working with diverse, multispecies swards. Forage that’s too wet can spoil quickly, while overly dry crops make it difficult to seal out air. Both scenarios risk mould and nutrient loss.
The Agriculture Institute highlights that the right moisture balance supports proper fermentation, which is crucial for locking in energy and protein. To help achieve this, forage should be wilted evenly and baled promptly, then tightly wrapped using high quality stretchfilm to create airtight conditions.
Forage management begins in the field. The timing of the harvest and the duration of wilting and drying affect the result. If farmers harvest too early or leave the crop down for too long, they risk higher moisture content or reduced digestibility, impacting nutritional value.
Monitoring crop ripening, checking moisture content and weather conditions, and using the right equipment and baling products can all improve bale and feed quality.
Uniformly shaped bales, which are dense packed and tightly wrapped, improve handling and stacking. These bales store better, move more easily and provide a consistent feeding experience. All of this supports long term forage conservation.
Forage management also requires supplementing the soil after the harvest. Farmers can manage this through soil testing and then applying what the field needs to recover by cover cropping for example, or other methods to restore soil quality.
Silage management starts with choosing the correct baling product. Oxygen must be eliminated for proper fermentation of the cut forage inside the silage bale. This requires fast wrapping and a secure seal. Choose a quality silage stretchfilm that is tear resistant, offers high stretch strength and is suitable for various crop types. Apply enough layers to ensure bales can withstand transport and storage conditions.
Tama stretchfilm and netwrap guarantee dependable results when baling hay and silage. Our baling products maintain grip, resist tearing and protect bales through extended wet and windy periods.
Consider Tama’s bale netwrap with Edge to Edge technology. Lightweight and the longest in the industry, this netwrap helps keep the bale shape and makes loading safer. Mesh lock technology reduces tearing and laddering and will reduce hay waste.
Finally, proper storage can further assure quality feed. Securely stacking bales on smooth, level surfaces prevents punctures and reduces contamination. Protection from rodents and allowing for air circulation further extend storage life.
If you need recommendations for choosing the right baling product or planning the best approach for your hay and silage crop, the Tama Assist team is here to help. Whether the challenge involves forage management, silage management or storing bales for longer periods, they will work with you to get it right. Contact Tama Assist.