Hay Production Lecture Notes

Flashcards about making hay and forage harvesting equipment.

Hay

Dry ‘grass’ material prepared in the field by cutting a growing crop, usually at the early inflorescence stage.

Objective of Hay Making

To reduce the moisture content of the herbage to less than 25% so that bacterial and fungal growth is suppressed.

Requirements for Reasonable Quality Hay (10% CP)

Cut at early flowering stage, dried quickly (in less than a week), and stored safely in a dry place.

Agents that Destroy Improperly Stored Hay

Termites, rats, and mould

How to Increase Moisture Loss in Cut Herbage

Damaging the cuticle by mechanical methods.

Conditioning Treatments to Enhance Drying Process

Turning, tedding, laceration/bruising.

Major Objective in Hay Making

To reduce the period when the crop is at risk in the field.

Conditioning of Hay

Turning, Tedding, Bruising / Laceration

Turning

Invert the swath to increase air flow and transfer hay to relatively dry ground.

Tedding

Grabbing and repositioning gently to leave the material looser than before to assist air flow through the swath.

Bruising / Laceration

Slicing through the cut herbage in order to enhance moisture loss.

Hay Preservation

To achieve moisture contents less or equal to 25% otherwise there is progressive deterioration due to fungal or bacterial action.

Preservatives Used in Hay Preservation

Propionic acid, ammonium propionate, anhydrous ammonia, hydroxide treatment.

Artificial Drying of Crops

Forced air ventilation at ambient temperature or use of complicated driers

Stages in Making Hay

Cutting the swath, wilting the grass, conditioning the cut grass, windrowing the cut herbage, collecting and baling the grass, appropriately storing the hay.

Small Scale Forage Harvesting Equipment

Sickle and the scythe.

Types of Mowers

Cutter bar mower and Rotary mower

Categories of Forage Harvesters

Single chop machines, Double chop harvesters, Precision chop harvesters

Essential Components of Forage Harvesters

Pick up device, Auger or elevator, Chopping mechanism

Storage of Hay

The hay kept dry as well as at uniform temperature, also protected from insects and excessive exposure to solar radiation. Rodents and all other pests should be excluded