Round or Square........?

[Fairytale]

Hi Folks
I’ve used big round bales of haylage for years now with noproblems at all. For a change, I’mtrying square bales of what is the loveliest haylage I’ve ever had, so although they are moreexpensive than rounds I’d quite like to keep using them.
So what is the best method of using squares? Does one remove all wrap or leave the wrap onbut work from one end removing it as you go?
If you do leave the wrap on, doesn’t the haylage heat upinside?
Over to You J
F

 

[AdorableAlice]

All wrap off. With the temperatures being above normal for the time of year haylage will go off quickly at the moment. You could spread it out a little if you are not feeding several horses from the bale and using it quickly. I don't start on haylage until the temperature drops, but I am only feeding a couple at the moment so I would get waste.

This years haylage should be really good, the hay certainly is.

 

[JillA]

Now you see I leave the wrap ON - the front slice protects the rest from the air and the damp. Have done that for years. The first year I used it I too the wrap off and moved it indoors slice by slice and it pretty soon went mouldy. Haylage is anaerobic, unlike hay - as soon as the air gets to it it begins to deteriorate, but if you leave the bale wrapped and tight behind the front slice it gets very little air.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Now you see I leave the wrap ON - the front slice protects the rest from the air and the damp. Have done that for years. The first year I used it I too the wrap off and moved it indoors slice by slice and it pretty soon went mouldy. Haylage is anaerobic, unlike hay - as soon as the air gets to it it begins to deteriorate, but if you leave the bale wrapped and tight behind the front slice it gets very little air.

Very interesting, and I can see how that would work with a heston. I have only ever used rounds so leaving the wrap on would be impossible.

 

[McCauley]

Echo Jill and the way she opens/deals with a square bale of haylage. That's the way i've done it in the past too.

As has been said though,..as soon as you open it up and the air hits the haylage, you're on countdown as far as deterioration of the bale is concerned, however we never had a problem with using a square bale up before it went off as there were plenty of us using it!

HOpe that helps.

 

[Carlosmum]

Leave the wrap on... cut across the bottom of the short end and up both sides at the end of the long sides. That way you have the flap hanging down from the top which you can use to protect the open front of the bale. Make sure the bale is on its 'raw' edge so the strings run around the sides & not top/bottom, easier to keep them out of the way.

 

[Fairytale]

Very interesting, thanks ladies

I've taken the wrap off the bales used so far, with no problems......yet ........ but the weather is so warm at the moment that I guess it could be an issue.

New bale in tomorrow so will experiment and leave the wrap on and see how it goes! Got 4 on it so it doesn't last anything like long enough but the grass is still growing like crazy LOL