Re: ? about hot hay

Posted by Errin OH on May 26, 2006 at 14:28:53 from (198.57.19.126):

In Reply to: ? about hot hay posted by John/Pa on May 25, 2006 at 18:57:20:

Hot hay is caused by decomposition. Decomposition is caused by the break down of raw materials (rot), and/or growth of Bactria (mold). That is why silage can be stored. Air is needed for both. Wrap it and stop/limit exposure to air it will not mold or rot.

So what caused you issue? I would suspect humidity since you didn�t indicate it was rained on. Although 3 days this far north, this early in the season?? Moisture and exposure to the air are the main factors. Since it was, I assume, meant to be stored unwrapped, the problem was moisture. Read baled dried. The limit is around 18%, ideally below 15% and above 12% to remain palatable.

Internal Moisture - I have seen 15% hay come back the next day and read 30%. What happens is the stems hold excess moisture. After sitting (baled) awhile it migrates out. Think of it as wicking, like a rag with one part laid in water, eventually the whole rag will be wet. Generally this is a product of humidity and sun. Sun heats the hay, leafy material dries out, stems hold moisture as the humidity prevents/slows down the process on the thicker stems. Hay will appear ready and look good. I have seen alfalfa lay on the ground a week and not cure due to humidity preventing it from drying out. Not really a problem with leafy grasses.

External moisture - Humidity can also be an issue. During the day the hay cures and drops below the 15% target. Towards sunset, rising humidity in the air will try to equalize with the hay. Several factors affect the rate at which the hay absorbs moisture (wind, temp, amount of humidity, length of exposure). This is more likely in the early eve or late afternoon, as the direct sun light fades off. But a cool cloudy day can cause the same effect. As you described hay will appear tough as it absorbs the water in the air. Lying on damp ground adds to this as the hay forms a barrier that traps moisture between it and the ground. This can produce the effect even during the day and is compounded with little or no wind.

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