Harvest and Storage Losses Associated with Mid-size Rectangular Bales

Abstract

Bale chamber and pick-up losses were determined for small rectangular, large round, and mid-size rectangular balers. In addition, storage characteristics of alfalfa bales formed with small and mid-size rectangular balers were measured. The mid-size rectangular baler produced similar pick-up losses, but had 56% lower bale chamber losses than the other two balers. Also, the quantity of losses produced by the mid-size baler was less sensitive to bale moisture than the other two balers. Mid-size bales exhibited a greater degree of heating and greater dry matter loss during storage than small bales. Mid-size bales stored individually heated less than those stored in stacks. Mid-size bales exhibited lower nutrient retention than small bales, especially those mid-size bales stored at higher moistures.