Storage Of Hay Research Articles

Performance Comparisons of Conventional and Laboratory‐Scale Alfalfa Hay Bales in Small Haystacks

AbstractField trials designed to study the storage of moist hay have often been plagued by uncontrollable factors such as weather. A system for making laboratory‐scale (10.3 by 10.8 by 13.4 cm) hay bales was evaluated in two trials. In the first experiment, three conventional small square bales of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were prepared in the field at each of seven different combinations of moisture and density. One bale was randomly selected to be used as the forage source for laboratory‐scale bales of the same density. Laboratory bales were incubated between the two remaining conventional bales. Bale types were compared for maximum temperature, 30‐d average temperature, degree days > 30 °C, visual mold, dry matter (DM) recovery, total nitrogen (N), acid‐detergent fiber (ADF), neutral‐detergent fiber (NDF), and acid‐detergent‐insoluble nitrogen (ADIN). Laboratory bales generally remained different (P < 0.05) from parent conventional bales for most temperature‐related traits. Agreement between bale types was better for most quality analyses. In an effort to improve relative performance between bale types, a second experiment was conducted, in which the laboratory bales were prepared at 1.0, 1.3, 1.6, and 2.0 times the density of the conventional bales. Results showed improved agreement between laboratory bales of elevated densities and conventional bales for most temperature traits. Acid‐detergent‐insoluble N levels for laboratory bales were greatly affected by bale density. High‐density laboratory bales had significantly greater ADIN fractions than conventional bales, particularly in the high moisture treatment. These results implicate bale density as an important factor in damage to alfalfa proteins by the Maillard reaction.

Impact of non‐corrosive forage stabilizer on chemical composition and storage characteristics of lucerne hay

AbstractThree trials examined the impact on chemical composition, leaf‐stem ratio and bale temperature of applying a low‐acid stabilizer and a Lactobacillus fermentation product at baling lo moist (20–25% moisture) lucerne Medicago saliva L.) hay. Treatments evaluated were lucerne baled at: 17–20% moisture (dry control); 20–25% moisture with addition of 200 g or 400 g 100kg‐1 of a low‐acid stabilizer, with 4·1 ml or 8·1 ml 100kg‐1 of a Lactobacillus fermentation product; and 20–25% moisture with no treatment (wet control). In trial 1, low‐concentration acid treatment was effective in limiting the increase in bale temperature of moist hay. In trials 2 and 3, bale temperature for low‐concentration acid and Lactobacillus fermentation product‐treated hay was similar to untreated moist hay In trial 3, higher application rates of either product were not effective in further reducing bale temperature. In trials 1 and 3, levels of neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen were higher for moist hay than dry control. Nitrogen levels tended to be higher for moist hay. Leaf‐stem data from trial 2 suggest that more leaves can be retained by baling relatively high‐quality (late bud maturity) legumes at 20–25% moisture. In some circumstances use of a low‐acid forage stabilizer for preservation of high‐quality lucerne can minimize increases in temperature during storage of hay baled while moist (20–25%).

Losses and Quality Changes During Harvest and Storage of Preservative-treated Alfalfa Hay of Varying Moisture Content

Second- and third-cutting alfalfa hay was baled at moisture contents ranging from 11 to 38%. Treatments included control, buffered propionic acid applied at 0.2 or 0.3% of wet weight, and propionic acid applied at 0.5 or 1.0% of wet weight. Effects of moisture content at baling on harvest losses, storage losses, and pre- and post-storage quality were determined. Quality into storage [in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and crude protein (CP)] was not better for high moisture hay; quality after storage indicated benefits of baling lower moisture hay. Propionic acid reduced storage dry matter loss in hay with higher moisture levels. Neither chemical treatment had consistent significant effects on alfalfa quality. Of the in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) placed into storage, approximately 94% was recovered after a 60-day storage period; recoveries of CP, ADF, and NDF were 99, 98, and 100%, respectively.

Hay desiccation and preservation with potassium sorbate, potassium carbonate, sorbic acid and propionic acid

Three experiments were conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of sorbic acid or potassium sorbate in hastening the drying of cut alfalfa, thus decreasing the interval from cutting to baling, and to evaluate the effectiveness of sorbic acid or potassium sorbate compared with dry control or propionic acid as a forage preservative by measuring and comparing storage temperature, dry matter and chemical composition of treated and untreated alfalfa hay before and after storage. Second-harvest alfalfa was cut at the early bud stage, wilted in the field to approximately 30% moisture, and baled with the addition of various treatments. Treatments consisted of wet control 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g potassium sorbate kg −1 dry matter (DM). Addition of potassium sorbate to high-moisture alfalfa hay did not improve preservation when compared with untreated hay, with comparisons based on heating during storage, DM change, and chemical composition of hay obtained from storage. A solution containing 1, 2 or 4 g potassium sorbate kg −1 DM and 4 g potassium carbonate kg −1 DM was sprayed on third-harvest bud-stage alfalfa from a sprayboom mounted on the push-bar of a self-propelled mower conditioner. Forage loss of moisture during drying was monitored at regular intervals, and hay was baled into conventional rectangular bales when moisture reached 30%. Addition of potassium carbonate and potassium sorbate to alfalfa hay at cutting did decrease drying time and improved preservation when compared with untreated hay, with comparisons based on field drying time, heating during storage, DM change and chemical composition of hay obtained from storage. Second-harvest alfalfa was cut at the early-bud stage, wilted in the field to approximately 35% moisture and baled with the addition of various treatments. Treatments consisted of wet control, 5, 10, 15 g sorbic acid kg −1 DM and 15 g propionic acid kg −1 DM. Addition of sorbic acid to alfalfa hay at baling did not improve preservation when compared with untreated hay with comparisons based on heating during storage and DM losses. However, alfalfa hay harvested at 30% and treated with 15 g propionic acid kg −1 DM had interior bale temperatures that followed a similar pattern of dry control.

Preservation of high-moisture hay in storage through the use of forage additives

Two inoculants, a buffered propionic acid formulation and anhydrous ammonia were compared for use as hay preservatives. Alfalfa forage was baled at three moisture levels: 15–20%, identified as low (L); 20–25%, identified as medium (M); 25–30% identified as high (H). Hay baled at the M and H moisture levels was treated with no forage additive (Con); anhydrous ammonia (NH3) applied to forage placed in the stack; buffered propionic acid (63% acid, Acid); two strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus (A) or a mixture of Pediococcus acidilactici and Lactobacillus plantarum (B) applied at the time of baling. Due to precipitation (34.1 mm), hay baled at the L moisture level had greater (P < 0.05) acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid insoluble nitrogen and chitin levels at the time of stacking than hay baled at M and H moisture levels. Storage conditions for hay baled at the M moisture level resulted in high dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ADF retention and relatively moderate increases in chitin levels during storage for all treatments. Storage of hay baled at the H moisture level without use of a forage additive resulted in poor DM and nutrient retention, and marked increases in chitin concentrations during the storage period. H-NH3 and H-B improved (P < 0.05) DM, CP and ADF retention relative to H-Con. H-Acid improved (P < 0.05) CP retention whereas H-A had no positive effect on DM and nutrient retention. All forage additives improved (P < 0.05) the visual assessment of H moisture bales for mold and dust relative to H-Con; however, extent of fungal invasion as measured by chitin analysis was not reduced with the use of forage additive. Key words: Anhydrous ammonia, propionic acid, bacterial inoculants, hay preservation

Respiratory symptoms in arable farmworkers: role of storage mites.

Storage mites (acarid mites) are related to the house dust mite but are usually found in agricultural environments. They have been shown to cause allergic symptoms in Scottish farmworkers exposed to stored hay, but whether farmworkers who grow and store grain are also at risk is unknown. One hundred and one farmworkers on 22 Essex farms with grain storage facilities (88% of the available workforce) participated in a survey of respiratory symptoms, with skin tests and determination of serum levels of IgE specific for mite species, including storage mites. Of the 101 workers, 21 reported attacks of cough, wheeze, or breathlessness after exposure to stored grain and 15 reported nasal symptoms after grain exposure. Storage mite specific IgE was found in 59% of farmworkers with work related respiratory symptoms, in 60% with work related nasal symptoms, and in only 9% of symptomless farmworkers. Work related respiratory and nasal symptoms were also significantly associated with atopy, and with positive skin test responses and serum IgE specific for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Storage mites were found in grain samples from 16 farms in which grain was sampled, whereas D pteronyssinus was not found in any. The close association between serum storage mite specific IgE and occupational respiratory symptoms suggests that storage mites may be responsible for respiratory symptoms in these Essex farmworkers exposed to grain.

Nutrient losses during deterioration of hay in relation to changes in biochemical composition and microbial growth

Dry matter losses in moist hay (56, 63, 67, 70 and 72% DM) were measured in 7 separate runs by storing the hay in respiration chambers. Samples were collected during the storage period of each run, and the dry matter loss was measured from the carbon dioxide production ( R-loss) and by balance studies ( W-loss). The dry matter losses were related to changes in chemical components and microbial growth. The preservative effect of urea was investigated in hay stored at 56% DM. Dry matter losses during storage of moist hay are primarily caused by growth of storage fungi. Under similar storage conditions, total dry matter losses were closely related to initial dry matter contents ( r = 0.97). This relationship was affected by different aeration rates and by the urea treatment. In the urea-treated hay, the dry matter loss was less than in untreated hay. The high nitrogen content of the urea-treated hay and the single clover hay used seemed to favour the extensive growth of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, which was frequently observed in these hays. The relative increase in acid detergent fibre (ADF) concentration during storage was highly correlated with dry matter losses. The linear relation between ADF and R-loss was described by the following regression equation; % R-loss = −58.2 + 0.59 × relative increase in ADF concentration when initial value is set to 100 ( n = 88, r = 0.89, sd = 2.8, cv = 36.4). The equation makes it possible to predict the dry matter loss by performing a few simple chemical analyses. This means that the difficulties of measuring storage losses under practical conditions can be easily overcome.

EFFECTS OF PRESERVING ALFALFA FORAGE AS FORMIC-ACID-TREATED SILAGE, WILTED SILAGE, AND AS HAY IN LARGE ROUND BALES ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, RECOVERY OF NUTRIENTS, DIGESTIBILITY AND HEIFER GROWTH

First-cut alfalfa was stored as formic-acid-treated silage (FS), wilted silage (WS) and hay (Hay 1) in large round bales (LRB). Hay 1 was exposed to frequent showers (15.1 mm) in the windrows and required a drying period of 13 days; dry matter (DM) yield was only 60% of the average for silages (3.9 tonnes/ha). Second-cut alfalfa hay (Hay 2) yielded 1.84 tonnes DM/ha. For winter feeding, recoveries from storage of FS, WS, Hay 1 and Hay 2, respectively, were 85.7, 87.2, 78.3 and 81.9% of energy; 81.1, 87.0, 75.0 and 72.6% of crude protein (CP). Adlibitum intakes of DM were 1.90, 1.93, 1.78 and 2.08% of body weight for the four treatments, respectively. Differences in chemical composition and digestibility of nutrients for FS, WS and Hay 2 were small and statistically not significant (P > 0.05). However, values of FS were highest for CP (20.6%) and gross energy (20.5 kJ/g DM); digestibilities of DM, energy and CP (i.e. 59.3, 60.6 and 68.7% respectively) when fed at maintenance level; digestibilities of DM, energy, CP, cellulose and hemicellulose (i.e. 64.1, 66.6, 61.9, 64.5 and 46.3%, respectively) when fed in combination with corn silage (1:1 DM basis) on an ad libitum basis. All these values were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the corresponding values for Hay 1. Heat damage to CP of hay stored in LRB was high and 19.9% of total N of Hay 1 was in the acid detergent insoluble fraction. In a growth study, performance of yearling heifers did not differ significantly when rations made of corn silage and FS or WS (1:1 DM basis) were compared. Key words: Alfalfa silages, wilted, digestibility, formic acid, round bales, heifer growth

Hovels or Helms: Some Further Evidence from the Seventeenth Century:

AbstractA clear description of the appearance and regional distribution of the hovel is given by Roger North in his MS 'Of Building' written in about 1698. In the west and north of England hovels were a preferred alternative to the storage of crops in barns. In stone areas the term was used to describe a rick raised off the ground on staddle stones. However in the Midlands a hovel was a properly framed timber structure standing some 15 feet high designed to carry a thatched rick on top and which provided open storage for carts and other implements below. Both types of hovel were illustrated by North in marginal drawings which are reproduced here. North also provides proof for the former existence in England of the Dutch Barn with an adjustable roof used for storage of hay.

Serial IgE levels in allergic farmers related to the mite content of their hay.

SummaryAsthma and allergic rhinitis in farmers has been shown to be associated with the large numbers of ‘storage mites’ present in stored hay (Cuthbert et al., 1979). During the year July 1977 to June 1978, studies were undertaken to compare the IgE levels to specific storage mites in the sera of five farming and one control subject, with the numbers of mites present in their hay. Samples of hay were collected at monthly intervals and the total number of mites per gram of hay in each sample recorded. Species were identified and approximate estimates of the number of two of these, Tyrophagus longior and Acarus farris, were made for two of the farms Crook and Queenalia, respectively. Blood samples were also taken at monthly intervals from all the subjects and assayed by radioallergosorbet test for specific IgE to five storage mite species and to the house‐dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).Mite numbers, both in respect of total counts and specific estimates, showed a rapid increase to a peak during the month of October with a subsequent fall in November and a partial recovery in December, after which numbers tended to even out. Only two of the farmers showed consistently raised levels of specific IgE to any of the storage mite species and these tended to follow the fluctuations of the mite numbers during the months to January 1978, after which one farmer (J.M. from Crook) showed a fall in his positive IgE titre to T. longior, whilst the other (W.W. of Queenalia) who was positive to A. farris showed a sudden rise in titre to this species. High titres to the house‐dust mite (D. pteronyssinus) were recorded in the sera of three of the farmers.One farmer (J.M.) whilst giving a persistently high titre of IgE to T. longior, gave only a low one of less than twice normal to Tyrophagus putrescentiae, demonstrating a specificity of sensitization to the more commonly occuring of two of the species of a single genus.

Hay Preservation and Quality Improvement by Anhydrous Ammonia Treatment1

AbstractA study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of anhydrous ammonia (NH3) as a preservative to prevent microbial activity and consequent dry matter and digestibility losses in hay that is intentionally or unintentionally stored at moisture levels above 20%. An effective hay preservative would shorten required drying time, thus reducing mechanical losses and risk of weather damages.Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), and ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.)‐tall fescue hays were baled at moisture contents ranging from 16 to 33%. Immediately after baling, gaseous NH3 was applied at 1.0% of the weight of the hay. Temperatures were recorded for three weeks following treatment. Dry matter and digestibility losses were measured in samples taken at baling and after 2 or 3 months in storage.All of the untreated hays with initial moisture contents above 32% became moldy, heated to 55 C or above, and suffered significant losses in dry matter, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), and in vitro cell wall disappearance (IVCWD) during storage. Ammonium N,acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and ADF‐N percentages increased significantly. Total N percentage of alfalfa hay increased significantly during storage.NH3 treatment reduced molding, heating, and dry matter loss in stored hay. Significant increases in total N, ammonium‐N, and IVCWD occurred following NH3 treatment. IVDMDfollowing NH3 treatment. IVDMDfollowing NH3 treatment. IVDMDfollowing NH3 treatment. IVDMD decreased during storage but remained higher than in untreated hay. Animals readily consumed the ammoniated hay.NH3 has the potential to preserve hay that is too wet to store without a preservative. In addition, ammoniation may improve hay quality by increasing total N content and cell wall digestibility. Ammoniation of highly lignified, low N materials such as corn stalks, corn cobs, or straw might significantly improve nutritional quality of these materials.

Effects of Organic Preservatives on the Quality of Aerobically Stored High Moisture Baled Hay1

AbstractAerobic storage of hay at high moisture levels results in losses of forage quality due to microbial growth. Yet, the determination of safe forage moisture levels in the field is difficult, and farmers also must often store hay at above optimum moisture levels in order to avoid losses due to inclement weather. Two experiments were conducted in which propionic acid and ammonium isobutyrate were manually applied to high moisture alfalfa‐timothy (Medicago sativa L. ‐ Phleum pratense L.) hay in order to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing mold growth. Rates of preservative application for hay baled at 31% moisture content were: O, 1.00, 1.50, 1.75, and 2.00% by weight; for hay baled at 40% moisture content, rates were: O, 2.00, 3.00, 4.00, and 5.00%. Temperatures were monitored and in vitro digestibility (IVDMD), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN) were determined.There were no significant differences in the preserving effects of the two compounds; however, there were significant differences in rates necessary to preserve the hay at a given moisture level. Hay baled at a moisture content of 31% and treated with preservatives at rates of 1.50 to 2.00% had significantly lower storage temperatures and significantly higher IVDMD than untreated hay and hay sprayed at the 1.00% rate. Rates of application of 3.00 to 5.00% were effective in significantly reducing storage temperatures and maintaining forage quality of hay baled at 40% moisture.Propionic acid and ammonium isobutyrate can effectively preserve high moisture aerobically stored hay. Rates of application must be based on the moisture content of the hay at the time of baling.

Degradation of Gardona on Standing and Stored Forage1

Gardona® (2-chloro-1-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)vinyl dimethyl phosphate) was applied to field plots at 0.75, 0.50, and 0.25 lb active ingredient (AI) per acre. Residue samples were taken throughout the growing season. A field of hay treated at 0.75 lb AI/acre was cut, baled after suitable curing, and held in winter storage for degradation studies. The effect of 3 temperatures on the persistence of Gardona in stored hay was considered. Analyses were completed by gas chromatography. Forty-nine days after initial treatment Gardona residues in field treatments had disappeared. Forty-five percent of Gardona applied to hay that was immediately baled and stored was gone within 22 days. The decline thereafter was gradual. At 18 months residues were about 2.5 ppm. Gardona on hay stored at 72°F degraded faster than when stored at 45°F or at ambient temperatures.

Storage of hay. IV.—effect of storage in nitrogen on the soluble sugar and dry matter contents of ryegrass

AbstractGround ryegrass hay was stored at 25o and about 76% R.H. in nitrogen and also in air to simulate normal storage conditions, and the soluble sugar and dry matter contents were determined at intervals for about one year.Fructosans and oligosaccharides were not affected by these storage conditions.Sucrose was almost completely hydrolysed to glucose and fructose in 21 weeks. This reaction was independent of the storage conditions and could have been due to enzymic activity.The hexoses did not change appreciably in nitrogen, but in air both glucose and fructose began to decrease after 21 weeks and only a trace remained after 45 weeks. These losses appeared to be mainly due to mould. Losses of dry matter followed the same pattern as those of hexose but were consistently less.

Storage of hay. III.—effect of temperature and moisture on loss of dry matter and changes in composition

AbstractRyegrass, clover and lucerne hay were stored at each of several temperatures between −18° and 36° and moisture contents of (nominally) 7, 12 and 17% for about 9 months.Dry‐matter losses increased with period of storage and with increase in both temperature and moisture, reaching a maximum of about 8%.Changes in the more important chemical constituents were also determined: (i) It was possible that soluble nitrogen contents decreased at temperatures of 21° and 36° when the moisture content was 17%. (ii) Crude fat contents decreased with increasing temperatures and moistures, the effects of which were independent of each other. (iii) Carotene contents decreased with increasing temperatures, but there was no effect of moisture over the range examined. (iv) Total contents of 90%‐ethanol‐soluble sugars decreased with increasing temperatures, but there was no effect of moisture with contents of 7 and 12%. At 17% moisture both temperature and moisture appeared to enhance the sugar losses. (v) Fructosan contents of ryegrass were not affected by temperature nor was there any change at moisture contents of 7 and 12%, but a decrease occurred during storage at 17% moisture. Dry‐matter losses did not appear adequately to represent nutritional losses when compared with the chemical changes in constituents.

Storage of hay. I.—Effect of temperature on the ‘Soluble’ nitrogen, sugar and fat contents

AbstractThe effects of storage at temperatures between —18° and 32° for 8—9 months on the ‘soluble’ nitrogen, sugar and fat contents of six hay samples of different types, have been determined.No changes were detected in the total nitrogen or the ‘soluble’ nitrogen fractions due to type of storage.Total contents of ethanol (90%)‐soluble sugars decreased with increasing storage temperatures. Sucrose was presumably hydrolysed to glucose and fructose and the hexoses gradually disappeared. Glucose appeared to be more readily lost than fructose.The crude fat percentages decreased during storage, and it was possible that changes had occurred decreasing the solubility of these materials.

Storage of hay. II.—Effect of temperature on some of the comparatively stable components

AbstractThe effect of storage at temperatures from—18° to 32° for 8—9 months on some of the comparatively stable components of hay has been determined.Crude fibre contents increased at temperatures of 21° and 32°. No changes were detected in the crude protein and ash contents. It was possible, however, that some of the protein had been altered in other ways (for example—combined with other constituents) during storage at 32°. Lignin contents (determined only on the unstored samples and on those stored at 32°) were slightly higher in the stored material.

Effects of Method of Preservation of Roughage, and of Cane or Wood Molasses on Vitamin Excretion by Cows

Summary Three methods of preservation and storage of hay were compared with respect to their effect upon vitamin synthesis in the digestive tract of cows fed the hays. Fecal and urinary excretions of the vitamins were measured. Whether the roughage was field-cured, mow-cured or ensiled had no significant effect upon the excretion of nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid or riboflavin. Silage apparently favorably affected the synthesis of thiamine in the digestive tract. As a feed for dairy cattle, wood molasses was found to be comparable to cane molasses with respect to its effect upon rumen or intestinal synthesis of nicotinic acid, thiamine and pantothenic acid. In the case of pantothenic acid, this synthetic activity was considerably increased when molasses was present.

Effect of Fungicides on Occurrence of Losses Due to Mold Respiration during Curing and Storage of Hay1

Agronomy JournalVolume 42, Issue 11 p. 534-536 Article Effect of Fungicides on Occurrence of Losses Due to Mold Respiration during Curing and Storage of Hay1 J. E. Dawson, J. E. DawsonSearch for more papers by this authorR. B. Musgrave, R. B. MusgraveSearch for more papers by this authorR. E. Danielson, R. E. Danielson Associate Professor of Soil Science, Associate Professor of Crop Ecology, and formerly Research Assistant, respectively. The authors wish to express their appreciation to the Aviation Corporation of America for providing a part of the funds which made possible this study.Search for more papers by this author J. E. Dawson, J. E. DawsonSearch for more papers by this authorR. B. Musgrave, R. B. MusgraveSearch for more papers by this authorR. E. Danielson, R. E. Danielson Associate Professor of Soil Science, Associate Professor of Crop Ecology, and formerly Research Assistant, respectively. The authors wish to express their appreciation to the Aviation Corporation of America for providing a part of the funds which made possible this study.Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 November 1950 https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1950.00021962004200110002xCitations: 2 1 Contribution from the Department of Agronomy, New York State College of Agriculture, Ithaca, N. Y. AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume42, Issue11November 1950Pages 534-536 RelatedInformation

The Loss of Nutrients in Hay and Meadow Crop Silage during Storage

Summary Storing as hay. In well-cured hay or that containing less than 30 per cent moisture, the dry-matter loss in storage will vary from 3.5 to 9 per cent and in some cases more. This loss occurs principally in the nitrogen-free extract and to a lesser degree in the ether extract. Hay containing in excess of 30 per cent moisture is not considered safe for ordinary storage. In such cases, extensive heating results that may lead to either spontaneous combustion or to the production of charred, blackened or browned hay. Dry matter losses depend upon temperatures attained and their duration. In browned and blackened hay such losses may range from 15 to 40 per cent. Heating reduces the digestibility of the hays, especially of the proteins, and increases the carotene loss. Although some browned hays have been found palatable, in general, browned hay, and blackened hay especially, are less palatable than hays that have not heated. At a given moisture content chopped hay will heat more than hay. A long chop is preferable to a short chop. Such hay should contain less than 25 per cent moisture for storage. Salting hay will not prevent excessive heating in under-cured forage. For field baling, hay should contain less than 25 per cent moisture. The losses in dry matter and nutrients (carotene excepted) of artificially dried hay are practically negligible in storage. Mow-drying of hay by forced ventilation with or without artificial heat has been shown to result generally in hay of good quality with a high feeding value. In cases where fermentations and heating have occurred, it is logical to assume that losses will be encountered just as in ordinary storage. Much more work on the nutrient content, feeding values and palatability of mow-cured hay needs to be done. Losses in carotene take place in the storage of well-cured hay, in the mow, so that at the end of 300 days, such hays may have only one-quarter of their original value. In the heating of hay the carotene may be entirely lost. The losses are greater in warm weather than in cold weather. Storing as silage. The percentage loss from top spoilage will vary with the size of the silo and the precautions taken in sealing the silo. A loss of 3 to 6 per cent of the total dry matter of ensiled material is a general estimate. The actual weight of spoiled material removed from the top of a silo may represent a proportionally larger amount of original forage, because of the loss of organic matter through decay and the drying out of the material. The percentage losses through seepage also vary with the size of the silo and the moisture content of material ensiled. Normally the dry matter losses from this cause are less than 1 per cent, when the original forage contained 70 per cent or less moisture. Fermentation losses in dry matter will normally vary between 5 and 10 per cent. This is exclusive of losses from top spoilage or seepage. The feed analyses of silage is similar to the analyses of the material ensiled. The digestibility of the silage is likewise similar to the original green material, except in silage in which extensive heating has taken place. In such cases the digestibility of the protein is lowered. Carotene is generally well preserved in the ensiling process. According to some work the carotene retained in the silage averaged from 60 to 90 per cent of that ensiled. Other investigators show lower carotene retentions. Considerable variation exists in the amount of carotene retained in silage. The type of treatment has been shown to have an effect on carotene preservation. In general, treatment with mineral acids shows high retention and no treatment or wilting has given the lowest retention. The high carotene content of the silage is reflected in the carotene content of milk produced on such silage. The grass-juice factor has been shown to be present in grass silage, especially in silage preserved with soured whey or with phosphoric acid. The ensiling process destroys the germinating powers of a number of different weed seeds. Proper moisture evaluation and control are needed for minimizing the losses in storing forages as hay and silages.