Advantages and Disadvantages of Bale Wrap in Hay Baling

Bale wrap is a type of plastic film for storing hay. It helps reduce dry matter loss in hay storage, and the optimum method will depend on the particular requirements of the producer. It is an environmentally friendly material, which has numerous benefits. However, it also has some drawbacks. These pros and cons need to be considered. Let’s take a look at some of them. – It is not suitable for all types of hay.

bale wrap

– It is not necessary to use a wrapper on small round bales. Bales of hay are relatively heavy, so that a good wrap will increase their density. It will also help improve the fermentation of the hay. – The denser the bale, the less likely they are to break. – Besides reducing dry matter loss, bale wrap also enhances the nutrient value. –

– A film that does not leak is not effective enough. Fortunately, some starches are safe for use on bale wrap. The amount of moisture in bales decreases drastically with multiple layers. A good film has a 50% overlap between the layers. – The bale wrap film should keep the sun out, as rain can destroy nutrients and reduce the forage quality in the bales. – There is no need to cover the entire bale.

– There are a few disadvantages to bale wrap for livestock. Ranchers and farmers typically cut off the wrap and discard it, but it is still a nuisance for livestock. As bale wrap does not break down in the animal’s digestive system, it can block the feed pipe. This can lead to a lack of intake and even death. But the good news is that there are alternatives to plastic wrap for livestock. This solution is eco-friendly and will make farmers and ranchers happy.

Besides being environmentally friendly, bale wrap reduces the loss of hay. Its bacterial activity can be inhibited, and it helps the livestock absorb more nutrients. Similarly, plastic wrap for livestock is more expensive than using twine, which is less eco-friendly. This is why farmers should avoid using bale wrap for livestock. Other methods are better, but the most obvious is using a plastic film with good moisture-reduction properties.

While using plastic film for bale wrap is more expensive, it can benefit farmers. It can protect the hay from sun-related bleaching. It can also prevent moisture from soaking into bales. The materials used for wrapping forage can be used in various ways, depending on the type of forage. For example, the film is made of different types of polymers. Moreover, it can be made of various materials.

Using plastic film for bale wrap is a great way to reduce harvest loss. The process of wrapping a bale requires two turns of plastic film compared to ten rolls of baling twine. In addition, the use of plastic wrap also ensures that hay does not fall out of the bottom of the baler, thus reducing the amount of forage that gets spoiled. If it does, it will not metabolize the nutrients in the bale.

The emergence of new materials for bale wrap in recent years has prompted researchers to look for more sustainable options. For instance, students at the University of Minnesota Department of Animal Science are developing edible bale wrap that can be used in existing machinery. The wrap is more expensive than plastic storage sheds, but it burns easily when it comes time to dispose of it. A few students are currently working on this project. But it is still not entirely clear what the final product will look like. Eventually, this will be an important step towards preserving our environment.