Hay Preservatives

Hay preservatives are additives that reduce hay drying times by allowing producers to bale hay at higher moisture content. The role of forage preservatives is to reduce losses due to moulds and heating after baling. The amount of preservative needed will depend on the moisture content of the forage in the swath.

The Effectiveness of Preservatives

• Preservatives are effective when - moisture content of the hay is between 20 and 30 per cent at harvest time.
• Preservatives are not effective - if the moisture content is greater than 30 per cent.

Although, there should be less leaf shatter and potentially better quality forage when baling at higher moisture content, as a rule, preservatives will not increase forage quality. Once quality deteriorates, adding a preservative will not enhance the quality. The exception may be where non-protein nitrogen, such as anhydrous ammonia, can slightly increase the crude protein levels in the hay. Some of the ammonia will bind with plant material and increase the overall protein content of the feed. However, this potential improvement is minor compared to the importance of proper hay making procedures.

There are three types of preservative:

• Organic acids - When applied, organic acids produce an acidic environment (low pH) that is not conducive for mould or bacterial growth. Generally, low pH does not affect hay intake. The two main types of acids that are used as preservatives are propionic and acetic acid. Propionic acid is more effective at controlling mould and bacterial growth and is more commonly. Combining the two acids has proven to be quite effective. These acids can be corrosive to the haying equipment if used in their pure form. Buffered acids are less corrosive but are less effective.
• Bacterial inoculants - Bacterial inoculants are similar to silage inoculants. Most contain lactic acid forming bacteria that compete with mould forming organisms and help maintain forage quality. Some inoculants contain combinations of bacteria and enzymes. The role of the enzyme is to break down plant cells, making more cellulose and starch available to the lactic acid forming bacteria.
• Anhydrous ammonia - Anhydrous ammonia is more commonly used to improve the feeding value of straw and chaff. It can also be applied to high quality forages to prevent heating and spoilage, when baled at high moisture content. Anhydrous ammonia binds to moisture, reducing the availability to mould and bacteria. It also reduces the number of mould forming bacteria through sterilization. However, anhydrous ammonia can create a toxic compound if it's applied to high quality forage such as alfalfa. Bales that have been treated with anhydrous ammonia should not be stored for long periods. It is recommended that the hay be used within one to two months.