Agronomy Journal Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education
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Published online 1 September 1975
Published in Agron J 67:660-662 (1975)
© 1975 American Society of Agronomy
677 S. Segoe Rd., Madison, WI 53711 USA
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Effects of Organic Preservatives on the Quality of Aerobically Stored High Moisture Baled Hay1

C. C. Sheaffer and N. A. Clark2

Aerobic 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.

Key Words: Propionic acid • Ammonium isobutyrate • Hay drying time

1 Contribution No. 4987 and Scientific Article No. A-2035 of the Maryland Agric. Exp. Stn., Dep. of Agronomy, submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of requirements for the M.S. degree. Appreciation is expressed to W. R. Grace & Co. for providing equipment and financial support for carrying out this work.

2 Graduate assistant and professor of agronomy, Univ. of Maryland, College Park, Md., respectively.

Received for publication December 23, 1974.




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Copyright © 1975 by the American Society of Agronomy.