Effect of heating on feed value of hay

Summary

Hay fires have been a major problem in south-east Australia in recent years.

Hundreds of hay shed fires have been recorded in NSW, Victoria and South Australia due to spontaneous combustion.

It is also likely that a significant amount of hay has been damaged by heating even though it did not ignite.

A variety of factors are believed to influence hay heating and the risk of spontaneous combustion.

This Factsheet covers the following topics:

  • What temperatures can heated hay reach?
  • Feed quality changes after heating
  • Bale weight



Download

Primefact 1108 First Edition

Published: Jun 2011