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Feed and Hay Storage And Preservation On the Horse Farm
 
Feed and Hay Storage And Preservation On the Horse Farm 
Moldy or contaminated feed or hay can be harmful to horses.  Their stomachs are very sensitive, unlike cows, who can digest these types of feed and hay.
 
Hay Storage
In most parts of the country, hay can only be grown during temperate months of the year.  In order to keep hay as fresh and palatable as possible while storing it, it is extremely important to prevent mold, deteriorating nutrients and preventing heat build up and combustion.  All this begins with proper harvesting of the hay crop.  
 
At the time of cutting, hay naturally contains about 80% moisture.  Curing it in the field will reduce the moisture levels at which it can be stored safely,  which would be at about 16-20% moisture content.  If the hay is baled with too musch moisture, considerable amounts of heat will be generated causing mold to grow or, in extreme cases, cause spontaneous combustion.  If it heats up to 150-175 degrees F, it can burst into flames, causing a great danger to the building.  When stacking the hay, the best thing to do if you come across any wet or hot bales, is to put them aside and spread them ... more

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