KTBL - HEU

Aeration hay : quality - process - costs

Year of publication 2017 64 pages - booklet

Aerated hay is a very interesting alternative to other coarse feeds. Thanks to modern, efficient technology, it is now possible to achieve feed qualities that meet the requirements of modern ruminant nutrition. Like ground hay, aerated hay is pre-dried in the field. However, before high crumbling losses occur, the aerated hay is recovered with a comparatively high residual moisture content and dried under cover either in boxes as loose hay or in bale form to a stable storage moisture content. The booklet describes what characterizes good quality aerated hay and how it can be produced. It also describes how good quality can be ensured right from the harvest. Various options for heating and dehumidifying the drying air are shown, and methods for drying as loose hay and in bale form are described. Investment costs and energy requirements are calculated for model systems. Four practical examples from different regions in Germany and one practical example from Poland offer insights into current experiences and various solutions for the individual design of hay drying systems. The booklet is primarily aimed at practitioners, consultants and trainers.

available from KTBL