Finally a smart solution for a common problem. Using a round bale hay net can eliminate most drawbacks to feeding animals with a mini haystack that can last from one week to a month, depending on circumstances. This is a boon to all who own hornless grazing animals.
Farmers have increasingly turned to big bales, which get a lot of hay baled up with a minimum of time, labor, and expense. Owners like forage that is available free-choice and all the time. This is a natural way of feeding this grazing animals. However, there are some drawbacks to this feeding method.
However, there are drawbacks. Most times big bales are set out and the animals pull them apart faster than they can eat them. They get more forage than they need and scatter a lot on the ground, where they lie on it and trample it into the ground. The bottom of the bale is on the ground, so it molds and is left behind to crate an unsightly mess in the field.
However, using a net sized to fit bales up to five and six feet in diameter takes care of most objections. Using horses as an example, the nets prevent pulling too much forage out at one time. This helps curb over-eating, which is actually a health hazard for horses. Although fattening cattle for market calls for unlimited access to feed, breeding cattle also do better with a netted stack. Overweight cows have a lower conception rate.
The problem of dropping a lot of hay on the ground is solved, as well. Since only a mouthful of hay is pulled out at a time, the hay is mostly consumed rather than trampled and wasted. This saves on feed costs, time, and effort, since a bale will last a lot longer.
Installation is fairly easy. There are actually many ways to do this, and the internet is a great way to see how others use the nets. Some people throw the net over the bale and secure it at ground level, either around the bottom of the hay or to a ring that surrounds the whole. Then a hay ring is put in place, both to keep the forage in place and prevent animals from tangling their feet in the net. This is especially important when horses are shod.
Animals learn fast how to get to the hay. Although horses may bite through the netting at first, holes are easily tied up and won't hurt the integrity of the unit. Owners should loosen the outside of the first bale before netting it, and then pull wisps of hay partially through, to show animals how it's done. After animals figure out the routine, biting through the cords is seldom a problem.
Made of heavy-duty, UV-resistant polypropylene, good quality nets last from one to four years, depending on conditions. Check online for satisfaction, money-back guarantees for ninety days, with free replacement if failure is due to manufacturing defect. It's well worth visiting online sites to see the ingenious ways owners use the nets to enhance their feeding programs; you can also post good ideas of your own.
Farmers have increasingly turned to big bales, which get a lot of hay baled up with a minimum of time, labor, and expense. Owners like forage that is available free-choice and all the time. This is a natural way of feeding this grazing animals. However, there are some drawbacks to this feeding method.
However, there are drawbacks. Most times big bales are set out and the animals pull them apart faster than they can eat them. They get more forage than they need and scatter a lot on the ground, where they lie on it and trample it into the ground. The bottom of the bale is on the ground, so it molds and is left behind to crate an unsightly mess in the field.
However, using a net sized to fit bales up to five and six feet in diameter takes care of most objections. Using horses as an example, the nets prevent pulling too much forage out at one time. This helps curb over-eating, which is actually a health hazard for horses. Although fattening cattle for market calls for unlimited access to feed, breeding cattle also do better with a netted stack. Overweight cows have a lower conception rate.
The problem of dropping a lot of hay on the ground is solved, as well. Since only a mouthful of hay is pulled out at a time, the hay is mostly consumed rather than trampled and wasted. This saves on feed costs, time, and effort, since a bale will last a lot longer.
Installation is fairly easy. There are actually many ways to do this, and the internet is a great way to see how others use the nets. Some people throw the net over the bale and secure it at ground level, either around the bottom of the hay or to a ring that surrounds the whole. Then a hay ring is put in place, both to keep the forage in place and prevent animals from tangling their feet in the net. This is especially important when horses are shod.
Animals learn fast how to get to the hay. Although horses may bite through the netting at first, holes are easily tied up and won't hurt the integrity of the unit. Owners should loosen the outside of the first bale before netting it, and then pull wisps of hay partially through, to show animals how it's done. After animals figure out the routine, biting through the cords is seldom a problem.
Made of heavy-duty, UV-resistant polypropylene, good quality nets last from one to four years, depending on conditions. Check online for satisfaction, money-back guarantees for ninety days, with free replacement if failure is due to manufacturing defect. It's well worth visiting online sites to see the ingenious ways owners use the nets to enhance their feeding programs; you can also post good ideas of your own.
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