Without the protection of a bale feeder, 50% of the dry matter content of bales can be lost. Hay fed on the ground is quickly contaminated with sand and parasites. Too often, a round bale is dumped into a field and, within a few days, the horses tear the bale apart, defecate and urinate on it, tramp it into the ground and use the remainder as expensive bedding. Sufficient chest height so the horses can't get a foot caught in the feeder when they paw.Ĭonsidering the substantial effort required to produce high-quality hay, an equal effort should, in turn, be made to minimize the losses from contamination and waste during the feeding process.Sufficient overall height so the horses can't reach over and pull the hay from the bale.This is achieved by using a design with an inner basket to contain the bale. Partially restricted access to the bale so there is less selection and less wastage.A smooth-surfaced, solid-bottom pan that allows rain and snow melt to drain but catches the leaves, which the horses can vacuum up.Requirements of a good round-bale feeder for horsesĪ well-made feeder should incorporate the following design characteristics: The design of round-bale feeders, meant for cattle, which can be dangerous when used with horses.See the information sheet Using and Feeding Round Bales to Horses on the OMAFRA website.
The dustiness of round bales - Dust can be associated with the growth of mould on hay pre-baling and, with too high a moisture level in the bales and/or improper storage (moisture or humidity wicking up from below the bales), post-baling.The need for the feeders to be accessible year round regardless of the weather conditions (for example, snow or mud).
#Hay round bale feeder manual
Labour saving for harvest and storage - less manual labour is required to handle the hay.Harvesting ease - a much larger tonnage of hay can be handled per hour.These larger bales are being used to feed horses more than ever before, for several reasons: Baled hay is available in various sizes, including round bales varying from 1.2 m x 1.5 m to 1.8 m x 1.8 m (4 ft x 5 ft to 6 ft 圆 ft), or large rectangular bales.
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