By Jessica Graham
For cattlemen, the quality of hay directly impacts the health and productivity of their herd. Good hay leads to better weight gain, higher milk production, and overall healthier cattle. On the other hand, feeding low-quality or spoiled hay can reduce feed intake, cause digestive issues, and even lead to illness. If cattle don’t get the nutrients they need, their performance suffers, ultimately affecting the rancher’s bottom line. When it comes to hay, both quantity and quality are essential to make it through the winter and drought conditions without breaking the budget.
Spoilage
A surprising amount of hay is lost each year due to spoilage. If hay isn’t stored properly, moisture can seep in, leading to mold and nutrient loss. That’s a huge waste of valuable feed and adds up to serious financial losses over time. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, hay quality starts with proper storage. Most dry matter and nutrient losses occur due to mold and bacteria, which consume essential nutrients and generate heat, leading to further deterioration. Other research shows that hay stored outside on the ground can lose between 25% and 30% of its total weight, and when additional feeding losses are factored in, that number can climb to nearly 40%.
Several key factors contribute to hay spoilage, with moisture being one of the biggest culprits. Rain, snow, and humidity can all seep into stored hay and cause it to rot. That’s why outdoor storage without proper covering is risky. Storage conditions matter too. If hay sits directly on the ground, moisture can creep in from below, accelerating spoilage. Raising hay off the ground and keeping it covered can help prevent these issues. Storing hay under cover—whether in a barn or with tarps—protects it from rain and humidity. While shelters and tarps can help, they can also be expensive, and depending on your operation, it may not be practical to store every bale under cover.
Twine, Net Wrap, Or Bale Sleeves
How often do we weigh the benefits of twine versus net wrap? Probably at least once during the hay season. Twine is certainly cheaper upfront, but when it comes to storage, longevity, and hay quality, net wrap and plastic wraps often offer better value in the long run.
When storing hay bales outdoors, the type of wrap plays a crucial role in preserving quality and reducing dry matter loss. While twine appears cost-effective initially, it exposes hay to the elements, leading to higher spoilage rates. Net wrap and plastic wraps, though more expensive, provide better protection. The extra investment can help prevent significant dry matter loss.
Bale sleeves, bale bonnets, and slip-ons are all protective plastic wraps designed to keep hay safe and preserve its quality, especially when you’re moving or storing it outside. These are pretty attractive when it comes to storing hay outside. Bale sleeves keep your hay dry and protected, which means you lose less hay and preserve more of its nutritional value for a longer time, saving you money in the process.
Bale bonnets and slip-ons are very similar to bale sleeves, offering a snug fit around the bale. These coverings are also made of weather-resistant plastic and work to shield the hay from moisture, preventing mold, mildew, or even nutrient loss. They’re designed to be put on after baling. Overall, using bale sleeves, bale bonnets, or slip-ons can make a huge difference in how well your hay holds up over time. Using these protective wraps can really help you keep your feed in good shape and save on hay costs.
Plastic wrap, typically used for high-moisture baleage, can also help protect dry hay. Adding a couple of plastic layers to twine-wrapped bales is a cost-effective way to shed rain and reduce ground moisture absorption. Black plastic is the cheapest option, and while it may cause a thin layer of mold on the outer surface, overall losses are still lower than weather-related losses seen with twine. Though most hay storage bags are designed for one-time use, many farmers successfully reuse them for one or two additional seasons.
The benefits of net wrap start right from the baling process. Because net wrap requires fewer rotations to secure a bale, it results in less handling damage and fewer losses compared to twine. A study out of Wisconsin, reported by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, found that balers using net wrap wrapped 32% more bales per hour than those using twine.
Research from the University of Kentucky found that twine-wrapped bales suffer the most dry matter loss, followed by net wrap, with plastic-wrapped bales performing best. In the first year, dry matter loss is typically around 5-8% for net wrap and plastic-wrapped bales, while twine-wrapped bales experience significantly higher losses. If stored under a shed, dry matter loss drops to just 5% or less, with little additional loss over time.
A major factor in dry matter loss is weather exposure. Rain can cause leaching, washing away nutrients as water runs over and through the bale. Net wrap sheds water more effectively than twine, helping to minimize this issue. Additionally, net wrap holds the bale’s shape better, reducing deterioration due to weathering (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers).
For ranchers deciding between twine and net wrap, feeding habits, and storage conditions should be considered. If bales will be fed, ground, or sold quickly, twine may be a viable option. However, for long-term storage, net wrap or plastic offers better protection. If twine is used, storing it under tarps or in a barn is ideal to minimize losses.
Problems with Twine and Net Wrap
The most inconvenient part of using twine and net wrap is removing it, especially when the snow and ice arrive. According to a forage binding survey from South Dakota State University, 54% of producers remove net wrap or twine when feeding whole bales, but only 11% do so when grinding bales. Unfortunately, leaving net wrap or twine on the hay can pose a serious risk to cattle.
Cattle often accidentally consume pieces of net wrap or twine as they eat. Over time, this material builds up in their rumen. One of the benefits of sisal twine is that it does break down in the rumen however, it takes much longer than hay.
A North Dakota State University (NDSU) study investigated how long net wrap and twine remain in the rumen by placing different materials inside nylon bags and inserting them into the rumen of Holstein steers. After 14 days, none of the net wrap or biodegradable twine samples had broken down. Another NDSU study found that steers fed net-wrapped hay up until two weeks before harvest still had significant amounts of net wrap in their rumens.
The long-term effects of net wrap ingestion can be severe. When cows consume too much, it builds up inside the rumen, preventing them from correctly digesting feed. A South Dakota State University study found that cows fed net-wrapped hay for 140 days accumulated between 0.8 and 1.1 pounds of net wrap in their rumens. The study estimated that 53% of the net wrap ingested remained in the rumen, while similar research from Montana State University showed that 47% of the ingested net wrap was recovered post-mortem. This means net wrap can build up over time, eventually blocking the digestive system. NDSU beef specialist Carl Dahlen warned that while “a little in the rumen may not be damaging, as the cow accumulates it over time, we see reduced feed efficiency and weight loss.”
At the end of the day, choosing the right hay baling method depends on storage options, feeding needs, and budget. Twine may be cheaper upfront, but net wrap and plastic can save money in the long run by preserving more hay quality and nutrients. Whether your goal is to reduce dry matter loss, improve bale durability, or speed up baling, investing in the right wrap can make a big difference in your operation.