Effects of Microbiological Additive on Baled Wet Hay

This study examines results of experiments to assess the effect of the applicator location on the loss of the microbiological additive Inoculant 1155 when applied to wet hay during harvesting with a baler, and also the effect of the moisture content of harvested forage treated with the additive Inoculant 1155 on the quality of hay. It was observed that the lowest loss of the additive (4·6%) was for the applicator placed in the front part of the press chamber of the baler. Hay of the best quality (evaluation was based on chemical analysis) was observed for a moisture content of 20% and bale density of 110 kg m−3. The study also presents analysis of the temperature distribution inside the bales. The lowest temperature was observed for hay at a moisture content of 20% and bale density of 110 kg m−3.