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lundi 26 mai 2014

Using A Round Bale Hay Net

By Marci Glover


It's really true that for every need there's a smart solution, and that people may never know they need something until they try it. Then it becomes a necessity. This is how it is with the round bale hay net. Although many grazing animal owners may never have thought of such a thing, once they hear of it they will never want to be without it.

Big bales became popular with farmers to reduce labor and storage problems. Animal owners also love them because they'e generally cheaper than small square bales, can be fed out in the open, and allow animals free access to feed. However, there are some drawbacks which the use of big-bale nets can eliminate.

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.

It also keeps waste down, since the animals pull out a mouthful at a time and consume it before taking another. All owners, even those who are fattening cattle or goats for market want to make every smidgen of feed count. Having forage trampled into the mud or laid on is a waste of time, effort, and money.

There are many ways to install nets, since people are endlessly ingenious. The standard way is to throw the net over the top and pull it down around the bale, tightening it at ground level. Once the hay ring or other barrier is placed around the whole, animals won't get their feet tangled in the net, which simply collapses as the hay inside is consumed. Tangling feet in the net is especially likely if horses are shod.

Horses learn fast how to use netted hay. The first time, it's recommended that the owner loosen the outside of the bale and pull some wisps of forage through the netting, so the horses learn to pull the hay out rather than try to bite through the netting. Although there may be some biting at first, holes can be tied up and no real damage is done.

The nets should be made of UV-resistant polypropylene, to stand up to sun and weather conditions. Look for guarantees of satisfaction and replacement of defective products. There are sites that detail return and replacement policies, as well as showing how to install their nets and use them to best advantage.




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