Safety
Silage making operations are often a period of great activity on farms and are usually a race against the clock to beat adverse weather conditions. However it is important to remember that round balers and the associated wrapping equipment are complex pieces of machinery, containing many moving parts, belts and possibly knives. If these machines are not operated without due care and attention, there is a high risk of serious injury and possibly death. Pay attention to the following points:
- All machinery should be kept in good working order with the appropriate safeguards.
- Safety instructions which are issued in the manuals and on the chassis should be strictly adhered to.
- Care should also be taken when transporting and stacking bales, regardless of size or weight.
Baled silage for horses
Big bale silage can also be used to feed horses. The forage is less dusty than hay and horses find it a palatable feed. Grass for ensiling is usually cut at a later stage of maturity than grass for cattle or sheep - a little stem in the sward is considered acceptable. The grass is usually wilted to a minimum of 30 percent DM before baling and wrapping. Horses also seem to prefer chopped bales.
