As this will depend on the size of the round bale as well as how tightly it has been compressed before it was formed into a round bale shape. Generally speaking, one round bale can vary in size from 40-60 inches in diameter and approximately 30-60 inches in height.
This means that one round bale can generally hold anywhere between 40-100 square bales, depending on the size of the square bales. Furthermore, factors such as the amount of moisture in the hay, the type of hay, and the type of bale press being used can also affect the overall size of the round bale and the amount of hay it can contain.
How much hay is in a 4×5 round bale?
The exact amount of hay in a 4×5 round bale will depend on the type of hay and the density of the bale. Generally speaking, a 4×5 round bale will weigh around 800 to 1000 pounds, depending on the type of hay and its density.
As a rough estimate, this would be around 800 to 1100 square bales of hay. However, if you want a more exact answer, you can weigh the bale before and after it is unrolled. This will give you a more accurate estimate of the amount of hay in the 4×5 round bale.
What is the most common round bale size?
The most common round bale size is 4 feet in diameter by 8 feet in length. These bales typically weigh around 1800-3000 lbs, depending on what type of forage is being baled, and the density of the forage.
Round bales come in varied sizes and are favored for their ease of handling as compared to smaller square bales, which can be difficult to move and require a haylift for stacking. Round bales are used for rangeland, hay meadows, pasture, cover crops, wildlife habitat, and even for many other agricultural uses.
They are faster to produce, easier to store, and can be handled more easily than square bales. They are also generally more cost-effective than smaller, square bales since they make more efficient use of the space they take up in comparison.
Is it cheaper to buy hay or make it?
It depends on a few factors, such as the size of the hayfield, the type of hay, the location, and what resources you have at your disposal. Generally, the cost of hay will depend on its quality, quantity, availability, and transportation.
For example, if you have your own farmland and the labor needed to harvest it, then it will generally be much cheaper to produce your own hay. Also, if you’re located in an area known for cheap hay and don’t need to pay expensive freight prices, then it could be more cost-effective to buy your hay.
If you’re considering making your own hay, there are a few things to take into account. Equipment such as hay balers and cutters need to be acquired, and you’ll need to be able to maintain them. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of labor for both harvesting and treating the hay.
Furthermore, you’ll have to weigh the risks associated with hay-making such as extreme weather, neglecting pests, and the risk of disease or contamination.
On the other hand, buying hay can be more expensive in the short-term, but you don’t have to worry about the harvest, storage, and treatment in the same way you would if you were producing your own hay.
If quality and convenience are your main concerns, then it may be cheaper to purchase your hay.
In the end, whether it’s cheaper to buy hay or make it yourself will depend on your particular circumstances. Consider the size of your hay field, the quality and availability of hay, and how much you can save in transportation costs.
Weigh the variable costs of equipment and labor associated with hay-making with the convenience of purchasing hay from suppliers. Finally, evaluate the additional risks that come with hay-making. Doing so will help you decide if it’s cheaper to buy hay or make it.
What is better round or square bales?
Round bales and square bales both have their advantages and disadvantages. Round bales tend to be more efficient with storage, as it is easier to stack, but it can be more difficult to move due to the size and weight.
Furthermore, the dense, rounded shape can create challenges for feeding livestock and hay preservation. Round bales can also create challenges for feeding smaller or older animals due to the difficulty of entering the bale and the excess waste created as the animals break apart the bale.
In contrast, square bales tend to be more labor intensive with harvesting, handling, and storage, but they require less equipment and they can be a more manageable size for moving and feeding. Square bales are more conducive to hay preservation, as there is less air present in the bale.
Additionally, the square shape and the smaller size of the bale makes it easier to feed creatures of all sizes, particularly smaller and older animals who may have trouble with round bales.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, as well as the type of animals being fed. If you have large animals and have the equipment and facilities to store round bales, they may be the better choice.
For smaller animals, or those with limited hay storage space, square bales would be the more cost-effective choice.
Are round bales cheaper?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of hay and the local market. Generally speaking, round bales tend to be larger than square bales, which typically translates to a lower cost per ton.
They also require less time and labor to store and transport due to their larger size. As a result, hay producers may find them to be an economic choice for their business. Additionally, round bales may contain more hay due to their shape, which gives producers the opportunity to purchase a larger quantity of hay for a lower cost.
However, this will also depend on the geographical area where the hay is produced and the demand for hay in that area. Lastly, since the round bales are larger, it may require special equipment for hay producers to handle them, which could potentially increase the labor cost associated with the purchase.
So, overall, round bales could be cheaper, but this could vary depending on the local market.
How many cows will a square bale feed?
The answer to this question will depend on several factors, including the size of the square bale and the type of cow. Generally speaking, one square bale of hay or straw should be able to feed one cow for between three and four days.
This assumes a cow is eating an average amount and that the hay is of decent quality. If the hay is of poor quality, more hay may be required to meet the same nutritional needs. If the bale is of a larger size, it may also be able to feed multiple cows for longer periods of time.
Ultimately, it is important to assess the size and quality of the hay, as well as the nutritional needs of the cow, in order to determine how many cows a single square bale of hay can feed.
How long will a round bale last 2 cows?
The length of time a round bale will last two cows depends on the size of the bale, the feed type, and how much the cows are eating. Generally, a 5×5 round bale of good quality hay can last up to a month for two cows, while a 6×6 bale can last up to two months.
If the bale is of a lower quality, such as when feeding raw grains, the bale will last less time. If the cows have a higher appetite and are consuming more feed, the bale will last for a shorter duration.
How much hay will a 1200 pound cow eat?
The amount of hay a 1200 pound cow will eat will depend on various factors, such as the cow’s stage of lactation, the type of hay they are eating, and how much of the hay is readily available to them.
A 1200 pound cow will typically consume 2-3% of their bodyweight in feed intake per day. For a cow of this size, this translates to approximately 24-36 pounds of hay and 2-3%, or 6-9 pounds of grain, per day.
However, if the cow is in a heavier stage of lactation, such as due to her recent calving, she may consume more in order to meet her dietary needs for quality protein, energy, and other minerals and vitamins.
During this time, a cow may require up to 5-6% of their bodyweight in feed intake (up to 60 pounds of hay and 9-12 pounds of grain).
What is the hay for beef cattle?
Hay is one of the most important nutrient sources for beef cattle. It is a type of forage, which is any kind of feed that is not a grain or a legume. Hay is made up of dried grass, legumes, and other forage plants.
It is high in fiber and can provide the cow with essential proteins. It should be fed in addition to other forages such as grain, silage, and a variety of supplements. Cows typically eat 1. 5 lb of hay per 100 lb of body weight daily, though this can vary depending on the type of hay and the condition of the cow.
It is also important to choose good quality hay as it can affect the health and feed efficiency of the cow. Poor quality hay can cause digestive issues, reduce weight gain and result in poor fertility.
In order to maximize the benefits of using hay as a feed source for beef cattle, it is important to store the hay properly and make sure to provide good quality hay.
How long does it take 3 horses to eat a round bale?
It depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the horses, the type of hay in the bale, and the horses’ appetites. Generally, it takes between 2 to 4 days for three horses to consume a single round bale.
Small ponies or miniature horses may take a bit less time while larger breeds of horses, such as draft horses, may take longer. It is important to remember that horses should not eat too much in one sitting, no matter how hungry they may be.
Hay should be provided in small increments throughout the day.
How big is a 4×5 bale of hay?
A 4×5 bale of hay typically measures around 36″ wide by 48″ in length and will measure anywhere from 15″ to 60″ in height, depending on the density and type of hay. On average, a 4×5 bale of hay will weigh between 50 to 250 pounds.
The weight can vary significantly based on the type and moisture content of the hay used, with some denser bales weighing upwards of 600 pounds. 4×5 bales of hay are often a convenient size for farmers to move and store due to their relatively small size and weight.
How much horsepower do you need to run a 4×5 round baler?
The amount of horsepower needed to run a 4×5 round baler depends on several factors, including the type of baler, the terrain and the types of crops being baled. Generally, a 40hp minimum is recommended for a 4×5 round baler, although higher horsepower may be necessary for heavier bales or for working in tougher terrain.
If you are baling hay, for example, you may need more horsepower than if baling grass or swathing hay in order to be able to cut and lift the heavier type of hay bale. Additionally, if working on slopes, you may need more power to run the baler up and down.
Ask your local agricultural equipment distributor what horsepower is recommended for your specific application.
Why do farmers use round bales?
Farmers use round bales for a number of reasons. First, they are easier than square bales to stack, store, transport, and feed. Round bales can also be net wrapped in high winds. Netwrrapping seals in moisture and increases the hay’s life span due to less exposure to the elements.
Additionally, round bales are more efficient to harvest because they are typically cut wider than squares and with denser leaf and stem material, which can then be baled with fewer passes of a baler.
In addition, they take up less space and cost less to move, both of which are desirable qualities for a large agricultural operation. Finally, round bales provide an extra level of convenience for the farmer, as they are easier to handle than square bales and can be used in a variety of situations depending on the farmer’s needs.
What is the cheapest type of hay?
The type of hay that is cheapest will depend on several factors including the type of hay, seasonal availability, and the supplier. Grass hay is usually considered to be the cheapest type of hay because it is the most commonly available and it is relatively low in nutrients compared to legume hay, which is usually one of the most expensive types.
Currently, Timothy Hay and Orchard Grass Hay have some of the lowest prices due to their availability in large quantities around the world. Depending on the region, other grass hay varieties may also be available and generally less expensive than legume hays.
Additionally, alfalfa hay has become increasingly available and relatively inexpensive in some areas. In any case, the best way to determine the cheapest type of hay is to compare prices between different suppliers in your local area.
