The effect of ADD-H preservative (ammonium propionate) on the quality and feedingvalue of baled hay

Authors

• Aino Rauramaa Valio Laboratory, P.O.B. 176, 00181 Helsinki 18

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72061

Abstract

The effect of ADD-H at 3 or 4 rates of application on the quality and feeding value of baled hay at 3 dey matter levels (65.0—69.9, 70.0—74.9 and 75.0—79.9 %) was studied on Hankkija’s farm in Kangasala and at DM 78—82 % on the Koivisto farm in Hausjärvi. The field experiments were performed in 1979 and the testing of the hay completed by the following spring. The field experiments were affected by uneven drying of the hay, uneven rewetting due to rainfall after cutting, loss of ADD-H during application, uneven distribution of ADD-H in the bales, and other factors. At DM 65.0—69.9 % ADD-H gave only a slight improvement in hay quality; at the highest application rate the sugar content was the highest and the crude fibre content the lowest. At the other DM levels ADD-H restricted the generation of heat during storage; the sugar content was higher, and the mould count lower, in the treated hay than in the untreated hay. The beneficial effect of ADD-H on the feeding value of baled hay was small; further study on this aspect is required.