Hay auctions are a great way to get good hay for your livestock at a great price...but it's not an easy job (and a dirty one at that). The best thing you can do is to open the bail up (yep, with your hands) and inspect the hay for mold. It's also important to inspect the moisture content of the bales as this too is a good indicator regarding how long it will be before the hay begins to mold.
So, why all the concern about mold in your livestock's hay? Moldy hay can lead to a cough, an "upper airway irritation", and ultimately the avoidance of feed and problems with colic or abort. So, when you're at the auction, don't be shy to shove your hand in the hay...if the hay feels warm or hot, this is a sign that the hay was baled when it was still wet. Not good.
It doesn't hurt to pull a few flakes out of the middle of the bale for further inspection either. If they hay expells a white dust or if it smells somewhat dingy, it's likely to be developing mold. It's always worth analyzing the hay you are buying at auction...particularly if you are buying a large amount. You are much better off to put the time into it beforehand rather than dealing with the health problems your livestock will likely have later because of it. Although the economy is down at the moment, it is not worth buying bad hay just to save money. The old saying holds true here as well...you get what you pay for. Again, don't risk the health of your livestock to save a few bucks...it's just not worth it. Besides...if the nutrition level provided in a poorly grown, stored, and harvested hay is low, your livestock will only need to eat more of it. |
