Benefits of a Bale Horse
What are the benefits of a Bale Horse? These horses are the most popular type of horse for haying. However, they are also more expensive than traditional square bales. And the hay they produce is more combustible. Read on to learn more about these benefits of a Bale Horse. Listed below are some of their benefits:
Round bales contain dust, weeds, mold, and thick stalks
The leafiness of hay is closely related to its nutritive value, which is best preserved when leaves remain on the stem. This can be accomplished by baling before a plant reaches maturity and at the proper moisture content. The crop must also have few weeds and molds present, and the harvest should be performed on clean, dry days with minimum moisture content. Loose leaves, on the other hand, are often lost during handling and feeding.
They are a major cause of impaction colic in horses
Improper hay quality is one of the main causes of impaction colic in horses. Poor quality hay contains high amounts of moisture, mold, and indigestible fiber fractions that can cause digestive upset. Additionally, inadequate water intake can cause impaction colic. Both poor water quality and hay quality can contribute to this problem. Listed below are some preventative measures for impaction colic in horses.
Proper nutrition is the first step to controlling the condition. Feeding hay should be balanced and contain no more than one type of protein. A good choice of hay is chopped or square bales. Feeding hay in round bales increases the risk of impaction colic. It is therefore better to feed hay in square or chopped bales for horses with a higher risk of colic.
In the early stages of impaction, the horse may be unable to eat. An impaction may appear as a bloated, distended bowel. As the condition worsens, the horse may start to regurgitate its stomach contents. The pain and discomfort may increase, and the horse may require surgery. The pain should be monitored closely and medication should be adjusted to relieve discomfort.
Another major cause of impaction colic in horses is changing hay. In addition to being less digestible, poor-quality hay may be a major factor in triggering impaction. Additionally, hay types can cause changes in the colonic pH level. Previously, it was believed that the presence of drought was associated with higher incidences of impaction in horses. However, this association may have been skewed by other factors.
They are more expensive than square bales
A typical square bale of hay in Massachusetts costs $25 to $40, whereas a square bale in Oregon is slightly more expensive. The cost of round bales is more than twice as much, and will be anywhere from $30 to 80. Prices also vary depending on quality. In Oklahoma, the cost is $5 to $12 per bale. If you are looking to save money, try buying a square bale of hay instead.
Hay is a major part of a horse’s diet, so it makes sense to choose high quality, locally grown grass. While most horse owners purchase square bales for ease of handling, buying larger square bales will save you money. By the time you factor in the time it takes to transport and store a large square bale, you’ll have saved about $50 per ton compared to purchasing small square bales. In PA hay auctions, buying large square bales will save you up to 28% on your total bill.
However, this convenience is worth the added expense. The cost of a large square bale is significantly cheaper per ton than its small round counterpart. However, square bales require a larger tractor, which is a burden for many horse owners. Therefore, it may be worth considering a smaller, round bale if the cost is less important. And if you’re not a farmer, it’s still possible to save money by buying small square bales of hay.
In South Dakota, a standard horse quality square bale costs $5 to $7, while a round bale can cost $40 to 65 pounds. In Tennessee, a square bale costs $4 to $10 and a round bale is about $40 to $60. So, round bales in Tennessee are very affordable, especially compared to square bales. You can find some good, cheap round bales at your local feed store.
They are more combustible than square bales
Square and round bales are similar in appearance but are not interchangeable. While square bales weigh about 50 pounds each, round bales weigh over 1000 pounds. Round bales must be stored under cover and fed to horses in groups. Round bales are typically more expensive per pound, but they are also more labor-intensive to move and store. For this reason, square and round bales are not suitable for feeding single horses. However, if you are a hay producer, round bales are a good choice for your operation.
The main difference between the two types of bales is the flammability. While square bales are easier to ignite, round bales can ignite. Square bales tend to be more combustible than round ones, and they should be fed separately. It is also best to use a feeding frame if you have square bales. These can be more hazardous to horses and the property surrounding them.
They are more convenient to feed to a group of horses
There are some major advantages of feeding a group of horses. The first one is that they can be distributed evenly, thereby making them easier to feed than individuals. It is also easier to feed a group of horses at one time, especially when the feeding is divided into smaller portions. Second, they can be distributed in a circle, mimicking a natural group grazing pattern. While it is possible to use a single large feeding tub, it is often more convenient to feed a group of smaller feeders.