New study reveals major savings in feed losses with bales
Are you aware that the dry matter loss in round bales is just 5% compared to about 20% loss in bunker silos?
A recent study from the China Central Agricultural University found that using round bales can save you thousands in feed loss-costs every year. The study shows that after one year of feed storage, the dry matter loss in round bales is 5% compared to 20% loss in bunker silos, resulting in savings of up to €20 per tonne of feed.
Change in nutrient contents over time
In the study, researchers compared maize forage stored in a bunker silo with maize forage stored in various round bale types, and they analysed the changes in dry matter, starch, and other nutrients after 1, 6, and 12 months.
Here’s what they discovered:
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After 6 months of storage
Round bales produced by Orkel compactors with BPI plastic film saw about a 5% loss in dry matter, while the bunker silo with additives lost between 11-18%.
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After 12 months of storage
Round bales still only lost around 5% of dry matter. In contrast, the bunker silo lost about 20%.
Reduce Feed Losses and Boost Milk Yields with Round Bales
Higher dry matter loss directly impacts both feed quality and quantity, leading to significant financial losses for farmers. For example, farmers storing maize silage in bunker silos can face losses of up to €26 per tonne of dry matter after a year of storage due to feed loss, compared to only €7 per tonne with round bales.
This translates to potential savings of around €20 per tonne by choosing round bales over bunker silos. These numbers are based on the cost of maize in China in 2024 that the study used.
Additionally, the quality of the remaining forage can be compromised, further impacting livestock performance.
A study by CRV Holland found that dairy cows fed round bales on average produce 7 more litres of milk per day compared to those fed silage from bunker silos. This highlights the added benefits of round bales, not only in cost savings, but also in improving livestock productivity.
Storage and transport flexibility
Round bales offer significant advantages beyond cost savings, providing flexible and weather-tight storage options. Their durable design allows storage virtually anywhere and lets you stack up to six bales vertically, maximising space.
Ideal for efficient buying and selling, round bales are easy-to-transport unit packages that simplify logistics.
With Orkel Precision and BaleID technology, both buyers and sellers gain access to a full product declaration, including essential details like production date, weight, and dry matter content, ensuring transparency and quality in every bale.
Round bale benefits in short:
- Flexible storage
- Easy transportation
- Complete product declaration
- Less feedloss
- Better feed quality retention