Biweekly allotments will have less waste than weekly. Bales with sisal twine have less labor and time requirements because the twines do not have to be removed. Also if bales have sisal twine, they can be set on their round side with less spoilage potential. If tied with plastic twine they need to be set on the flat side so twines will not freeze to the ground. This allows moisture from rain or snow to get into the bale causing freezing and possibly spoilage.
Rain getting into bales is the biggest concern but melting snow can also be a problem in some areas.
It is recommended that the bales with plastic twine be placed in late fall just before winter arrives to reduce this risk. To control waste one producer used light one inch tubing bale feeders. Using electric fences to limit amounts of access to a bale is another feeding method. When using an electric fence as a critical part of any winter feeding system consult people experienced with winter electric fencing for advice. Results often show that, depending on the amount of litter and hoof affect on the stand, growth is slowed in the spring.