The result is a much denser package than other bale types. This higher density predisposes the large square bale to heating, dry matter loss, and forage quality deterioration during storage if harvest moisture is over 15 percent. Bales treated with propionic acid had less heating and less heat damage to proteins compared to control bales with no treatment. Neither treatment method produced a definitive trend toward reducing dry matter losses. Bales treated with propionic acid maintained a higher moisture during storage.
Moisture is the key.
To maintain forage quality and keep dry matter losses under 4 percent, bale below 16 percent moisture.