Fine Plant Material that Sifts out of Baler

[epritchard]

We bale grass hay (mainly orchard, fescue and timothy)on a small acreage. I have noticed that the fine plant material that sifts out of the bottom of the bale chamber would be useful as feed. I have gathered this material when we have had to rebale some bales in one spot and fed it to my chickens. The birds ate it. I started to think that maybe if I could pelletize it I could feed it to the stock as well. Has anyone used an attachment or catcher that can gather this stuff or made something that does this job?
Thanks,
Eva

[bluefargo]

I think I'm right in saying this is the best part of you plant; bits of leaves mainly. The leaves are the most nutritious part. Do a feed test sometime of this fine material and compare it to the hay in general. I can guarantee the protein and energy (the 2 main components of the analysis) will be higher in the fines.


There used to be a round baler that had a metal pan on the bottom that was supposed to prevent the fines from going out the bottom. I've forgotten the brand. I don't know how effective it was.