Dangers of High Moisture Content

Excessive moisture in hay makes it susceptible to mold growth. Mold reduces the hay’s appeal to animals, generates heat, and leads to dry matter loss and a decrease in total digestible nutrients. Mold can also produce mycotoxins, which are harmful to both ruminant and non-ruminant species. High moisture levels can cause thermal expansion, where trapped moisture raises the internal temperature of the bale. In rare cases, this can lead to temperatures as high as 180°F (82°C), posing a serious fire risk due to potential spontaneous combustion.