Hayhut News/Video
November 8th, 2010
HAYHUT HAY-SAVING PERFORMANCE RATED AS EXCEPTIONAL IN UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SCIENTIFIC TRIAL CARRIED OUT FALL OF 2010
In what was probably the biggest and most comprehensive scientific trial of horse hay feeders ever carried out in the USA, The University of Minnesota assessed the hay saving performance of nine different types of round bale hay feeders when measured against an unprotected round roll of hay.
All hay rolls and horses were weighed to ensure accuracy of data, and the feeders were located in identical paddocks with five similar groups of horses feeding from each feeder in the first tranche followed by the remaining four feeders. Each group of horses were rotated through all feeders.
The unprotected hay roll suffered a 60% loss rate and this is the benchmark figure that data such as Return on Investment will be based on. The annual cost of wasted hay exceeded $2,400 and the annual cost of manure removal was estimated at $246; based on hay costing $100/ton.
Interim results show that the nine feeders had loss rates between 6 and 35%. Specifically, the Hayhut resulted in 9% wasted hay.
Four feeders, including the Hayhut, were assessed at approximately 10%, hay waste. Based on the price of the Hayhut, 60% hay waste without a feeder, and hay priced at $100/ton, the Hayhut would pay for itself in less than 4 months.
It was observed that the Hayhut’s performance would be even better if the hay roll were elevated on a pallet; a good observation already embraced in the assembly instructions for the unit that recommend the acquisition and use of the generally ‘free’ wooden pallets available at most farm stores.
This observation matches well with the reported experience of the many existing Hayhut owners who report limited loss rates with a pallet, and even without a pallet.
Official data from this trial cannot be released until the full report has been published in the Journal of Animal Science early next year.
Meanwhile, more information and testimonials can be found at www.hayhuts.com together with the list of 100 stocking dealers in various states throughout the USA.
Hayhuts LLC would like to thank the Faculty of the University of Minnesota for arranging this invaluable trial and for the most diligent manner in which it was conducted.
Denis T.
Hayhuts: Protecting Your Large Bale Investment
Hayhuts LLC
484 Sealy Drive
Wewahitchka, FL 32465
Phone: 386 871 8839