Tag: KUHN – Kuhn – forage production – bale – baler – film wrapping – IntelliWrap – 3D-wrapping – forage quality – bale shoulders – protection – bale storage

Improved forage quality with film binding

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Binding and wrapping a bale with film improves the quality of both the bale and the forage. In addition, multiple film layers improve the quality of sealing and limit the development of mould in the bale. Using the same film offers the additional advantage of having only one type of waste material and the bale is much easier to unwrap. 

The highest possible feed quality and the lowest loss of dry matter. Previously, it was standard practice to bind round bales with net then apply film layers with a wrapper. Nowadays, the combination of binding and wrapping, both with film appears to produce a better bale and therefore higher forage quality. 

As the bale is both bound and wrapped with plastic film, this eliminates the need for net completely. This film binding system uses standard 750 mm rolls of film – 60% of the bale is covered in film during the binding process and then the rest is covered by the wrapper.  

Film binding reduces mould development 

A pressure test has indicated that it takes air 160 seconds longer to permeate film bound and wrapped bales than bales bound by net. The bale is so airtight that mould has less chance to develop. Research1 also shows that the loss of dry matter resulting from mould in a net-wrapped bale (125 cm diameter) can reach more than 8.5 kg. In a film bound and wrapped bale, this is 80% lower (1.7 kg).  

Airtight bales with film binding 

To ensure forage quality, the influence of all external factors – including those of the bale – must be excluded. Using the same stretch film for both binding and wrapping creates an airtight bale that also retains its shape. By pre-stretching the film by 75%, it retracts like elastic around the bale, forcing out any air pockets and preventing from forming as the air has no way of penetrating the bale. Using the same film offers the additional advantage of having only one type of waste material to recycle and the bale is much easier to unwrap. 

The right number of film layers for good forage quality

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How many layers of film are wrapped around a bale is determined by factors that include the strength of the bale, the storage period and the forage quality. With the help of 3D-wrapping and IntelliWrap, efficient use is made of film and the forage quality is guaranteed.  

IntelliWrap uses film efficiently

Deciding on the correct number of film layers around a bale depends on the conditions. IntelliWrap offers you a good management tool so you can respond easily to the various factors. The system allows the operator to monitor and adjust the number of film layers from the cab during the wrapping process. This makes the guideline the drier the material is, the more film layers very easy to apply in practice. An additional advantage offered by IntelliWrap is that the bales can be wrapped with even and odd numbers of film layers. This is done automatically by turning the bale faster or slower on the wrapping table. The wrapping technique efficiently minimises film use and produces a bale that will maintain good forage quality during storage.  

Strong bale with 3D-wrapping technique

Using the 3D-wrapping technique guarantees that no oxygen, or air pockets, are left in the bale. As the cylindrical surface of the bale is wrapped first, as much air as possible is forced out of the bale. In addition, the first layers of film are applied where most needed: the vulnerable bale shoulders. This protects the bale better against possible damage. Less air in the bale is one of the advantages, a bale that retains it shape better is another – even over long storage periods.  

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