Question
We are having a hard time finding small square hay bales to feed our horses, and as a result, we are going to start feeding round bales. How many small square-bales are in a round bale?
Response
It depends on the weight of both the large round and small square hay bales. For example, if the round bale weighs 1,000 pounds, then it equals 20 of your 50-pound small square bales. If the large round-bale weighs 1,200 pounds and the small square bales weigh 40 pounds, then one large round hay bale would be equal to 30 small square bales.
It important to know the weight of hay bales both for feeding and economic purposes.
Also keep in mind storage and feeding losses associated with round hay bales are usually higher compared to small square bales. This is especially true if the round hay bales are stored outside and fed without a hay feeder.
