Method for calculating feed value of alfalfa hay using information available at time of baling
AssigneeHarvest Tec, Inc.
InventorJeffrey S. Roberts
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method where the weight of the bale is measured by a scale on the baler, the moisture of the bale is measured by sensors on the baler and this information is sent to a processor. Based on compaction properties of the leaf verses the stem of the alfalfa, the processor calculates a feeding value for the hay including protein, energy and relative feed value on the dry density of the bale. Additional inputs such as the compaction setting of the baler and information about the hay being harvested can also be input into the processor for making adjustment to the feeding value calculation.
Claims15
-6. (canceled)
A method for determining the nutritional feed value of alfalfa hay in a bale based on the ratio of leaves to stems, comprising the steps of:
- measuring the weight of a bale, of a predetermined size, of alfalfa using a scale;
- measuring the moisture of the bale of alfalfa using a moisture sensor;
- calculating, by a processor, a dry density of the bale based on the measured weight of the bale;
- comparing, by the processor, the dry density of the bale to a table a values for feeding quality, as a function of the ratio of leaves to stems, based on dry density stored in a memory of the processor;
- recording a feed value;
- and
- displaying the feed value.
The method of claim 1, wherein the steps are implemented via a baler apparatus, comprising a baler including a hay pickup, a plunger mechanism, a bale forming area, and a bale output, a means to measure, disposed on the baler, the weight and the moisture of a bale of alfalfa of a predetermined size, a processor, disposed on the baler, to calculate a dry density of the bale based on weight, moisture and size of the bale, and to compare the dry density of the bale to a table of feed values with respect to the ratio of leaves to stems, based on dry density stored in a memory of the processor, arid to record and display the feed value, wherein time interval between cutting of the alfalfa and baling of the alfalfa is entered into the processor and used to further correct the tied value recorded and displayed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.