Curriculum (PDF) - Biovision

Step 2: Use a rake to turn the cut desmodium
once a day to allow for quick wilting. Avoid
over-drying the hay. 2 to 4 days drying is
sufficient depending on the moisture content
of the plant. Well dried hay should not
break easily on handling.
Step 3: Collect and store the hay in a dry
place away from rain and any form of
moisture. If you leave it outside, cover with
tarpaulin or polythene sheet. For small
amounts put in bundles or gunny bags and
keep in a store.
How to make bales
For large amounts you can reduce the
space needed for storage by making bales.
Step 1. Make a bottomless wooden baling
box 3 feet by 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet. Arrange
strings across the box as shown in Fig 49.
Fig 49. Bottomless wooden boxes
Step 2: Put the hay in the box in layers.
Step 3: Compress by trampling on the material
in the box (Fig 50).
Fig 50. Putting and compressing hay
Step 4: Once the box is full and compacted,
tie the strings from the opposite sides of
the box very tightly (Fig 51). Properly compressed
hay should weigh 15-20 kg.
Fig 51. Tying the box
Step 5: Remove the bale from the box and
store in a raised place free of moisture (Fig
52). Allow plenty of air circulation to prevent
mould from forming.
Fig 52. Removing the bales from the box
Use the desmodium hay to improve the nutritive
value of Napier grass. Mix one part
of desmodium hay to five parts of chopped
fresh Napier grass (1:5).
Refer to desmodium feeding table in
week 13.
What NOT to do
Do not dry the cut desmodium directly
in the sun
The desmodium hay should not be
exposed to rain
Push-pull curriculum | 79