BULLETIN No. 873 
Contribution from the Bureau of Markets 
GEORGE LIVINGSTON, Chief 
THE SHRINKAGE OF MARKET HAY. 
By H. B. McCuurz, Specialist in Hay Marketing. 
CONTENTS. 
Introduction Z Limitations of rules for measuring shrinkage. 
~ _ Résumé of data on shrinkage Money loss caused by shrinkage 
-___ Factors affecting determination of shrinkage. What is hay? 
Shrinkage of newly mown hay 
ee 7 shoss of dry matter 
INTRODUCTION. 
ERhaio is a widespread misunderstanding regarding the so-called los 
caused by shrinkage of hay. The Department of Agriculture is con: 
 stantly receiving requests for definite statements as to the extent of 
. this loss under various conditions, and for Hoods of curing and stor- 
3 Most of these 
= 
| A hose preted in a ae are hay growers, country shippers, = 
_ receivers, commission men, brokers, and consumers in nonproducing 2 
territories. 
Any request from the producer for data on this subject immediate i 
and naturally suggests this question: ‘‘Why should the hay grower es ts 
2 in po Bony about loss due to tee vie oe 
: occurs when hay is stored in the ae or stack, when, as ‘a matter aid 
_ fact, ordinarily there is no loss of feedng value, and properly no loss 
in market value. ae a definition of market hay as discussed i in 
