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A lowland ewe requires 7kg straw per week, while hill ewes housed on straw generally require 4kg to 5kg straw per week. To put more simply, a 4x4 straw bale weighing 140kg will bed about 18 to 20 lowland ewes, or 30 to 35 hill ewes for a week.
When calculating how many bales you need, consider bale weight and quality when negotiating deals.
The 8x4x4 square bales weigh about 540kg to 580kg, but this can vary from 480kg to 600kg. The 8x4x3 bales weigh about 350kg to 380kg, while a standard 4x4 round bale weighs 150kg or 160kg (ranges 130-180kg). Take note also that a higher moisture content of straw may also influence bale weights. It is worth building in a safety net in the calculations.
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