Which hay is best?
With so many types of quality hay to choose from, you might be wondering
"Which hay is best for MY horses?"
Call Wes to discuss your needs and to help select the best hay for your budget and situation, or head over to our Contact Page.
405. 922. 8775
How do I select good hay?
COLOR
Color should be considered when selecting hay, but not relied upon as the main factor in your selection.
- Green - Can signal high protein and vitamin content, but also might mean the hay is low in nitrates and has decreased palatability.
- Yellow/Beige - Might simply be bleached from the sun on the outside, but could also be from a light rain prior to baling.
Dark Brown - Signifies heat damage due to extremely high moisture content when baled, or form rain after baling; also a good chance it contains mold. Not a good choice for horses, but works for cattle.
LEAF
The leaves of a plant are where most of the energy is stored. Therefore, the more leafy the hay, the higher quality and better source of energy.
STEM
Stems that are softer and more flexible are ideal. There is nothing wrong with the tougher, thicker stems. This just usually means the alfalfa was more mature at harvest ( more days passed between cuttings), and it might have slightly lower nutrient quality.
The most important factor in your hay section is the type of animal you're feeding. Horses need higher quality feed, and have a difficult time with dust and mold. Cattle, sheep and goats get by just fine on lower quality feed.