1 day ago · Hay texture can affect how much animals eat, with brittle or pokey hay reducing intake. Gelley advises farmers to look for weeds that have thorns, spines, or awns in hay before feeding it. “These plant structures will not only contribute to lower hay intake but could also pose health threats to certain livestock species,” she says.

Jul 24, 2023 · When it comes to selecting hay, many people know that good-quality hay smells good, is soft, and has more leaves than stems. But how does this visual inspection match up with the actual amount of nutrients in the hay?

Hay (or pasture) is by far the major part of most equine diets. The critical information you need to identify and correct deficiencies and/or imbalances can only be obtained from an analysis.

Mar 21, 2022 · Leafy Hay is determined by having 65%-70% leaf coverage with a pliable stem. Stemmy Hay is noticeable from its thick woody steam and only 10%-15% leaf coverage. Color Matters. The ideal color of fresh, high-quality hay is one that resembles that of bright green and immature grass.

A summary of important physical factors such as sight, smell and feel that should be considered during visual hay inspection.

Buying quality hay can be a challenge for cattle producers. Vermeer outlines some important factors for them to consider when buying hay.

Nov 30, 2020 · Taking a good physical look at your potential hay source is important. You can learn a lot within 60 seconds of assessing it. Be sure you ask for a bale to be broken so you can see the inside as well as the outside of the bale. Here are the main traits to look for in your hay: Colour. Green color indicates good quality.

21 hours ago · How to ensure accurate hay sampling and testing . Testing is important, but even more critical, proper sampling is essential for obtaining accurate results. Berger recommends following a systematic approach when collecting hay samples: Use a hay probe. A probe takes a core sample that captures material from multiple layers of the bale.

Oct 13, 2024 · Fescue hay is rich in fiber and provides a good source of energy. It is commonly fed to horses, cattle, and goats. 🌿 Note: Fescue hay is known for its durability and ability to maintain its nutritional value even when stored for longer periods. 8. Mixed Grass Hay. Mixed grass hay, as the name suggests, is a blend of different grass species.

Dec 9, 2023 · Getting your hay analyzed is an important part of getting to know the hay that you are feeding and how to complete it with other types of forage, herbs and supplementation. You cannot assess hay by sight alone and you cannot guess at the nutrient content without testing.