Hay
We can source all species of Hay. For more information on this product please give us a call or ask for a quote.
Hay is a universal term for grass or legumes that have been dried, cut, and stored for use as animal feed. Commonly used plants for hay include combination of grasses such as rye grass, timothy, brome, fescue, coastal bermuda, orchard grass, and other native species, depending on region. Many types of hay may also include legumes, such as alfalfa (lucerne) and clovers (red, white and subterraneum).
Hay is very susceptible to weather conditions, particularly when it is harvested. In drought conditions, both seed and leaf production are stunted, making hay that has a high ratio of dry, coarse stems that have very low nutritional values. If the weather is too damp, the cut hay may spoil in the field before it can be baled. The hay may also develop mould and decompose after being baled, creating the possibility for toxins to form in the feed, which could make the animals sick. Mould and spoilage reduces nutritional value and may cause illness in animals.
Origin / Place of Manufacture:
Around the world
Nutritional features / Benefits:
-
Hay or grass is the base of the diet for cows and can provide as much as 100% of the fodder required for a cow.
-
Hay is fed to the cows in place allowing the animal to graze on grasses in a pasture, particularly in the winter or during times when drought or other conditions make pasture unavailable.
-
Most animals are fed hay in two daily feedings, morning and evening.
-
In most cases, hay or pasture forage must make up 50% or more of the diet by weight.
-
Cows eat forage in relatively large quantities at a single feeding, and then, due to the process of rumination, take a considerable amount of time for their stomachs to digest food, often accomplished while the animal is lying down, at rest. Thus, quantity of hay is important for cattle, who are able to effectively digest hay of low quality if fed in sufficient amounts.
Colour / Texture:
Green / stringy
Palatability:
Good
Storage conditions:
Hay should be stored under cover and protected from weather conditions.
Nutritional Information
The table below gives average nutrient levels of some common hay species of high quality.
| Type | Crude Protein | Total Digestable Nutrients |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Bermuda | 10-14 | 52-58 |
| Common Bermuda | 9-11 | 50-56 |
| Bahia | 9-11 | 50-60 |
| Ryegrass | 10-16 | 56-62 |
| Alfalfa | 17-22 | 57-62 |
| Red Clover | 14-16 | 57-62 |
| White Clover | 11-15 | 58-62 |
| Pea Vine Hay | 10 | 60 |
Disclaimer
These feeding recommendations are to be used as a guide only, and to assist readers in understanding generally accepted feeding levels. Readers should not rely on these guidelines in making specific feeding decisions but should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific total dietary approach recommendations. Online Supplements Ltd. makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. Online Supplements Ltd. disclaims any liability for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations.
