Fresh cut Hay

[welsh_mare]

How long does hay have to be left after being cut and baled before we can feed it?, and what are the reasons for not feeding it straight away?.

I've never fed it straight away as always be warned not too, but we were talking today and i'm not sure of the reasons why .

Thanks in advance for any replies

 

[china]

if it is damp at all it will ferment in the gut and cause colic. It is better to be left 6-8 weeks. Some people feed it straight away if they are 100% sure it is completely dry.

 

[jenki13]

How long does hay have to be left after being cut and baled before we can feed it?, and what are the reasons for not feeding it straight away?.

I've never fed it straight away as always be warned not too, but we were talking today and i'm not sure of the reasons why .

Thanks in advance for any replies

I'm fairly sure its recommended that you leave it for 6 weeks. We normally leave both our hay & haylage for about 8 weeks before selling/feeding.

I think its something to do with the sugars in the cut grass & to make sure the hay is completely dry before feeding (only dries a bit once bale but is some).....not entirely sure but I know that it can give a horse colic if you feed fresh hay!