How much does soaking hay reduce the energy value?

[shepherd]

Just wondering - I know our hay is about 10MJ per kg, but when soaked for the ponies, I have no idea how much that goes down by. Anyone know?

 

[mollymurphy]

Depends how long you soak it for. After 12hours, it's meant to just be fibre. We soak ours for at least 8 hours because they're real good-doers.

 

[amandaco2]

after 12 hours in fresh water i would imagine it would go down by alot, but you would have to send it off for an accurate idea!

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

it depends on length of time soaked as said, i am not sure of the stats but 30mins will get rid of most dust spores, depending on why you are soaking will help dictate times done for, if its nutritional value you want to reduce then soaking for a couple of hours should be sufficient enough