Oat Straw....

[Rach_007]

Hi! new to the forum so sorry if this has been covered before!
What are peoples opinions on feeding Oat Straw...i have done some research on it and it seems like thoughts are mixed on it. I have heard that oat straw has a higher nutritional value than barley straw and is more palatable. What do people think about feeding it without any hay at all? (with vit and min and protein supps also) ....cheaper option than straw and im feeding two native good - doers who still have lots of grass in their field at the mo coming up to november!!

 

[hayinamanger]

Hello I used to feed my natives good, clean oat straw. They liked it well enough, it's good low calorie fibre, ideal for good doers. Seems to be hard to find these days, but, if I could get my hands on some, I'd feed it to my cobs, probably mixed 50/50 with hay.

 

[Rach_007]

can i ask why 50/50 with hay? ive heard its low in calcium and protein compared to hay but with supps surely just as good?

 

[Toffee44]

I mix it 50\50 with my stabled horse


And my 24/7 have it ab lib and then have bit of hay in the evenings.


I feed it 50\50 because I feel that my horses still need some hay but only so much and the straw then keeps them happy munching if in a stable or no grass. My lot are only happy if they have something in their gobs.

 

[Rach_007]

as im sure mine would the little piggies!! lol

Thanks for your help!