Quick question about hay

[Mickle]

I just want to know how long before this years hay can be used? Thanks in advance.

 

[martlin]

I've been using mine pretty much straight of the field.

 

[thatsmygirl]

I'm useing mine as well

 

[nessiehhorse]

I've been using mine pretty much straight of the field.

Like wise but have been mixing it in with some of last year's as well.

 

[Carow]

If it's been dried properly before baling then it should be fine to use straight away.

We are using our new cut and just mixed in some of last years for the first few days. None of the horses had any problem with it.

 

[Mickle]

I don't think this was as dry as it should have been. It was cut and then we had a lot of rain. The farmers left it to dry but.... That siad it looks better than last years which was not very good quality. I have been feeding Horsehage mostly as last years hay was that bad. Could I mix it with the Horsehage?

 

[FairyLights]

6 weeks is the minimum time. Some people use it earlier but it could cause colic. If you are desparate then mix new with old.

 

[Carow]

If the hay has partially dried out and then gets rained on, many of the valuable nutritional contents will be leached out and this gives the hay a lower nutritional value.

Hay should be 70-90% dry when baled. If it's not dry enough, micro organisms will induce chemical changes and at worst it can become mowburnt with a blackened appearance and becomes inedible. Good hay should be sweet smelling, free of mould and have a greenish colour. If it's not dry enough or too green it does have the potential to cause problems. Go by its appearance, smell and feel. Dry, bleached out hay is OK to feed provided it's not mouldy although it will have a lower nutritional value.

If in doubt about feeding new hay, introduce it gradually and yes, it's OK to mix hay and haylage (Horsehage).