Rape straw

[Matafleur]

Does anyone use rape straw as bedding? Just baled from the field and not treated in any way?

Is it too hard for use with horses? We've been using it for the cattle and they look lovely and clean on it but wondered if it was suitable for horses. We have both rape and normal straw so not a problem but I've heard rape straw can be more absorbent.

Experiences please?

 

[Spinal Tap]

No direct experiences but our yard owner (who also has cattle & turkeys) has just bought loads of the stuff. He said it's not for the horses, way too sharp for them. Having given it a good poke & prod I totally agree with him. I don't think my mare would be comfy on it at all.

 

[miss_bird]

I always wondered about if it was viable to use, as most of the farmers around here grow rapeseed

 

[night_mare]

The yard where I keep my horses buys bales of finely cut rape straw (ie cut like fine shavings but more straw like and less square like shavings) and is much the same to use as fine shavings.