Soaking hay

i didnt think soaking for long periods was good for it, cant remember why but i wont do it based on how smelly and sludgy the water gets. i much prefer to wet it or steam
 
Im reading up on digestibility of feeds ( yes im bored!! )

Inky suffers from a hay belly. Its not worms thats all been checked and in order. I was wondering whether me soaking the hay is not helping him.

This is what ive just read..

"Hay belly – indicates that poor quality forage is being provided. The large intestine will retain poor quality forages longer trying to get as much nutrition as possible. That will stretch the large intestine causing the hay belly appearance. Good quality forage will shrink the hindgut back to normal size."

I am wondering whether me soaking the hay is making it harder for him to digest, and whether he is retaining it for longer giving him a hay belly appearence??

Any ideas????

( sorry if this is too complicated for this time of night!
crazy.gif
grin.gif
)
 
No it makes sense. If you think of it like this........if we soaked a slice of bread in water for a long time it would become waterlogged and stodgy I think that the hay is doing the same to Stinky, well thats what they are saying.............I think!!!
 
Urgh i hate soggy bread!!!

I think thats kind of the idea!!!! I just wondered whether i had got it wrong or not!!!

I think ill try not soaking it for long periods and see how we go!!!

Anyone know the correct length of time for soaking hay BEFORE any nutrients are lost???? i.e. just to reduce dust spores?
 
Just had a quick look and HH recommends 30 mins to reduce dust and make sure you shake the hay out before you put it in the net, it also said though that as the nutrients are lost then you need to give supplements so I have no idea, sure someone does though
 
Quite a few years ago we were told to soak hay for a long time. Then it was for 20 mins submerged in a bath. Now they say just hose it or you loose all the nutrition out of it. It depends why you soak it if it is just to remove the dust I'd hose it then hang it for 10 mins to let water drain off then feed.
 
soak for 30 mins to reduce dust spores. Up to 12 hours to reduce nutrients.

If it's calories you're watching phone around and see if you can get hold of any (what farmers call) "old pony hay". It means it's about two years old, so with a quick soak is ideal for laminitics without you needing to soak the life out of it.

or try a hay replacement such as Hi Fi.
 
I always though that if you just hose the hay off then you will actually enlarge spores - so making it worse for neddies with respiratory problems. I have never liked the idea of soaking for long periods of time - and I soak for about 15 - 20 minutes.

TBH I think hay soaking is one of those mystical things where everyone has a different view of how it should be done
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top