What is the best kind of horse?

What is Timothy hay for horses?

Timothy hay was one of the first grass hays developed for horses and has higher nutrients than other grass hays available. The second cutting of timothy grass hay has the best nutritional content because it will be lower in weeds than the first cutting and have more protein than the third cutting, which may be harvested post boom.

How to tell if your horse hay is high quality?

One thing we can all agree on is this: horses need high-quality hay that’s free from dust, mold and foreign matter. Getting your hay tested regularly (every few months or so) by your local agricultural extension is the best way to determine its quality.

What is the difference between Timothy hay and alfalfa hay?

Timothy and Alfalfa hay have different nutrient values. Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high protein diet. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so it’s generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners.

What stage of hay is Timothy hay?

For timothy, the early-cut stage would be considered the early head stage. Like all forages fed to horses, timothy hay should be free of mold, dust, and weeds.

Where does timothy hay come from?

Most growing regions that are well known for producing Timothy hay are found at the base of a major mountain range, where winds coming off the mountains dry cut hay before sun bleach sets in. Timothy hay is used most often as cattle and horse feed. Its low protein, high fiber, and high energy content make it easily digestible.

Should I buy the first or second cutting of timothy hay?

Horsemen often have to decide if they should purchase the first or second cutting of timothy hay for their horses. Many believe that the nutritional quality of first-cutting timothy hay is inferior to the second cutting.

How do I choose the right Hay?

· Choose hay that is as fine-stemmed, green and leafy as possible, and is soft to the touch. · Avoid hay that is overcured, excessively sun-bleached or smells moldy, musty, dusty or fermented. · Examine the leaves, stems and flowers or seed pods to determine the level of maturity.

Can you feed timothy hay to horses?

Like all forages fed to horses, timothy hay should be free of mold, dust, and weeds. Timothy hay is appropriate for all classes of horses, including young, growing horses. Through consultation with an equine nutritionist, horse owners can determine how best to include timothy into the diets of horses.

Is Timothy hay the same as alfalfa hay?

Timothy is a type of grass hay. So is Orchard, Bermuda, Coastal, etc. Alfalfa is a type of Legume hay. Along with Clover and some others.

What is the difference between Timothy hay and co-coastal hay?

Coastal hay is normally just the native grasses that has been cut, dried and baled. Timothy is a grass that is generally fed to horses. Alfalfa is a legume that generally has good feed value. At times alfalfa can actually be to high in protein and feeding to much alfalfa to horse can be bad for them. Protein and digestibility of it and energy.

What is the difference between bromegrass and timothy hay?

The nutritional content in Bromegrass is lower, but the difference is nominal compared to the third cutting of Timothy hay. Bromegrass has about 13-15% protein. Brome grass has high fiber and requires more chewing than other grasses. It is ideal for weight management.

Is Timothy hay suitable for young horses?

Timothy hay is appropriate for all classes of horses, including young, growing horses. Through consultation with an equine nutritionist, horse owners can determine how best to include timothy into the diets of horses. Need feeding advice?

What determines the quality of timothy hay?

While timothy hay quality is influenced by many factors, including plant variety, weather conditions during growth and harvest, and day length, it is the stage of plant maturity that really dictates nutritional quality. First or second cutting doesn’t provide much information about plant maturity and thus, quality.

Which cut of timothy grass hay has the best nutritional content?

The second cutting of timothy grass hay has the best nutritional content because it will be lower in weeds than the first cutting and have more protein than the third cutting, which may be harvested post boom. Timothy grass is a cool-weather grass. It varies more in price between the first, second, and third cuttings.

What animals eat timothy hay?

Around the world, many types of livestock utilize Timothy as part of their feed regimen including horses, cattle, goats, camels, and sheep. Small animals also benefit from the high fiber levels of timothy hay.

Can I buy timothy hay for rabbits or guinea pigs?

We have Big Timothy hay bales for sale. Our hay is nutritive and best for your live stock. It is the best hay for horses and other live stocks not producing milk. Thus you can buy Timothy Hay for rabbits or Timothy hay for guinea pigs. Timothy hay is more expensive than other grass hay due to its nutritive value.

What is the best hay for horses not producing milk?

It is the best hay for horses and other live stocks not producing milk. Thus you can buy Timothy Hay for rabbits or Timothy hay for guinea pigs. Timothy hay is more expensive than other grass hay due to its nutritive value.

What is Timothy hay?

What probably started as “Timothy’s” hay was eventually called timothy grass by 1736 and just plain “timothy” by 1747. Timothy is a race horse delicacy and the best race horses are rewarded with the best timothy.

What is the best cut of hay to feed a horse?

The first cutting usually has a higher weed content, and quality decreases after the second cutting, so the second cutting is usually the best to feed. Other cool grass hays with similar nutritional characteristics are orchardgrass and bromegrass which is predominate in the north central United States. (Right: Timothy Hay)

What determines the value of hay?

The value of hay is determined by the composition of nutrients in the hay rather than the hay’s appearance. The closer the nutrient composition of the hay matches the requirements of the horse being fed, the fewer supplements needed and the more economical the total ration. Traditional Selection Criteria

How can you tell if Hay is good quality?

Good hay is a pale green to pale gold in colour. If it looks dull and brown there’s a good chance it copped rain while drying. If it’s really golden, it may have been too dry when cut. The best area to assess colour is in the heart of a bale, not the outside, which can bleach out in daylight.

Can timothy hay be planted with legumes?

Hay producers have found that timothy sometimes grows better when planted with a legume, and this could be due to the ability of legume plants to transform atmospheric nitrogen into fixed nitrogen, which then can be used by plants. Like most grasses and legumes, early-cut timothy hay provides more energy and protein than late-cut hay.