Pearce Pastures
Barn Babe
I have a chance to get bales FREE alfalfa/ grass blend that were a first cutting from last year. What do you all think? A later cutting would probably be nicer but would the nutrients be degraded too much? Hmmm......
Free hay question...age effect on quality
- Thread starter Pearce Pastures
- Start date
ksalvagno
Alpaca Master
Depends on how they were stored. I just gave 2010 grass hay to a rescue. The only reason I gave it to them is that I have downsized goats and just can't use all the hay that I have. While the quality of nutrients does go down, it can still be nutritious for them. My goats were eating the 2010 hay up until it was taken away and they were doing fine. But my hay is stored in a hay loft, cut side up.
You can feed it to your animals if you choose. I would suggest to keep in mind that because they may eat it doesn't mean you are meeting all their nutritional needs through this 'old' hay. There is nothing wrong with filling their rumens with this hay as long as you meet their needs in another manner. Although, I personally do not feed alfalfa because my research has shown alfalfa to be a detriment to health.
Nutrients start to break down the minute the grass/alfalfa is cut. I would surmise that last year's hay (2011) from first cutting would be devoid a good amount of nutrients.
With the above being stated there is a way to KNOW if the hay has any nutrient value; have it tested.
Most hay makers do not know how to make hay and say "It's good hay---just look at the color." Or, 'it's never been rained on and stored in a dry place." Color, no rain, and stored in a barn are great features but this tells you nothing of the value of hay. It's like eating 'something' in a pretty wrapper and saying this is good for you.
Free roughage is always a good find---if the gas money isn't too high to pick it up!
Nutrients start to break down the minute the grass/alfalfa is cut. I would surmise that last year's hay (2011) from first cutting would be devoid a good amount of nutrients.
With the above being stated there is a way to KNOW if the hay has any nutrient value; have it tested.
Most hay makers do not know how to make hay and say "It's good hay---just look at the color." Or, 'it's never been rained on and stored in a dry place." Color, no rain, and stored in a barn are great features but this tells you nothing of the value of hay. It's like eating 'something' in a pretty wrapper and saying this is good for you.
Free roughage is always a good find---if the gas money isn't too high to pick it up!
- Thread starter
- #5
Pearce Pastures
Barn Babe
Thanks for the feedback. I sort of figured it has to be less nutritious that fresher stuff, as with any plant food. I will go ahead and take it (they are 20 minutes from my house and it has been stored well) but my goats are on browse now too in addition to minerals and grain ration so it sounds like a nice find. I don't think I would be likely to spend the money to have it tested given I am quite small scale at this point but where would one have something like that done and do you have an estimate on what it runs?
sawfish99
Loving the herd life
If it's not moldy or extremely dusty, I would take as much as you can get. It's FREE.
SarahFair
Overrun with beasties
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x2sawfish99 said:
