Pig throwing up

[farmerjan]

Just as an afterthought. We get some mold in the large round bales of hay we make. It is inevitable that some spots may not be as dry as they should be or even look to be. We have used moldy hay as bedding in the past, but mostly we roll it out for the cows in the winter. They can lay on it and some do nose through it and maybe even eat some but it is more for insulation on the cold and wet ground. I honestly think it is the "alfalfa hay " more than the "moldy hay" . What I mean is they may have been more affected from the mold being in the alfalfa hay than if it had been in just grass hay. Alfalfa is a good feed, but must be fed with care.

It is good to hear they seem to be doing better. We did have some pigs that were throwing up and they did have worms years ago, so a worming probably wouldn't hurt.

 

[misfitmorgan]

Just as an afterthought. We get some mold in the large round bales of hay we make. It is inevitable that some spots may not be as dry as they should be or even look to be. We have used moldy hay as bedding in the past, but mostly we roll it out for the cows in the winter. They can lay on it and some do nose through it and maybe even eat some but it is more for insulation on the cold and wet ground. I honestly think it is the "alfalfa hay " more than the "moldy hay" . What I mean is they may have been more affected from the mold being in the alfalfa hay than if it had been in just grass hay. Alfalfa is a good feed, but must be fed with care.

It is good to hear they seem to be doing better. We did have some pigs that were throwing up and they did have worms years ago, so a worming probably wouldn't hurt.

Good point, i didnt think about the mold on alfalfa vs grass. I do know when our alfalfa goes moldy iT is a whole different beast then the grass hay mold. The grass hay mostly will mold on the outside generally when the moisture in the air or a roof leak or something gets on it, the alfalfa we have had molds in large spots in the middle of the bales.

 

[farmerjan]

Yes, @misfit I think it is actually a different mold spore that gets into the alfalfa and it may be more toxic. We don't make alfalfa hay because of the tighter timing and most all our hay ground being rented. We have more sales for the orchard grass, so we just buy what alfalfa we need from a friend that makes it. He's closeby, we bring the wagons home and get them unloaded in a couple of days and take the wagons back. We only use 150-200 bales a year between my nurse cows and Michael's sheep. We sell 2-3000 sq bales of orchard grass and the timing to make it is much more forgiving. The alfalfa needs to be made at 10% or less of bloom and with both of us working, sometimes it just isn't possible. He makes good alfalfa hay, we get 2nd or 3rd cutting, it works for us. It costs about 6.00 bale and we get 4.50 to 6.00 for the orchard grass depending on whether we deliver it. So it is worth it.

 

[misfitmorgan]

I agree on the sales. Our grass hay always sold easier and faster then when we had alfalfa.

 

[Farmer Connie]

I apoligize I don't log in as much as I wish I could/should. Wearing myself a tad bit thin. I wish I could anchor myself in one said place but I'm a little in over my head time factor wise. It hurts me in the long run by not being able to grow a positive root system by following TEG/BYH/BYC simultaneously.. but still no regrets. Each community has helped me become a better person with all the different personalities I have come across as well as the friends I have made. I should have more time come spring to grow my roots within the BYH community. Pig season has ended & my Buck was put down. I will be in the garden and in slow-mode in 3 months or so. I look fwd to becoming deeper rooted..
Until then.. Happy Holidays... And may your health's be good and our freezer space be challenged!

 

[Farmer-Brown]

Same to you @Farmer Connie