ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: Bearded wheat hay

Re: Bearded wheat hay

Caughey Family (caughey@merredin.agn.net.au)
Sun, 26 Oct 1997 12:18:18 +0800

Here in Australia, where my family are primarily wheat farmers, I get the
opportunity to grow, cut and bale my own hay. We only make wheaten hay and
I would have to disagree with Susan regarding whether horses like it or
not. My horses actually prefer it over oaten hay and if I were to present
them with meadow (grassy, weedy) hay, they would turn there noses up. The
protein value really depends on when it was cut and if it were cut while
still quite green but the grains were fully formed, the protein value can
be quite high. As for the 'bearded' issue, this can be a rather big
problem for the wheat heads sticking in and generally damaging the horses
mouths. We personally only grow non bearded wheat for haymaking purposes.

Kate
B A Flats, Nokaning
Merredin, Western Australia

----------
> I have a supplier that has some 'bearded wheat hay'. I've never heard of
> it. Does anybody have any comments or experiences with this hay? I'm
most
> interested in finding out the protein content, as well as if the horses
> will have any trouble digesting it (will the seeds stick in their
> gums?)...the Ca/P ratios, etc.
>
> Another question: Do any of you vary or change your feeding program
during
> the winter?
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Karen
> in Gardnerville
> & Weaver
> & Rocky
>
> ------------------------------

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