Hay

[Wendy Milner <wendy@wendy.cnd.hp.com>]

Linda said:
>I'm interested in some facts about different types of hay. I have =
>always thought that a good quality grass hay, fed free choice, is a =
>reasonably good option for most horses. Since I moved to NJ it seems all =
>I hear is timothy hay is  much better for them.

"Hay" comes in two basic forms: grass and legume.  The legume type
in the U.S. is generally alfalfa.  The grass type comes in many 
different varieties, generally based on where you live.  In my
area I can get a mix of timothy, brome, orchard, and "North Park"
which is in itself a mixture that comes from the North Park area
of the state. Each type of grass hay has a different texture, some
being a leafier and other being a stemmier grass.  The hay will have
a different mineral mix based on the ground on which it was grown.

If the hay is clean, free of dust and molds, and baled properly, not to
wet nor dry, then you should not worry too much on what variety is
available in your area.  As long as the horse eats it, you'll be
doing fine.

You can look up the various nutritional elements of each type of hay
in books such as Nutritional Requirements of Horses, Heines.

--
Wendy

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  Wendy Milner                     HPDesk:   wendy_milner@hp4000
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