b'Vet continued from page 5horses. This hay is sometimes referred to as coastalhay is supreme for young livestock consumption if cut atquality decreases after the second cutting, so the second hay and is a shorter plant with fine blades of grass. It isthe perfect time when the oats bloom. Oats are primarilycutting is usually the best to feed.Because timothy lower in protein than some other grasses, so you mustfound growing in a cool temperature climate and theis so sensitive to high temperatures, a majority of it is ensure a horse is getting enough protein in their diet iftop three oat-producing states are South Dakota, Northgrown in the northeastern, northwestern, and upper this is their only forage but Bermuda grass provides aDakota, and Wisconsin. Oat hay has thicker, tougherMidwestern states.good source of forage for horses. Bermuda is typicallystalks than the other options available (which some the cheapest grass hay you can purchase for a horse.horses wont eat). It is hardy hay and seems to take aTriticaleIts pretty similar, nutritionally, to Timothy hay. Somewhile for them to eat. It can be higher in sugar and is notTriticale is a hybrid of rye and wheat hay. The reason this people blame poorer quality versions for impaction colic,a good option for insulin resisting animals. mix came about was that wheat has many advantages but good quality Bermuda is very digestible and safe.to it and rye can thrive in many different climate When in doubt, be sure to discuss feeding this hay withOrchardgrass conditions, so it was in the best interest to cross the your vet. This is good flavored hay & generally animalsOrchardgrass is slowly becoming a class favorite fortwo. Triticale is a very high versatility feedstuff used for like the taste of it. the hay to feed your horses. Orchardgrass has a goodnot only hay but also for silage and grazing livestock. flavor and is considered to be high in fiber. It has a highTriticale has recently been gaining interest in the horse Clover nutrient content with a high protein and higher caloriemarket due to its added nutritional value. A majority Whencontent when compared to timothy. Orchardgrass hay isof triticale is grown in the West Coast regions and the dried,it is not sensitive to the time it needs to be cut in regardscentral Great Plains.cloverto nutrient content. Looking at orchard grass vs. alfalfa hayhay, orchard grass falls short and is not quite as richDigestive tracts must adjust to the different types of doesntwith nutrients. Orchardgrass is found from the Atlanticfeed. When changing an animals diet, do it gradually preservecoast to the Pacific coast and from Maine to the Gulfespecially when changing from a grass to a legume. the greenCoast states. It is adaptable to the high-rainfall areasStart by mixing the two hay types for several feedings, color andof the western mountains as well as irrigated regionsadding more of the new hay in each subsequent feeding. becomes dry- throughout the West. Changing to legume hay suddenly can make an animal looking. This issick, or cause a ruminant animal to bloat. Changing normal. Clover is often mixed with grassTimothy Hay from grass hay to alfalfa all at once can change the hay and comes in red, white, crimson, alsike, and ladino.Timothy is a type of grass hay, mainly for the horseenvironment in the rumen of cattle, sheep, and goats and Be aware when you feed clover hay that if it becomesmarket. It is a high energy, high fiber, low calcium, andin the cecum of a horse (because of the shift in pHthe damp, the mold can make horses very sick. low protein feedstuff making it very easy for livestockacid/base balance). This can disrupt the microbes that to digest. Since it has low protein levels it is used as ahelp the animals digest their feed.Oat Hay filler to satisfy appetite without adding excess calories. Oat hay is full of benefits. Oats can be used in a varietyIt tends to be on the more expensive side but is highFor the best mix of hay for your horse, consult a of ways, but oats are one of the most under-used, andin nutrients for aged animals, lactating mares, andveterinarian specializing in nutrition, or an equine they can grow during cool spring and fall weathergrowing young. Timothy must be harvested in the prenutritionist. They know what hay varieties are available when the moisture in the soil is used most efficiently toor early-bloom stage to ensure a high nutrient content.in your area and can recommend a type to suit your produce forage. It grows quickly and has good value. OatThe first cutting usually has higher weed content, andneeds and your horses nutritional value. ArizonaRealCountry.com January 2022 7'