What is hay? | Q & A

Hay is a type of livestock feed composed of dried grasses and other herbaceous plants. It is harvested and stored to provide food for animals, particularly during periods when fresh pasture is not available, such as winter or dry seasons. Here are key points about hay:

Types of Hay

1. Grass Hay:

   • Examples: Timothy, Bermuda, Fescue, Orchardgrass, Ryegrass.
   • Characteristics: Generally lower in protein but high in fiber, making it suitable for many types of livestock, including horses and cattle.

2. Legume Hay:

   • Examples: Alfalfa, Clover, Soybean, Lespedeza.
   • Characteristics: Higher in protein and calcium compared to grass hay. Often used for dairy cattle, goats, and other animals requiring more protein.

3. Cereal Grain Hay:

   • Examples: Oat hay, Barley hay, Wheat hay.
   • Characteristics: Made from the stems and leaves of cereal crops, often harvested before the grains fully mature.

Harvesting and Production

1. Growth Stage:

   • Optimal Time: Harvesting hay at the correct stage of growth is crucial. For grasses, the best time is often just before or at early heading. For legumes, it is usually at early bloom.

2. Mowing:

   • Cutting: The first step is mowing the grass or legumes. This is usually done with a mower or mower-conditioner.

3. Drying (Curing):

   • Field Drying: After cutting, the hay is left in the field to dry. Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and spoilage.
   • Turning: Hay may be turned or tedded to ensure even drying and to speed up the process.

4. Raking:

   • Windrows: Once sufficiently dried, the hay is raked into windrows, which are rows of hay ready for baling.

5. Baling:

   • Baling Process: The dried hay is collected and compressed into bales using a baler. Bales can be small square, large square, or round.

6. Storage:

   • Protection from Elements: Proper storage in barns or under covers is essential to protect hay from moisture and sunlight, which can degrade its quality.

Nutritional Value

• Protein: Legume hays like alfalfa are high in protein, which is important for growth and milk production in livestock.
• Fiber: Grass hays are high in fiber, aiding in the digestive health of animals.
• Minerals: Hay also provides essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, although the exact composition can vary based on the type of plants and the soil they were grown in.

Uses of Hay

1. Animal Feed:

   • Livestock: Primarily used to feed horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and other herbivores.
   • Nutrition: Provides essential nutrients and fiber, particularly important during times when pasture is not available.

2. Bedding:

   • Absorbency: Hay is sometimes used as bedding material for animals due to its absorbent properties.

3. Erosion Control:

   • Soil Conservation: Hay bales can be used in erosion control projects to stabilize soil and prevent runoff.

Considerations for Quality Hay

1. Moisture Content: Ideally, hay should be baled with a moisture content of 15-20% to prevent mold growth.
2. Color: Good-quality hay is usually green, indicating that it was dried properly and retains its nutrients.
3. Texture: It should be free from excessive dust, mold, and foreign materials.
4. Smell: Fresh hay should have a pleasant, sweet smell; musty or moldy odors indicate spoilage.

Hay is a vital component in agricultural practices, ensuring that livestock have a reliable source of nutrition year-round.