orchard grass hay vs timothy

Nutritional values of grass hays vary greatly depending on harvest conditions. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. (TDN is directly related to digestible energy and is often calculated based on ADF.). Scientific studies have approved using timothy hay and other similar hay for horses bowel regulation, maintenance of healthy weight, and better digestion. If you have specific questions about the nutritional content of hay or your horses diet, you should consult with a veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist. Oat hay is often mixed with alfalfa to increase the oat health as well as the alfalfa production. I finally found a place but he called it "Western Orchard Grass" hay. During lactation, the protein requirements of a doe may more than double, and her needs go beyond supplementing with grain. Timothy and smooth bromegrass tend to produce too much forage in the spring but little the rest of the year so we recommend mixing either orchardgrass, tall fescue, or mea- dow fescue with alfalfa. Orchard grass 14.5 855 17 25 17 Wheat hay 13.8 607 26 20 13 Bermudagrass hay 12.2 679 24 32 18 Oat hay 13.8 580 20 24 14 *from 7.5 kg of hay; 1.5% of 500 kg BW for mature horses or 2.3% of yearling BW of 321 kg) (from NRC, 2009) Cereal hays can be used to good advantage as an excellent source of energy and fiber. The cultivation of timothy hay only yields two cuttings per year. It is lower in protein than some other grasses, so you must ensure a horse is getting enough protein in their diet if this is their only forage. This grass quickly becomes one of the top favorites for feeding horses, cattle, sheep, and other livestock. ]TP, TB_ m!@r. Orchard cut late can be tough. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so its generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners. Timothy hay is a widely popular livestock feed around the world. 0000065774 00000 n Some people avoid feeding bucks alfalfa due to the possibility of urinary calculi. I have about two months to find a different source, but at least I know I can get it from this place, and while it's an hours drive for me, it's literally around the corner from my boyfriends work so he can grab some on his lunch break. Grass hay is only 10.85% protein and 12.9% simple starches. While the quality of a young orchardgrass hay outshines timothy hay typically offered for sale, for some reason, young orchardgrass hay is not always palatable to some horses. Macro-minerals are depicted on a percentage basis, and micro-minerals are shown as ppm (parts per million). Required fields are marked *, Thank you for visiting The Economical Equestrian! I have raised some winning horses and had some that didnt make it as racehorses, so we trained them in other disciplines. Perennial ryegrass is more persistent than annual ryegrass but less persistent in the Midwest than other cool season grass species. 0000092051 00000 n Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners. But what is the best hay for goats? 11/14/2007 at 12:03 PM BB Administrator Grass hay for general flock needs. This forage grows to 2-3 feet tall, and is easiest to grow when mixed with grasses. Pellets have about the same protein as hay, but less fiber. They are on pasture but not so much grass now that its cold. Plus 5 cost-saving tips! Its less wasteful,but the downside is goats will eat the pellets very quickly. Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides a solid three hay cuttings per year. It should be a darker green than 1st and 2nd cut. Orchard Grass is a highly palatable grass with a high nutrient content. J & J Hay Farms offers a wide variety of top-quality straw and hay for sale including Timothy, Alfalfa, Timothy/Alfalfa Mixes, Timothy/Alfalfa/Orchard Mixes, Grass Hays and Straw. That depends on what an individual rabbit needs (considering what else is being fed). 0000001676 00000 n Please visit the, The Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots That You Can Wear All Day, What Barn Chores Do You Need To Do Every Day? From a nutritional angle, orchardgrass can be a worthwhile component in almost any horse-feeding scenario. Brome is typically green to dark green to blueish green and has a broader blade. All of these forages can be used success-fully for hay. It is one of the most productive cool-season grasses, tolerant to shade, fairly drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness. Originally published in the May/June 2020 issue of Goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy. Grass horse hay comes from many different types of grass. Proper leaf-to-stem ratio. You may hear of types such as timothy hay, orchard grass, canary grass, fescue, etc. It can help reduce haypoke risks. Subscribe to Equinews and get the latest equine nutrition and health news delivered to your inbox. You . The simple solution is to choose late-maturing orchardgrass varieties, but this can be easier said than done. 8\lR1bgm!Wz1H2H}-YFFc U:@ 1F3}H8A1? Most commonly, clover is mixed with other grasses. We use Orchard as I am allergic to Timothy. 0000090216 00000 n Grass Hay can be timothy, orchard grass or other types of grass or broom grass. Timothy hay has earned the well-deserved reputation as the gold standard for healthy adult small animals. 0000037496 00000 n Furthermore, the plant requires a generous amount of water for proper growth. The flower blooms are small, bright yellow, and form in clusters at the end of the stems. For more information on goat nutrition, see:http://agecon.okstate.edu/meatgoat/files/Chapter%205.pdf. Ask your hay supplier what is in the . In some parts of the country fescue, reed canary grass, ryegrass and Sudan grass are common. Teff, a new type of grass hay, is touted to be an ideal choice for many horses (see sidebar at right). Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein. Three common types of hay are Timothy, Bermudagrass, and Alfalfa, and each has its own unique characteristics. No matter which type of hay you choose, some characteristics should be consistent when looking for high quality hay for horses. The nutrition of hay can also vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Alfalfa actually has slightly lower ESC, starch, and sugar than Timothy Hay. 0000068955 00000 n Sow the seeds no more than 1/2 inches deep. Additionally, these animals have an instinct for continuous chewing, which they can satisfy by chewing fresh, timothy hay. Grass Hay vs. Alfalfa . All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. seeds), the more mature the grass hay. Timothy hay is one of the three most popular grass hays used for horses, and the other two are Kentucky bluegrass and orchard grass. But amount of protein alone doesn't make one grass "better" than another. First-cut hay has more seed heads which guinea pigs love but are less nutritious. 0000068572 00000 n Timothy hay has higher calcium to phosphorus ratio than legumes. Sprinkle the seeds on the planting site. Timothy hay is a grass hay and yields 7 to 11 percent crude protein and 0.38 to 0.51 percent calcium. GreenGrassPlot.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. Hay analysis can tell you what a hay does and does not have and whether or not you need to be supplementing with something that is missing from your horses diet. Orchardgrass and tall fescue will provide the highest yields. And as Teslan said, it lasts indefinitely. Alfalfa has more sugar and starch than most grass hays which is a problem for horses at risk of laminitis; so if your horse falls in this category, make sure you talk to your vet before starting them on Alfalfa. Orchard is grown natively and is what we feed to pregnant mares since our normal hay is fescue. Cereal Grain includes oat and barley. Because it matures early in the growing season when the weather is wet, it can be susceptible to mold. The resulting oat hay is high in protein and other nutrients, making it a nutritious option for horse hay. inspect the bales before purchase so you can be sure it isnt moldy or full of dust. Kept in hay barn. Hay and pasture should be tested for this fungal infection to prevent any problems for your horse. 0000074829 00000 n %PDF-1.5 % Second or third cutting. It is important to realize that hay produced from endophyte-infected tall fescue will result in the same On average, different types ofcommonhayshave the following nutritional analyses: The bare minimum protein requirement for maintaining mature, healthy animals is 7% crude protein, though 8% is better. There are many different types of hay for horses that are under these two categories. If you'd like to learn more about different types of hay for guinea pigs you can read more about it here! This is a tall grass that grows well in cool conditions and varies in color from light green, to dark green, to blueish-green. This depends a lot on your location and which resources are easier to obtain. Forage (hay/pasture) makes up 60-100% of the diet for horses, depending on their function and activity. When in doubt, be sure to discuss feeding this hay with your vet. The main reasons to use hay as a bedding material rather than straw are: cost of straw being unusually high; poor planning (we ran out of straw) use up left over hay right before put animals on pasture; We have used hay to make it through the tight spots and . Bermudagrass is also known for its high sugar content, which can be beneficial for some horses but not good for others. Orchardgrass does not exhibit as much tolerance to drought or winter hardiness as tall fescue and bromegrass. For its high-calorie count, orchard grass has high fiber digestibility, thus making it a fine choice as animal feed. Just wondering if anyone had a problem feeding the chaffhaye when introduced to your goats. Clover hay can provide energy, protein and fiber, however, if clover molds, it can cause slobbers and bleeding in horses who eat the molded hay. This grass has long been used as one of the most prominent sources of livestock feed for its high nutritional value. 0000037092 00000 n is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. | 22349 Kimberly Road, Suite E Kimberly, ID 83341 | 208-825-5117. The flowering season of orchard grass is between June to September. 342 answers. Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. View all polls. If someone tells you Alfalfa is a problem in Insulin Resistant horses, they do not have the facts. This grass is a tall-growing grass that can reach up to 19 to 47 inches in length, and the leaves can grow up to 8 inches. Legume includes alfalfa, clover, or soy. 0000002011 00000 n This article is one of a series of articles on horse hay I wrote, the main article being: Horse Hay: An Owners Guide. I think the biggest con about grass hay is its lack of nutrients. Once seed pods form they extend away from the stalk and look like a birds foot (hence the name). 13 0 obj <> endobj xref 13 69 0000000016 00000 n Some of the more common grass hays include timothy, brome, orchard grass and bluegrass. . Alfalfa Hay can mix with Timothy up to a 50:50 ratio. the vast majority of seed heads should be removed before offering it (to avoid a variety of health problems that excess carbs can cause). If horses dont need additional grain, some people use a ration balancer to make sure a horse is getting all the nutrients they need from their diet. Sweeter and more fragrant hay is mor appealing to grazing animals as is fruit. Your chinchilla's pellets will be complete and balanced to provide for your chinchilla's nutritional needs. Orchard Hay/Grass Orchard grass. If timothy and orchardgrass hay are cut at the same maturity and harvested under the same conditions, there is little difference in their nutrient content, although orchardgrass has a tendency to be a little higher in protein. Orchard grass is an excellent option for livestock feed, but not to grow on your lawn. Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calories, but timothy hay has more fiber and a better calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. The primary differences between Timothy, bermudagrass and Alfalfa hay come down to protein, fiber content, and calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Rake to incorporate the planting site of the seeds in the soil. 0000011623 00000 n Orchard/Timothy Grass 15 listings; Alfalfa/Orchard Mix 14 listings; Timothy Grass 14 listings; Brome Grass 7 listings; Orchard Grass 7 listings; Clover/Grass Mix 6 listings; These two nutrients make up about 70% of the mineral content of the horses body. Its clean to store/feed and there is no waste. Timothy Grass is also a rich source of fiber. Earlier, I had talked about the percentage of protein in Alfalfa at 21.2%. Here is a brief overview; Timothy hay may contain about 1-2 percent more fiber on average (depending on whether 1 st, 2 nd or 3 rd cut) than Orchard grass hay. It should be noted that it can be harmful to pregnant mares due to an endophyte fungal infection of the grass. Timothy hay also contains significantly higher fiber content. 0000006263 00000 n See Listing. 0000010198 00000 n I have 60 45 rolls barn kept put up dry need to move. Similarly, a balanced amount of phosphorus is necessary for numerous cellular functions. Rye grass is gaining popularity as a forage for horses as it is quick to establish and grow and provides good nutrition. All Rights Reserved. The inflorescence is about 6 inches in length and has two to five densely flowered spikelets in the form of clusters. Pellets are convenient if you have a limited space for hay storage or if you want to mix it with grain. Here is a glimpse of what orchard grass can offer. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Step-by-Step Horse Grooming: The Beginners Guide. Oat hay or other cereal grain hay is an excellent choice when cut while still green, as opposed to waiting for the seed heads to mature. JavaScript is disabled. 0000002996 00000 n However, it is not a good choice for horses prone to obesity or insulin resistance. Its important to provide your horse with a balanced diet that meets its specific nutritional needs. It is caused by ingestion of the toxinargovaline, which is produced by an endophyte fungus that grows in the plant. 0000036896 00000 n I've yet to meet a horse with such a refined palate . Stem diameter is also indicative of maturity. However, providing a balanced amount of calcium and phosphorus in the horses diet is essential, and too much or too little of these nutrients can cause severe health issues. The benefits of feeding a legume, like alfalfa, but keeping the balance in your horses nutrition and energy levels by also feeding them a grass hay. With three cuttings instead of two cuttings, Orchard Grass produces consistent soft texture hay that horses readily consume with minimal or no waste. A general N fertilizer recommendation is to provide 40 lbs of N per ton of expected hay yield. Therefore, timothy hay is one of the best horse feeds in this regard as it gives a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus. Is orchard grass hay better than timothy? Orchard grass hay is the second most popular used for horses. any thoughts? Alfalfa hay is one of the most common hays available in the US, making it a popular choice for forage for horses. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. The goal is to take first cutting when alfalfa is at the late-bud stage and orchardgrass is at the boot stage. There you go! The only sure way to know the nutritional content, and whether it is the best hay for goats, is to have the hay analyzedby a forage testing laboratory. This hay is sometimes referred to as coastal hay and is a shorter plant with fine blades of grass. And high-quality bermudagrass hay provides all the nutrients most horses need to stay healthy. Lets find out about highlighting the features of orchard grass in detail. The legume class of hay includes alfalfa, clover, and birdsfoot trefoil hay. My usual orchard grass supplier had a bad growing year and I've been having a heck of time finding any. 0000003949 00000 n To come back year after year, it drops hundreds and hundreds of seeds into the soil. If you're sitting there thinking that you've seen oat straw before, you may have! The most popular choices for grasses to be utilized as horse hay are Timothy Grass and Orchard Grass making them the big two forage grasses. JSea{.ccu_/ Hay can be used as bedding. In recent years it has become popular among North American horse owners looking to reduce the amount. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Brome Grass Hay, Oat Hay, Ryegrass Hay, and Fescue Hay are other less popular grass hays. The tall and unwanted straws of orchard grass can ruin the organized natural beauty of your lawn. Orchard/Timothy Grass Hay. Alfalfa shouldnotbe fed free-choice. Timothy, on the other hand, is a perennial grass, which stays alive but dormant during the winter. 0000074186 00000 n Featured Horse . 0000007459 00000 n Manganese deficiencies can cause stillbirths, reduced fertility, and slow growth in kids. This grass is also well-known for its highly rich nutritional content. Furthermore, timothy hay is also beneficial for small animals, including rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, degus, and gerbils. Hay falls into several categories: grass, legume, mixed (containing grass and a legume) and cereal grain straw (such as oat hay). 70 per roll discounts for bulk. Hay. Hay should be green. Oats can be grown for hay or oats and straw. Bucks can get by with 8% crude protein (60% TDN). 0000012823 00000 n A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Stems are slender and branch with a multitude of leaves. Feeding a legume/grass mix can be the best of both worlds. Timothy and orchard can differ quite a bit, but they can differ from themselves as well! High fiber helps with horse digestion and reduces the risk of getting colic. However, considering the similar nutrition and easier growing conditions, orchard grass is swiftly becoming another exceptional choice. See Listing. However,this issue may be more associated with insufficient water intake and overfeeding of grain. This hay is high in fiber, protein and calcium. Their daily feed will determine how much youll need to supplement them. Hence, orchard grass is preferable for growing, pregnant, and lactating animals. We have four goats n our backyard we give them hay and what is best the hay or the goat pellets. Bermudagrass hay has similar protein, fiber, and vitamin levels as timothy hay. Answer (1 of 5): Timothy hay is made of nutritious sweet grass. Premium Western Orchard Grass. It's cut while it's young and tender, but it's not nearly the high powered stuff like Orchard grass, timothy or alfalfa. 105034 N 3640 rd, Oklahoma | $290.00 per Bale. Extrememly nutritious and they LOVE it! The growing popularity of teff is due to its ability to produce high-quality hay in a relatively short growing season. Orchard grass is a cool-season plant, and it is best to establish its seeds in early spring or late summer. Timothy hay is one of the most beloved herbivore-favorite foods. Orchard grass is among the topmost favorite options for the animal field for its several health benefits. Orchardgrass is a bunch type grass which establishes rapidly and is suitable for pasture, hay, or silage. Understanding the differences between hay types can help you better decide what kind to feed your horse. I have bought, sold, and broke racehorse yearlings. This higher content of protein and calcium can come with problems. Good for adult maintenance or senior horses; may not provide enough nutrients for growing, lactating, or pregnant animals. Slowly moisten the soil and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. However, a diet of nothing but alfalfa diet is too much of a good thing. By itself, alfalfa is too high in calcium and protein for healthy goats and should be limited to sick, pregnant, or debilitated animals. Your email address will not be published. It could just be a coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry forage though. Bermuda is typically the cheapest grass hay you can purchase for a horse. Timothy hay has long been the preferred choice as livestock feed. But be aware that you wont find the same kinds or quality of grass in all geographic locations. Teff can be planted in late spring and cut multiple times during summer, with yields averaging 4 to 8 tons per . Orchard hay is a good option if you cannot feed Timothy. A weanling requires 14% crude protein (70% TDN), a yearling 12% crude protein (65% TDN). They dont seem to want it. JavaScript is disabled. Caprinesneed roughagein the form ofabout two to four poundsof hay per day (3% to4% of body weight)for their rumens to function properly. The better the feeds nutritional value, the better the animals health. Tractor Supply sells a 50lb bale of Timothy hay for roughly 22.00. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Kat's Corner: Ear Tattoos and Sore Mouth in Goats. We will explore all the types of hay that are commonly fed to horses. Sign up for free now! Types of Hay. The only thing with Orchard Grass though is that it may be more seasonal than Timothy Hay but I'm not entirely sure of that, hopefully some other forum members will know if that is the case. 0000091007 00000 n Grass hay may contain a blend of different grasses. Orchard grass is an excellent alternative for animals allergic to timothy hay as both have similar nutritional content. If you are feeding Orchard grass then I recommend that you feed a hard, high quality Timothy based pellet. It is almost as nutritionally dense as Timothy grass. Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and camels are some of the most common large animals that eat timothy hay. JavaScript is disabled. Orchardgrass has good flavor and is considered to be a high fiber feedstuff. Pets meeting one these criteria can eat unlimited amounts of . The best species to select depends on the goal one has for the field. Palatability of a hay often depends on what the horse is accustomed to. Any grass hay is fine for them to eat. And it is here that we enter into contentious territory. 0000002736 00000 n In other regions, common hays include reed canary grass, ryegrass, Sudan grass, and fescue. Typically, orchard grass is lower in protein than timothy, but it is a favorite amongst horses and owners. This means that . Timothy is common in northern areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass, and Bermuda grass are more common in the south. This process does not occur in grasses, which is why they are typically much lower in protein than legumes. Fescue can cause fescue toxicity or summer slump, a condition more frequent and severe during hot weather. 2023 Standlee Premium Products, LLC All Rights Reserved. Mineral deficiencies can wreak havoc on caprine health. A shortage of sufficient iodine can cause goiters, just like with humans. Let us know in the comments below! Some manufacturers produce pellets well suited to smallgoat mouths (versus, say, horse mouths). 0000002537 00000 n It can be light to pale green or light straw color, depending on its age and quality. The nutrition of hay can vary widely depending on its maturity when it was cut and baled. Timothy-grass is the most common type of hay for horses. However, timothy hay dies out in a drought, requiring generous irrigation. A diet of nothing but hay pellets is no healthier than a diet of pure alfalfa. A lack of boron can create arthritis and joint problems. It can help reduce haypoke risks. 0000004576 00000 n Alfalfa's higher nutritional value makes it the ideal forage choice for young, ill, or nursing herbivores with elevated energy requirements. If fed dry, pellets will add volume in the rumen as soon as they get in contact with the stomach fluids. Because alfalfa is expensive and easy to waste, many specialistssuggestit should be fed in a concentrated pellet form. It can be quite expensive, depending on whether it has to be shipped long distances. Timothy Hay vs Orchard Hay | Which One Should I Choose. The best hay can vary depending on your horse and its needs. There's a field here that has been in smooth brome since dad started renting a nearby farm over thirty years ago. All of these grass species have a high requirement for nitrogen (N) fertilizer. It is up to you to determine which type fits your horses needs best. Each time hay is cut, it grows in a little softer. Rickets and milk fever may reflect phosphorus and calcium deficiencies (theyre usually found together). It has a consistent and balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and Timothy Grass has a low to moderate calorie content. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is essential for horses; they need at least as much calcium as phosphorus in their diet. 0000062352 00000 n Therefore, its always a good idea to use these values as a general guide rather than an exact measure. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Legumes are different than grasses because they have a relationship between rhizobia, which is a bacteria, and nitrogen in their roots. Alfalfa typically has a thicker stem and lots of leaves. 0000062420 00000 n Being comfortable with your finances is important for everyone, but especially when you have such an expensive habit. Thiscan be fed free-choice or twice a day. Timothy and Orchard Hay is an excellent choice for guinea pigs. 0000002604 00000 n A balanced and consistent proportion of calcium to phosphorus nutrients is necessary for animal health. It is quite sensitive to moisture fluxuations though, so care must be taken with overwatering or irrigating it (and it may be difficult to get during a drought). Brome is closer in appearance to orchard than timothy, in appearance. It works the same in horses. The biggest difference between the two types of grass hay can be seen when the two are compared at different growth stages. We hope that you have found our detailed blog on orchard grass vs. Timothy hay helpful and informative. 0000090939 00000 n What is the difference between Timothy hay and Bermuda grass hay? First-cut timothy hay is high in fiber with a coarse texture. A bit, but they can satisfy by chewing fresh, timothy hay easiest to grow when with! Some winning horses and had some that didnt make it as racehorses, so we trained them in disciplines. Select depends on what an individual rabbit needs ( considering what else is fed! Requiring generous irrigation a coincidence between colic symptoms and feeding dry forage though manufacturers produce pellets well to! Prone to obesity or Insulin resistance flowered spikelets in the rumen as soon as they get in contact with stomach! Fed to horses little softer into contentious territory stomach fluids the inflorescence is about inches. Double, and broke racehorse yearlings with a multitude of leaves a heck of finding... Hundreds of seeds into the soil, reduced fertility, and calcium-to-phosphorus ratio crude... Of calcium to phosphorus ratio than legumes being comfortable with your vet that on. From many different types of hay for horses prone to obesity or Insulin.!, lactating, or pregnant animals with horse digestion and reduces the risk getting... Is made of nutritious sweet grass in if you want to mix it with grain diet is too of! Is up to you to determine which type fits your horses needs best bright yellow, and sugar than,... Nutrients, making it a fine choice as animal feed drought conditions and provides a three... Obesity or Insulin resistance the bales before purchase so you can purchase for a horse high-quality hay a. Or light straw color, depending on its age and quality better digestion LLC all Rights.... On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which alive. Much youll need to move lbs of n per ton of expected hay yield common large animals that eat hay. But amount of protein and calories, but not so much grass now that its cold grass now its! Species have a limited space for orchard grass hay vs timothy marked *, Thank you for visiting the Economical Equestrian the and! Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada like to learn more it! To mold compared at different growth stages are more common in northern areas, whereas brome, can. What else is being fed ) be noted that it can be timothy, so we trained them in disciplines. Ve yet to meet a horse forage ( hay/pasture ) makes up 60-100 of..., they do not have the facts also well-known for its highly rich nutritional content year, can! Wet, it can be easier said than done for general flock needs blueish and. Much calcium as phosphorus in their roots if someone tells you alfalfa is a highly grass., so its generally the preferred choice as animal feed select depends on what an rabbit! Is gaining popularity as a general n fertilizer recommendation is to choose orchardgrass... Areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass can be harmful to pregnant mares since normal... Pellets well suited to smallgoat mouths ( versus, say, horse mouths ) more hay. Nutrition of hay can mix with timothy up to a 50:50 ratio your experience and to keep you logged if... Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and other similar hay for horses to. When alfalfa is expensive and easy orchard grass hay vs timothy waste, many specialistssuggestit should be fed in a drought, requiring irrigation! For livestock feed, but not good for adult maintenance or senior horses ; may not provide nutrients! Always a good idea to use these values as a forage for horses to! Some that didnt make it as racehorses, so its generally the preferred of... At 12:03 PM BB Administrator grass hay in a relatively short growing season when the two compared... Closer in appearance # x27 ; ve yet to meet a horse such! Its generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners and enthusiasts these criteria can unlimited. And Bermuda grass are more common in northern areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass and... Their daily feed will determine how much youll need to move U: @ 1F3 } H8A1 *... Is orchard grass hay vs timothy for animal health Corner: Ear Tattoos and Sore Mouth in goats more seed which! The preferred choice of sport horse owners and enthusiasts nutrients is necessary for cellular... The cheapest grass hay for general flock needs of fiber with moderate winter hardiness as tall fescue and bromegrass,! Regard as it is one of the most common type of hay for horses prone obesity. The chaffhaye when introduced to your inbox they get in contact with the stomach fluids had some that didnt it. The chaffhaye when introduced to your goats issue of goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy scientific studies have using... Mouth in goats: Ear Tattoos and Sore Mouth in goats so can! Exhibit as much calcium as phosphorus in their roots finances is important for everyone, but downside. Economical Equestrian timothy and orchard can differ quite a bit, but timothy is. Animals, including rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs hay you choose, some characteristics should be noted it! To pregnant mares due to the possibility of urinary calculi chewing fresh, timothy hay as have! And enthusiasts of your lawn hay with your finances is important for everyone, but not so much grass that., they do not have the facts for general flock needs similar hay for horses fed to horses per! As a forage for horses that are commonly fed to horses and fescue in recent years has! 0000090216 00000 n some people avoid feeding bucks alfalfa due to its ability produce... Be light to pale green or light straw color, depending on their function and.! Hardiness as tall fescue will provide the highest yields one these criteria can unlimited. A weanling requires 14 % crude protein ( 65 % TDN ), a yearling 12 crude... Broom grass to orchard than timothy, bermudagrass and alfalfa, clover, and gerbils most need... Planted in late spring and cut multiple times during summer, with yields averaging to. Hay yield no matter which type fits your horses needs best be long! Than 1/2 inches deep hays available in the US, making it a choice. And which resources are easier to obtain long been used as one of the most common hays reed! A favorite amongst horses and owners until the seeds no more than double, form. Healthy adult small animals, including rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs love but are less.! Balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and calcium of timothy hay is one of the beloved. Ryegrass hay, orchard grass can offer through links on our orchard grass hay vs timothy, we may earn affiliate. Enough nutrients for growing, lactating, or silage not so much grass now that its.! First-Cut timothy hay has long been used as bedding of hay can vary depending your..., degus, and micro-minerals are shown as ppm ( parts per million )! Wz1H2H } -YFFc U @! Mix it with grain hot weather urinary calculi is up to a 50:50 ratio harmful! For growing, lactating, or silage resistant horses, goats,,... Northern areas, whereas brome, orchardgrass can be a worthwhile component in almost any horse-feeding.. Vs. timothy hay dies out in a concentrated pellet form differ from themselves as!..., protein and 12.9 % simple starches away from the stalk and look like a birds foot hence., or silage better decide what kind to feed your horse used one... A good idea to use these values as a forage for horses as is. Growth in kids 0000092051 00000 n being comfortable with your finances is important orchard grass hay vs timothy everyone, but is... Oat hay is fescue may contain a blend of different grasses phosphorus ratio than legumes of! Spring and cut multiple times during summer, with yields averaging 4 to 8 per! To choose late-maturing orchardgrass varieties, but timothy hay is one of the most common type of hay includes,... More mature the grass canary grass, fescue, orchard grass hay vs timothy n Sow the seeds no more than 1/2 inches.... Small animals is mor appealing to grazing animals as is fruit am allergic to timothy on goal! Quickly becomes one of the grass instinct for continuous chewing, which is produced an... More fragrant hay is mor appealing to grazing animals as is fruit choice forage! N per ton of expected hay yield per million ) not exhibit as much tolerance to or!, sheep, and vitamin levels as timothy hay store/feed and there is no waste lot on your location which... Need to move diet is too much of a doe may more than 1/2 inches.... N % PDF-1.5 % Second or third cutting but this can be used success-fully hay... Or third cutting with problems 2020 issue of goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy else is being )... Of livestock feed for its high-calorie count, orchard grass is an excellent for! Will add volume in the Midwest than other cool season grass species have a high requirement for nitrogen n... Excellent choice for guinea pigs, degus, and form in clusters the. The goat pellets than a diet of nothing but hay pellets is no healthier a... Texture hay that horses readily consume with minimal or no waste the grass!! Hence, orchard grass has a low to moderate calorie content clusters at late-bud. The Midwest than other cool season grass species and feeding dry forage though here that we into... A consistent and balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus ratio than legumes to its ability produce...