Hay

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Hi everyone,

I know this may sound like a stupid question but being a newbie, I'm totally flummoxed.

Ok so here it goes... what exactly is the difference between all the types of hay? I've seen bog-standard hay, timothy hay and meadow hay. But is there any nutritional difference, flavour etc? The only thing I've noticed is the difference in price.

And I know that this is the the food section but to save posting on the other thread, which is best for bedding?

Thank you in advance.

Donna. x
 
Hi Donna,

I'm not really a hay expert but if you look at the thread which says oxbow timothy hay that might give you a bit more information. Hope it's helpful.
I've been using shredded paper and the pure pastures hay for bedding, then bio-organic for them to munch on in their hay rack and hanging balls :)
 
Hi Donna. Not a silly question at all. I'm not a hay expert either but I think some hays are tastier than others. I use meadow hay for bedding as it is nice and soft and then I use timothy hay or another expensive hay in the hay rack for them to eat although they do eat the meadow hay as well :)
 
The main difference you want to be aware of is legume hays and grass hays. Legume hays - in particular alfalfa - are very rich in nutrients like calcium and protein and are to be limited in pigs over the age of around 6 months.

Grass hays are the good all-rounder hays, good for pigs of all ages. Different types of grass hays include:

- Meadow
- Timothy
- Orchard Grass
- Oat
- Brome
- Rye

And of course there are dried grasses such as Readigrass/Just Grass, which are usually heat-treated (dried) so lock in all the nutrients - unlike hays which are left ot dry naturally and tend to lose most of their nutrients.
 
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