5865 SW 176th Avenue, Dunnellon, Florida, 34432 Tel 352-895-7525
Understanding Hay
Alfalfa
or Lucern is a flowering plant in the legume family Fabacege also know as Medicago Sativa. Its characteristic are know for mainly Energy, Proteins and Calcium low in sugars and starches and more calorie dense per pound
Orchard
is a cool seasoned perennial tall type of grass known as Dactylis Glometra and matures early springtime and at the leafy stage is know to be high quality hay. Harvesting should be done at the early stage of the grass's maturity - rather than late.It's know for Vitamins, Proteins and Minerals. Great for breeding and the working horse.
Orchard Alfalfa
has a variety of mixes 70/30 - 50/50 and is extremely palatable so a lot depends on the mix and the cutting . Generally it's efficacy and quality makes it a very popular choice.
Timothy
actually named after farming agriculturalist Timothy Hansen who brought it in the 1800's from New England. Like Orchard ideal should be cut at the earlier stages of maturity. Excellent fiber levels with lower calories and protein levels. Extremely popular for the average all types of working horse as well as the easy keeper.
Timothy Alfalfa
is an ideal performance horse blend. At a 70/30 Timothy mix it supply's the muscles with a slow energy release for daily exercise and competition work. It's great for Ulcer buffering but must be high temperature dried to lock in the nutrients. Normally found in a bagged option as apposed to baling.
Cutting Explained
simplistically put, 1st cutting is the first hay cut from that field for the year. It tends to be more coarse and have more grasses in it. 2nd cutting is usually greener in color and has a sweeter smell. And lastly, 3rd cutting is very thick and rich.
Analysising hay for your type of needs
Crude Protein CP
composition should be 8 -14%in grass hay14- 18% in mixed, on average 10% and lactating mares need a higher protein count
Non Structed Carbohydrates DSC
horses with a low sugar starch diet ...no more than 12%
Acid Detergent Fibre ADF
consists poorly digested substances cellulose and lignin. the lower the ADF the more digestible the hay . 30 -35 is excellent, values over have little nutrition content
Relative Feed Value RFV
mainly used and seen for dairy cattle, 100 is a good average
Neutral Detergent Fibre NDF
crude Proteinthis is the measurement of insoluble fibers. The high the NDF the less a horse will eat, at 65% horses will hardly touch it
Understanding Mineral Levels
Calcium / Phosphorus ... Ideally 2:1, 3:1 is ok as well depends on the hay type and quantity
Calcium / Magnesium ... Ideally Calcium should be no more than twice of magnesium
Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese ... Idealy Iron Copper 4:1, Copper zinc Manganese 1:4:4
Hay is a main source of forage for many horses, and knowing what nutrients it offers allows horse owners and caretakers a better understanding of what else needs to be provided in the diet for optimal nutritional health. Whether it is for peace of mind, required information or general interest, analyzing your hay is a good snapshot of the nutrient content for this important dietary staple. Know what's in your hay and whom your buying it from!
Hay Stores in Ocala Florida
Riders and Horse Owners who love our hay
"It's so refreshing to have a supplier in town whose hay actually smells fresh, my horses enjoy and when it's gone... we don't have a pile of sand left behind. With top quality product, friendly and knowledgeable owners and staff, this adventure should be a successful one. Congratulations! Kellie
