Feed Value of Timothy Hay & Orchard Grass: How to Tell If YOUR Hay is High Quality

Timothy and orchard grasses both offer high nutritional content for horses. Some horses- especially those in hard work- should have access to high quality hay. Others, such as overweight horses or pasture pets, should avoid eating large amounts of high quality hay. In this video, Dr. Worth demonstrates how to tell if your timothy and orchard grass hay is high quality. Some of the important elements of high quality hay include:

Color: Good quality grass hays are often brighter in color, which indicates that they hay was cut and dried by the farmer at the right time. If the hay is yellow or brown, it may have been left in the field too long, which can reduce its nutritional value.

Aroma: Good quality grass hays normally have a fresh, sweet aroma. If the hay smells musty or moldy, it may not be safe for horses to eat.

Leaf retention: Good quality grass hays retains its leaves and is not stemmy. If the hay is stripped of its leaves, it may have been over-handled or stored for too long, which can reduce its nutritional value.

Softness: Good quality timothy hay should be soft and pliable, not brittle or crunchy. If the hay is brittle, it may have been over-dried, which can reduce its digestibility for horses.

Dust content: Good quality timothy hay should have a low dust content, as dust can cause respiratory problems in horses. You can check the dust content of hay by rubbing it between your hands. If a lot of dust is produced, it's best to avoid feeding it to horses.

By checking for these characteristics, you can determine if timothy hay is of good quality and safe for your horse to eat. If you have any doubts about the quality of your hay, it's best to have it tested by a laboratory to ensure it's safe and nutritious for your horse.