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  Discussion on Feeding newly cut hay
Author Message
New Member:
gleelou

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2008 - 12:12 pm:

i have read the articles and postings on hay and did not find an answer to my question. i just bought third cutting that was cut 10 days ago - how long should i let it cure before feeding? is curing necessary? thank-you for any help -
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2008 - 7:52 pm:

Hi Glee Welcome to HA. I suspect you would get different answers from different people. I have fed fresh cut hay by mixing it slowly in with the old hay. That way the change over was slow and less prone to upset bellies.

If you don't have that option I would start out by giving them small amounts until their guts adjusted. Any change of feed should be done slowly. If it's all grass hay I add it a little faster, if alfalfa I add it much slower.

Hope that helps
Member:
paul303

Posted on Friday, Oct 31, 2008 - 11:31 pm:

Diane is right. If the hay has been put up properly, you should be able to feed it. The real danger is in a sudden switch of hays. It's always good to save a few bales of your old hay, and mix it for awhile with the new hay you are introducing.
New Member:
gleelou

Posted on Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 - 2:40 pm:

thank-you lee and diane for your advice -
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