Difference Between First And Second Cut Timothy Hay

The amount of hay cuttings in a given season depends on a number of things rain heat geography.

Difference between first and second cut timothy hay.

Q what is the difference between all the different types and cuts of hay. The protein and fat content is a little higher than 1st cut and the fiber level is a bit lower. The terms first and second cut refer to the number of times that hay is harvested and the maturity level of each cutting within a growing season. Once you ve identified your horse s needs a visual inspection of hay will give you the first clue about the maturity of the hay.

You have to rake this crop of hay more than the 1st cut because it is heavier and thicker. This hay is greener than 1st cut and not as stemy. It dries quicker it may have quack grass timothy brome. Farmers and animal lovers have been arguing for years about whether there is much of a difference between first and second cut or even third or fourth cut not often available up here and i have my own opinions about it having been buying tasting and.

Usually the 1st cut timothy hay is very hard with lots of stems and seed heads. Timothy hay is an excellent source of roughage for equine diets. 2nd cut timothy hay is better and has a few stems but a lot of soft leafy pieces that pigs love. Coarse timothy hay is known for its high fiber and low protein making it a great food source for adult rabbits guinea pigs and chinchillas.

Second cut hay is a good hay for healthy adult rabbits. The term first cut refers to the hay produced from the first cutting while second cut hay refers to that which was cut the second time and so on. Click on the link to order 2nd cut timothy hay 2nd cut hay. I recommend 2nd cut much more than 1st cut the pigs will find it more appetizing.

In ontario we usually have one or two cuttings per year depending upon the region varieties planted and environmental factors such as rain. Hay that is at the proper maturity has. There are several key differences between first second and third cut hays but we ll summarise the most important distinctions below. Those are just a few examples of how the ideal type and quality of hay can vary between horses.

Many believe that the nutritional quality of first cutting timothy hay is inferior to the second cutting. First cut hay usually contains relatively thin. 2nd cut hay is very rich in nuturients. Fresh smell and appearance.

It usually has more leaves on the stems which is more attractive to your rabbit. By late spring or early summer the hay is ready to be harvested for the first time of the growing season. It smells sweeter than the 1st cut as well. A high leaf to stem ratio.

It is greener than the 1st cut.