Difference Between First And Second Cut Timothy Hay

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.

Difference between first and second cut timothy hay. Usually the 1st cut timothy hay is very hard with lots of stems and seed heads. First cut hay usually contains relatively thin. The amount of hay cuttings in a given season depends on a number of things rain heat geography. Hay that is at the proper maturity has.

This hay is greener than 1st cut and not as stemy. 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. 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.

In ontario we usually have one or two cuttings per year depending upon the region varieties planted and environmental factors such as rain. The protein and fat content is a little higher than 1st cut and the fiber level is a bit lower. I recommend 2nd cut much more than 1st cut the pigs will find it more appetizing. 2nd cut hay is very rich in nuturients.

Many believe that the nutritional quality of first cutting timothy hay is inferior to the second cutting. Fresh smell and appearance. Timothy hay is an excellent source of roughage for equine diets. By late spring or early summer the hay is ready to be harvested for the first time of the growing season.

It usually has more leaves on the stems which is more attractive to your rabbit. 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. 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. Click on the link to order 2nd cut timothy hay 2nd cut hay.

It smells sweeter than the 1st cut as well. 2nd cut timothy hay is better and has a few stems but a lot of soft leafy pieces that pigs love. Those are just a few examples of how the ideal type and quality of hay can vary between horses. You have to rake this crop of hay more than the 1st cut because it is heavier and thicker.

It dries quicker it may have quack grass timothy brome. A high leaf to stem ratio. There are several key differences between first second and third cut hays but we ll summarise the most important distinctions below. It is greener than the 1st cut.

It may be weedy too so watch out.