Is First Or Second Cutting Better For Horses?

The first cutting usually has a higher weed content, and quality decreases after the second cutting, so the second cutting is usually the best to feed.

What cutting is best for horses?

The most common choice of hay is second cutting, but first cutting is also good for horses, plus it is usually cheaper than the other two. Choose hay that is soft, green, and leafy, with thin stems, so it is easier for horses to eat.

Does first or second cutting hay have more sugar?

Generally, later cuts of hay are usually more fibrous with lower sugar and protein content. Grass that is more mature when it is cut for hay will also show the same trends.

What is the difference between 1st cut 2nd cut and 3rd cut hay?

To begin with, 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.

Is first cut or second cut timothy hay better for rabbits?

Premium 2nd cut Timothy hay is preferred by most grass eating small animals (Bunnies, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, and Tortoises). 2nd cutting is called “second” because it is the hay that is harvested after the 1st cutting.

Is first cutting hay good for horses?

If a thorough examination of multiple bales reveals good-quality hay with few weeds and no dust or mold, then there is likely a place for it in a feeding program,” said Whitehouse. First-cutting hays can be superior to later cuttings depending on the various factors involved in harvesting.

Whats the difference between first and second cut hay?

Hay is often cut three or more times each season. The first cutting in any cut will have thicker stems, perhaps have flowers (usually called tassel), and is the highest in fiber of any cut. The second cutting is softer, greener, has a higher protein but lower fiber than first cutting.

What is the healthiest hay for horses?

Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legumes, with alfalfa being the most popular choice. Benefits: Legumes are higher in protein and calcium than grass hay, and may also provide more energy and a higher level of total digestible nutrients, such as vitamin A.

When should I get second cut of hay?

Wetter weather can also prevent adequate drying of the cut grass, resulting in hay that might be prone to mold. The second cutting of grass typically happens six to eight weeks after the first cut.

Can you feed second cut hay to horses?

Beware feeding second cut to horses that are prone to founder, weight gain, or sensitivities to sugar, especially in the summer months with pastures already lush and sugar-filled. Second cut is a great option to be fed during the colder winter months.

Which hay has the most protein?

alfalfa hay
Higher Protein Content
On average, alfalfa hay has much higher levels of protein, ranging from 15% to 21% depending on when the alfalfa was cut. This is much higher than the protein levels of grass hay, which typically contains 10% or less protein.

What is the best height to cut hay?

For hay production of cool-season pastures, mow or graze before seedheads develop, and down to 3 to 5 inches. For warm season pastures, mow or graze down to 8 to 10 inches for proper regrowth.

What cutting of hay is the softest?

3rd cut Third cut
Third cut is a very soft and heavy leafy hay.

Is it better to have 1 bunny or 2?

Barring the odd rogue rabbit that likes the lonely life, rabbits generally benefit from the company of other rabbits. They will often be far happier and content with a mate. Rabbits are not that unlike humans, they also get bored, even depressed, and when they do, they often act it out with destructive behaviour.

Is it better to cut hay in the morning or evening?

Though starches and simple sugars accumulate during the day, a substantial amount of these carbohydrates are used up during the night for growth and maintenance (via the processes of respiration). Therefore, cutting the crop at night will likely maximize the sugar in the crop, at least at the time of cutting.

What cut is Oxbow timothy hay?

What cut hay is this? Oxbow uses both first and second cutting hay. First cutting hay typically has more stems with larger seed heads. The second cutting is more likely to be leafier and softer with more brown leaves and smaller seed heads.

Can you fertilize after first cutting of hay?

Fertilizer should be applied at least three days after cutting hay. Allowing the plants to recover and have some new green leaves will increase photosynthetic activity and will increase nutrient uptake.

Is 2 year old hay good for horses?

If the hay was of good-quality when harvested and stored in a dry place with sufficient airflow, hay is likely suitable for consumption for two to three years. Keep in mind that hay, even premium forage, loses much of its vitamin content in the first few months of storage.

What happens if you wait too long to cut hay?

What many producers fail to realize is that cutting their hay too late, by only a week or so, can have a great effect on quality. By waiting to cut to get a few more bales, they risk a big reduction in the protein and nutrient levels in the hay.

Why is second cut hay more expensive?

Second cutting hay is generally higher in nutritional value to the livestock that will be eating it. This is for two reasons, time of year and regrowth of the plant. Second cutting hay is made later in the year, when the weather is more likely to be cooperative. Not always, of course, but more likely!

How long do you let hay grow before cutting?

Therefore, the best time to do any cutting is when grasses have reached what is called the “late boot stage”. This stage is typically reached after 6 to 8 weeks of growth in the spring or 6 to 8 weeks after a previous cutting. The “late boot stage” is when the seed head of the grasses first pops out of the sheath.