Quality of hay

Question 1

Stage of harvest

Answer 1

• grass should be mown when there is sufficient material to warrant the cost of mowing
• but do not allow the hay crop to become too mature before mowing

Question 2

Leafiness

Answer 2

the leaves contain more digestible nutrients than do the stems

Question 3

Colour

Answer 3

• a predominantly green colour denotes satisfactory curing

* bleaching of the hay is undesirable

Question 4

Odour

Answer 4

there should be a pleasant hay aroma

Question 5

Softness

Answer 5

softness goes with palatability acceptability and digestibility of the material

Question 6

Trash/weeds

Answer 6

• weed-free hay is of better quality

* foreign object like plastics and wire will also reduce the value and quality and pose a risk to animals

Question 7

Molds

Answer 7

hay should not be moldy, excessive mouldiness makes the hay unpalatable and could cause a digestive disturbance in animals