It rained on our hay...?

Question

We just bought our farm and are lucky to have neighboring farmers who are cutting our hay and giving us 400 bales (I have 2 horses). It was cut and left to dry for two days, then immediately after it was raked yesterday, a thunderstorm came out of nowhere (forecast gave 30% chance). Today, they are tedding it in order for it to dry again. We have another 50 acres of field available, so I'm not too worried about this particular field being a total wash.

My curiosity is, how much nutrition has been lost in this hay that was intended for horses?

Answer 1

that depend on the nutritive value of the hay and what type nutrirnts u refering here,some nutrient are easily lost by rain other by sun,so if the nutrient in quistion can be lost by rain ,again depend on the intencity of rain.

Answer 2

None: The moisture content of the hay doesn't affect the nutritional value of it. Just watch out that the hay piles doesn't get rotten due to excess moisture . . . Spread the hay open and once it has dried off, you can use it as feed with no side effects. Talk to your neighbors - they should be able to give you excellent advice!

Answer 3

I don't think that the rain will cause a lack of nutrition.  It may however; cause the hay to rot or mold.  Neither would be a good thing for your horses.  It sounds like you have some good neighbors, ask them what to do!  Good luck, and P.S. I love horses!!

Answer 4

if you want expert advice contact the county extension agent for you state school or go to OSU extension and ask.  the best time to cut alfalfa hay for best nutritional value is when it is flowering. not sure if you have a true hayfield or just grass that you are baling. in any case, nutritional value will vary b tpes of grasses.

Answer 5

Very little is lost but if the hay stays on the ground without being raked again and dry then you have the hay to begin rotting and then also molds can become a big problem.   As long as the hay is dried and then baled you should have a good horse quality hay.  Just remember a horse will stand at a round bale of hay and eat ...eat....eat... that is not needed to keep him/her healthy  and not fat.