To continue on the theme of hay. Had demonstrable proof that you can't judge hay by look or smell. Except for a broad and rather vague indication of mouldiness. Very experienced farmer x 3 all declared that a sample of mouldy, sugary hay which is very low in minerals was ok, based on the poke it and sniff it test........
One, completely shocked at how inaccurate this time served method was, is now going to have a forage test done on his hay stock. Great bloke wants to make sure he is feeding his animals properly.
And - just had the results back on some hay that looks and smells beautiful. Still too high in sugar and really low in minerals.
Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder...... tis in the performance of the feet!
And feet need a species suitable diet, which for neds in the UK, may well mean a bit of detective work. :-)
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Oh great! I so wish farmers who make hay to sell would start to take this o board and strive to make lower sugar hay. Not easy in UK I know but my sister managed it in Ireland last year! He he.
The minerals can be added but getting most of the sugars and definitely the starch out is impossible.
So what do you think about unbailed hay, less prone to mould? I've seen a few folks in the US using haysweeps instead of bailing, partially to prevent this.
Hello Anon - don't have an educated view on unbaled hay. Rarer than hen's teeth in UK. Last year UK farmers were cutting hay early Sept and for some it never cured properly because of damp cold nights and not warm/sunny enough days - so baled or otherwise it was mouldy.
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