Timothy Hay

Timothy Hay for Sale in Glen Rock, PA

Not all hay is created equal. In fact, it varies greatly according to plant type, quality, growing region, and intended use. Timothy hay is more than just forage and has specific qualities that make it a premium feed option for a variety of feed programs. If you have questions about Timothy Hay or would like to purchase it, contact Mumsey Farms and Hay Sales in Glen Rock, PA.

Timothy Grass | Glen Rock, PA | Mumsey Farms and Hay Sales

Why is High Quality Forage Critical for the Diet of Horses?

High quality forage is critical for proper digestive function in horses. Forage (hay/pasture) makes up 60-100% of the diet for horses, depending on their function and activity. For horses that are stalled, or for horses that do not have abundant pasture, stored forage in the form of hay is the primary source of forage. The most popular choices for grasses to be utilized as horse hay are Timothy Grass and Orchard Grass making them the big two forage grasses. 

Timothy Hay: A Popular Feed for Horses

Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners since Timothy was one of the first grasses cultivated for horse hay. Therefore, feeding Timothy Grass has a well-established comfort level with horse people. High quality Timothy Grass contains a moderate amount of protein, usually testing at approximately 8% protein. It has a consistent and balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus and Timothy Grass has a low to moderate calorie content. Timothy Grass is also a rich source of fiber. Seemingly, the only potential draw-back with Timothy Grass is availability. Timothy grass usually yields just two cuttings per year and requires a significant amount of water to grow. These two factors along with its traditional popularity limit the supply of Timothy Grass hay.

Benefits of Timothy Hay for Horses

Horse owners have found that Timothy hay promotes a shiny coat, good digestion, bowel regularity, and a healthy weight. It is also excellent for colic prone, protein-sensitive, and obese horses.

Encourage Chewing in Stabled Horses

Timothy hay is highly recommended for horses confined to a stable because it offers more chewing time. It most closely mimics the normal day long grazing activity for pasture animals, which is anywhere from 10-15 hours a day. Feeding on Timothy hay can help satisfy your horse's natural urge to chew and graze when they are confined to stalls for long periods of time. While other feeds such as Alfalfa hay can meet energy requirements of horses in high levels of products, low nutritional concentrations of Timothy hay are ideal for many life stages.

Timothy Hay for Racehorses

For racehorses, fiber is a good cornerstone for any feeding program. Fiber from Timothy hay can be fermented in the gut and used as an energy source throughout the day. It also protects good digestion and prevents conditions like gastric ulcers and colic. Most racehorses require more energy than Timothy hay provides, so usually their diet is supplemented with a percentage of Alfalfa mix.

GET A QUOTE

For more information about our Timothy Hay products, call us today 717-654-7178.

Share by: