Orchardgrass and timothy hay are both excellent, but orchard grass gets the nod as the best of the two. It has a higher protein and calorie content and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus.
What is the difference between Timothy hay and orchard hay?
Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides a solid three hay cuttings per year.
Does orchard grass make good hay?
Livestock: Orchardgrass may be used for hay, pasture or silage. It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. Orchardgrass is one of the best forage grasses for use in pastures and in combination with alfalfa or Red Clover for hay.
Which has more sugar orchard grass or timothy?
Orchard grass is similar in starch levels to Timothy hay but can be significantly higher in ethanol soluble carbohydrate, measuring up to 20 percent. The sugar content of feeds and hay is evaluated based on the starch and ethanol soluble carbohydrate -- also called simple sugars -- content.
Is orchard grass vs timothy hay better for rabbits?
Timothy hay is much courser and harder than Orchard hay, therefore better for your rabbit's dental health. Timothy hay will keep your rabbit's teeth worn more evenly when compared to Timothy hay. This is the main reason that most veterinarians recommend Timothy hay over Orchard hay.Sep 9, 2020
Does orchard hay smell better than timothy hay?
Orchard hay has a sweeter smell and a softer texture than typical timothy hay. The nutritional value of orchard hay is on par with timothy, only being slightly lower in protein, but has an exceptional fiber content.May 1, 2020
Is orchard hay OK for rabbits?
Yes, Orchard grass hay is good for rabbits since it contains 32% fiber and is low in protein at 7% which is excellent for your rabbit's health. Orchard grass hay should make up 80% of your rabbits' total diet and is safe to feed in unlimited quantities. Orchard grass is an excellent choice for picky eaters.May 2, 2020
Can bunnies eat orchard grass hay?
Soft Orchard Grass can be fed free-choice to your rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and other small animals, and can be a mainstay of any small herbivore's diet.
Which cut of hay is best for rabbits?
Second cut hay is a good hay for healthy adult rabbits. It usually has more leaves on the stems which is more attractive to your rabbit. This hay is greener than 1st cut and not as stemy. The protein and fat content is a little higher than 1st cut and the fiber level is a bit lower.
What is the difference between timothy and orchard hay?
Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein.
What is the best hay to feed your horse?
Timothy hay is one of the most popular hays fed to horses. It can be quite expensive, depending on whether it has to be shipped long distances. Timothy must be harvested in the pre- or early-bloom stage to ensure a high nutrient content.
Is orchard hay bad for horses?
When feeding horses hay, Orchard Grass is becoming a popular selection. It contains plenty of nutrients that are good for horses. Since it consists of around 12 percent protein, it keeps horses energized throughout the day. It does contain more calories than other hay options, but that is not a bad thing.