How to Make Oat Hay
Oat hay is a beneficial feeding option for horses, as well as other livestock. Oat hay has the advantage of not only providing roughage but also the nutritional value of a concentrated feed. The oats are dried while still attached to the hay stem. Horses that feed on oat hay receive the nutritional benefit of the grain and the forage at the same time.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Allow the oats to grow to near maturity in what is called the "soft dough" stage. The hay will turn golden. The seed heads will still be slightly pliable, not yet dry.
-
2
Cut the hay with your tractor and hay cutter. Allow to dry. Cut it when there is dry weather coming. You can't allow oat hay to get wet; it will ruin it.
-
-
3
Allow the hay to cure for at least one or two days. Rake the hay, turning it occasionally until all parts of it are allowed to sun cure and dry.
-
4
Bale the hay using a round or square baler. Oat hay can be baled and fed into either machine.
-
5
Remove the hay from the field. Store somewhere dry, preferably under cover. Keeping oat hay dry is the key to maintaining its freshness. Wet oats will rot.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consult with a professional when first cutting and baling your own oat hay. Hay is an expensive crop; you do not want to ruin it.
Do not attempt to bale oat hay that has gotten wet. If your oat hay crop has become soaked, you may be able to salvage it by turning it into silage. Curing it as regular hay will no longer be possible.
References
- Photo Credit bales of hay image by Mark Grenier from Fotolia.com
