Is second cut hay better than first?

They are generally given grain as well. First cut hay is grass heavy and doesn’t have a lot of legumes, such as alfalfa or cover. Second cut hay has a finer texture and usually, a greener color and heavier leaves. It is more dense, the leaves are more tender and healthier, especially in protein.

What is timothy hay first cut?

First Cut Timothy Hay is tougher and contains lots of long stems and seed heads. This is ideal for most rabbits but can be a bit hard for guinea pigs and smaller animals. Second Cut Timothy Hay is softer than first cut, darker green, and is a mix of stems and leaf with fewer seeds.

Is 1st cut timothy hay good for rabbits?

1st cut hay The first cut has less fat than all other cuts and is considered to be a lean hay that is excellent for rabbits that are overweight.

Which cutting of hay is best?

The first cutting usually has a higher weed content, and quality decreases after the second cutting, so the second cutting is usually the best to feed. Bermudagrass hay is used mostly in the southern United States. Common bermudagrass does not grow tall enough for hay production, but coastal bermudagrass can be used.

Is second cut hay good for horses?

Second Cutting This is the most common cutting of hay that horse owners give to their horses, and for a good reason. It is greener and more substantial, with more leaves and a sweet smell. This hay contains a lot of protein and fat, so it is excellent for horses that exercise.

What is the difference between 1st 2nd and 3rd cut timothy hay?

To begin with, 1st cutting is the first hay cut from that field for the year. It tends to be more coarse and have more grasses in it. 2nd cutting is usually greener in color and has a sweeter smell. And lastly, 3rd cutting is very thick and rich.

What is the difference between first second and third cut timothy hay?

Third cut is a very soft and heavy leafy hay. It should be a darker green than 1st and 2nd cut. It’s higher in protein and fat content and lowest in fiber content. This hay should be given as a treat or you can mix it sparingly with 1st or 2nd cut hay if your rabbit is a picky hay eater.

Is first or second cut hay better for rabbits?

Second cut hay is a good hay for healthy adult rabbits. 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.

Is first cut or second cut timothy hay better for rabbits?

Premium 2nd cut Timothy hay is preferred by most grass eating small animals (Bunnies, Rabbits, Chinchillas, Gerbils, Hamsters, Mice, Rats, and Tortoises). 2nd cutting is called “second” because it is the hay that is harvested after the 1st cutting.

What is 3rd cut timothy hay?

3rd Cut Timothy Hay Is Similar To Second Cut But Is Even Softer. It Is An Extremely Leafy And Tender Hay. Harvested late in the season, it may have a few yellow leaves of hay. Sun And Wind Dried TO PRESERVE The Smell, Taste And Color. Harvested With Special Care TO PREVENT Molds, Mildews And Dust.

Why is first cut hay better?

First cutting of hay is the one harvested first in the year from the field before it blooms. This cutting is good for horses. There is a lot of fiber, so it is nutritious, plus it is easy to eat because the stems are flexible and thin. First cut hay often creates problems when rain delays happen.

Which cutting of hay is best for cows?

Producers should strive to harvest 1st cutting hay in the early heading stage. Hay harvested at this stage should meet the nutrient requirements for late pregnant cows. Second cutting hay should be used to feed lactating cows. The date of 1st cutting will be highly dependant on the type of spring weather.

Is Timothy hay good for rabbits?

Timothy hay is a one-species hay consisting entirely of dried timothy grass (Phleum pratense). It is suitable for all rabbits.

What is second cutting hay?

Second cut hay: This is the stuff most people feed. Typically, there will be more leaves on the stems, the stems will be thinner, the protein and fat levels are a bit higher, and crude fiber is a bit lower. The go-to hay for healthy adult animals, this hay smells like summer and will make you think of hay lofts in storybooks.

What is first cut hay?

First cut is generally the first time hay is cut, it starts growing in the field in the Spring. Farmers mow (cut) the hay down as the hot and dry weather of the summer comes.