Hay Question... Bermuda versus Oats/Italian Rye

[wolffeathers]

Someone nearby is advertising hay, being fairly hay ignorant, I thought I'd ask for help..

The Bermuda is last years cut and the Rye/Oats is this years cut. (The Rye/Oats is cheaper)

Which would be better for the dairy cow and calf? (She's not milking right now, so milk quality isn't an issue)

I know hay can get technical and I'm learning slowly, but when it comes to the art of hay critique all I know is avoid moldy and really course stuff or stuff riddled with weeds and trash.

The goats would have access to it, but the horses are pastured seperately and get Bermuda.

[arcticow]

Bermuda doesn't hold quality as it ages as well as some other hay. If she isn't milking, and the new hay is cheaper, I would go with it... just cut a bale before you pay for it and make sure it isn't sweating. If it's dry, go for it.

[agmantoo]

Are you talking cereal rye or rye grass with the oats?

[wolffeathers]

The ad says Oats/Italian Rye Grass Hay mix cut this year. I haven't seen it in person.

We don't have storage to store hay, so we feed a bale or two at a time. So I'm not terribly worried about it holding quality over a long period. Just long enough for them to eat it.

[oregon woodsmok]

I don't think bermuda makes good hay.

Oat hay is excellent if it is cut at the right time. If it is cut late, it's just straw with very little feed value.

Good oat hay is pale green and has undeveloped seed heads in it.