Naples hay supplier of Orchard Grass and grass hay

 Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners. Much of this tradition is due to the fact that 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. Timothy Grass hay is used as for horses, goats, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and other farm animals.

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.

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.

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. 

 Orchard Grass is the emerging super star of the horse hay world. Orchard Grass is a highly palatable grass with a high nutrient content. 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. The higher calorie content of Orchard Grass is a result of higher fiber digestibility compared to Timothy Grass. The high nutrient intake delivered by Orchard Grass hay translates into potentially less grain the horse would need to eat to satisfy energy and protein requirements. Compared to Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass grows better in moderate drought conditions and provides a solid three hay cuttings per year. With three cuttings instead of two cuttings, Orchard Grass produces consistent soft texture hay that horses readily consume with minimal or no waste. Orchard Grass is used as for horses, goats, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and other farm animals. 

Alfalfa is an important component of an active horse’s diet. Safely fed to horses for thousands of years, Alfalfa’s high protein, fiber, vitamin and mineral content all contribute to its high feed value. A horse fed Alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. The high protein and mineral needs of young, growing horses and lactating mares make Alfalfa an important part of any feeding program. Alfalfa’s high palatability ensures that even the pickiest of eaters will maintain the proper balance in their diet.

A horse needs a fairly small amount of protein per day. Roughly 3/4 to 1 pound of digestible protein (DP) will meet most horses’ daily requirement. This need can be met by supplying Alfalfa as half of a horse’s roughage. Feeding horses Alfalfa reduces or even eliminates the need for supplements which often have a laxative effect. Our commitment to supplying high quality Alfalfa year round gives horses a consistent and safe supply of protein.

Alfalfa is most beneficial for horses with high energy needs due to their moderate to high level of exertion. Alfalfa may provide too much energy, protein and nutrients for horses that are only occasionally exercised. Those horses that spend less than five hours a week performing low to moderate intensity activities, such as showing or recreational riding, do not require the high levels of nutrients that high quality Alfalfa supplies. A feed program for recreational horses should limit Alfalfa and include forage with high chew time, such as Timothy hay to combat idleness.

Alfalfa has a high nutritional quality, containing vitamins A, D, E, K, U, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Inositol, Biotin, and Folic acid. Alfalfa also contains the minerals Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, Sulfur, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Boron, Molybdenum and trace elements such as Nickel, Lead, Strontium and Palladium.