Does timothy make good pasture?

Timothy stores energy reserves for regrowth and tillering in its haplocorm or corm (enlarged bulbous structure) at the stem base. Its energy storage pattern makes it a better hay crop than a pasture species. Timothy is grown primarily as hay for horses but is frequently included in pasture mixtures.

Is Timothy grass good for pasture?

Livestock: Timothy is used mainly for hay, but also for pasture and silage. It is palatable and nutritious. It makes an excellent companion grass for alfalfa, trefoil, or clover since it does not compete with legumes.

Does timothy hay help grass grow?

Most regions known for producing this cool-season grass grow are at high altitudes, have harsh winters, and summers with long warm days and cool nights. Cold winters kill off weeds and pests that cannot survive low temperatures, while the hardiness of Timothy hay allows the root system to last through spring.

Will Timothy grass spread?

Timothy grass was introduced into North America by early settlers and has spread far across the continent. It is a very desirable feedstock for cattle, horses, smaller livestock and pets.

Is Timothy grass good for cows?

Timothy hay is recommended by many experts due to its ease on various animal's digestive system as well as promotion of bowel regularity. Additionally, there have been scientific studies done that show Timothy hay is an ideal feed for pregnant or lactating cows.

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What is Timothy grass good for?

The benefits of Timothy grass are numerous. It has broad appeal as hay for and horses, but when combined with alfalfa, it makes nutritious forage for sheep and other grazing animals. It is also made into food for guinea pigs, rabbits and other domesticated pets.

What class is best for pasture hay?

Legume Hay

It also tends to be more palatable than other hay types. Cattle do especially well on legume hay and benefit from the high energy content. Dairy cows require the highest quality legume hay to keep up with milk production. Legume hay is also ideal for goats and lambs.

Is Timothy grass drought resistant?

An introduced cool-season grass, timothy is very winter hardy but lacks heat and drought hardiness compared to many other hay grasses, mainly because of shallow, fibrous roots.

Is Timothy hay the same as Timothy grass?

Timothy Grass has a slightly higher protein and is greener in appearance. Timothy Hay is a mix of leaves and stems from Timothy grass, which is a perennial bunch grass. Timothy Hay is high in fiber and low in protein which is a combination critical to the health of rabbits and other small animals.

What is the easiest hay to grow?

Alfalfa, clover and fescue grasses are popular hay types, as well as brome and timothy grasses. Oats and millet can also be useful for hay crops. The best hay to raise will depend not only on growing conditions, but also on the livestock that will eventually eat the hay and what their feed preferences may be.

Can you overseed timothy?

Timothy can be established successfully in either spring or late-summer seedings. However, fall seedings are more successful because the cool fall weather is more suitable for timothy growth, and weeds are less of a problem.

How long can Timothy hay last?

If stored properly in a cool dark place with good ventilation, the Timothy Hay Food may keep for 6 months or longer.

When should I broadcast timothy?

Timothy should be sown as early as possible in the spring. First year seed yields will be reduced when timothy is seeded after mid-June (Table 3). Timothy will tolerate late seeding under excellent soil moisture conditions when established without a companion crop.

Is timothy or orchard grass better for horses?

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.

How many pounds is an acre of timothy?

Seed 2 lbs of timothy/acre into a firm, moist seed bed, no deeper than 1/2". If using a nurse crop, use one that is least likely to lodge or could be harvested early as silage or greenfeed. Reduce the nurse crop seeding rate by at least 30% and reduce nitrogen fertilizer application to minimize competition.

Is timothy grass good for horses?

Timothy hay is the most digestible of all hays and is one of the most popular hay feeds for horses. The hay is a late-maturing high fiber bunchgrass with a relatively low protein content.

What is the healthiest hay for horses?

Legume Hay for Horses

Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legumes, with alfalfa being the most popular choice. Benefits: Legumes are higher in protein and calcium than grass hay, and may also provide more energy and a higher level of total digestible nutrients, such as vitamin A.

What do you do with timothy hay?

Timothy hay is used most often as cattle and horse feed. Its low protein, high fiber, and high energy content make it easily digestible.

What hay is not good for horses?

Bahiagrass: This grass hails from the southern coastal plains. It's typically found in pastures, so the stuff they make into hay is not that great for horses. Overly mature Bahiagrass hay can cause ergot poisoning, so buyer beware.

How long does it take for timothy to germinate?

The germination time for timothy seeds is 7 to 14 days. Weedy grasses germinate much more quickly, and even cultivated grasses such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) can provide excessive competition for timothy seedlings.

How common is timothy grass?

Timothy (Phleum pratense) is a common forage crop and pasture grass in the U.S. It is native to Europe and northern Asia and grows well in cool humid regions of North America.

What is the best pasture mix for cattle?

Most cattle pastures are a mix of legumes and grasses, but what mix and seeds are best for your cattle? If hay is a concern, Ladino clover (white) or red clover are good choices. Alfalfa is also a good choice if hay is your key concern.

What kind of grass is best for horse pasture?

When should I seed my pasture?

Late summer/early fall- is considered the best time to seed if a blend of species will be planted. When seeding late in the summer, soil moisture tends to become an issue but weeds are less competitive. Time your seeding accordingly so that soil moisture is available.

What is the difference between timothy hay and regular hay?

Alfalfa hay is higher in protein and calories, but timothy hay has more fiber and better calcium to phosphorus ratio. If you feed your horse a mixture of these two types of hay, it will get the best combinations possible for optimum nutrition.