What is the difference between timothy hay and orchard grass?

Oxbow Western Timothy Hay is high in fibre, low in protein and calcium and is a good, basic grass hay with high quality nutrition. Orchard grass is another cool-season grass; it grows in tufts and is more drought tolerant than Timothy hay. Orchard grass has a soft texture and is high in fibre and low in protein.

Is orchard grass the same as timothy hay?

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.

Is orchard grass or timothy hay better?

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.

Is orchard grass or timothy hay better for guinea pigs?

Orchard hay for guinea pigs is an excellent choice for guinea pig parents that are allergic to timothy hay or is wanting to provide some variety into their diet. This is another favorite amongst guinea pigs and for good reasons. Orchard hay has a sweeter smell and a softer texture than typical timothy hay.

Is orchard hay more expensive than timothy?

There are some concerns that lower quality bermuda grass hay may cause impaction in horses (discuss this with your vet). Orchard grass hay is not as nutrient sensitive to the time of cutting as the other grass hays, and is also less expensive than timothy hay.

Alfalfa Hay vs. Timothy Hay How to tell the difference

Is orchard hay bad for rabbits?

Popular types of rabbit hay include meadow, Timothy, and orchard grass and any of these hays will provide a suitable foundation for your rabbit's diet, but don't feel like you have to limited to one type. Mix it Up!

Does orchard grass make good hay?

Orchardgrass is a versatile grass and can be used for pasture, hay, green chop, or silage. A high-quality grass, it will provide excellent feed for most classes of livestock.

Can guinea pigs eat orchard grass hay everyday?

Orchard hay is a suitable hay for guinea pigs young and old, and can be free fed on a daily basis. Like timothy, orchard hay is nutrient rich and low in calcium. Orchard grass is often softer than timothy, so it may encourage fussy guinea pigs to eat more hay.

Can guinea pigs eat orchard hay every day?

Your guinea pig should eat a pile of hay as big as his body every day. Avoid alfalfa hay unless directed by your veterinarian. Instead choose timothy, orchard grass or oat hay. Unless the hay in your pet's habitat is soiled, do not replace it as this could encourage picky eating!

What cut of hay is best for guinea pigs?

First Cutting Timothy Hay – the grass stems from the first harvest of timothy hay have a course texture and are high in fiber. While this is good for guinea pigs, they favor second or third cutting hay for its softer, more palatable leafy structure.

What is orchard grass good for?

Grazing/Hayland: The primary use of orchardgrass is for pasture and hay forage production (Ogle, et al., 2011a). It is highly palatable to all classes of livestock. It is one of the best forage grasses for use in the Northern states under intensive rotational grazing systems.

Do horses like orchard grass hay?

“As a source of fiber, well-made orchardgrass hay has a place in the diets of all types of horses. When it's clean and sweet-smelling, its palatability is wonderful, and few horses refuse it,” said Kathleen Crandell, Ph. D., nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research (KER).

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.

Is orchard grass hay good for rabbits teeth?

This is also a type of hay that can be fed daily. Timothy & rye hay is also available. Orchard grass/hay: is a soft, flat bladed hay with a fruity odour. Yet again this is highly palatable for rabbits due to the sweet smell and texture and is also an amazing alternative to coarser hays for rabbits with dental issues.

Is orchard grass good for cows?

A sought-after grass known for its soft, highly palatable leaves, orchardgrass is suitable for horses, cattle, and small ruminants. It has good quality forage with heavy spring yield and moderate fall production but is less drought tolerant than fescue.

Is orchard grass hay high in sugar?

Most cool-season grasses, like orchardgrass and fescue, can have high sugar content. Timothy and crested wheatgrass tend to be medium in sugar content, as are most warm season (native) grasses.

Is Timothy grass the same as timothy hay?

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 hay is bad for guinea pigs?

Ensure that your guinea pigs have a constant supply of grass and/or grass hay (such as Timothy, Oaten, Barley, or grassy hay). Guinea pigs should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hay, as these are too high in protein and calcium.

Is orchard grass better for allergies?

Allergies, especially to Timothy Hay are common (you aren't alone!). Orchard Grass can be a wonderful alternative for you and your small pet while still giving them all the important nutrients they need. In our experience, people who are allergic to Timothy Hay are less allergic to our Orchard Grass.

Is timothy hay or meadow hay better for guinea pigs?

However; to get the best quality for your Guinea Pigs ensure you ask for “horse” hay, not “cattle” hay. Meadow hay is less predictable in content than Timothy but being softer makes it far more pleasant to forage and/or make into a bed.

Can hay be too dry for guinea pigs?

Make sure you buy high-quality hay for your guinea pigs. This means it has a nice color, has a nice fresh hay smell, is dry, but is not very dusty. Dusty hay can cause allergies for both you and your guinea pig. You don't want all your hay to be brown and dried out because it won't have much nutritional value left.

What's the difference between timothy hay and meadow hay?

Meadow Hay is mainly made up of native soft stemmed pasture grasses. These contain more leaves than Timothy Hay, making it have an overall softer texture. In addition to this, Meadow Hay will also contain plants other than grass – such as dandelions, daises, and thistles.

Is orchard grass a grass hay?

orchard grass, (Dactylis glomerata), also called cocksfoot grass, perennial pasture, hay, and forage grass of the family Poaceae. Orchard grass is native to temperate Eurasia and North Africa and is widely cultivated throughout the world.

Will orchard grass reseed itself?

Will orchardgrass reseed itself? Yes, but only under optimal conditions. Furthermore, orchardgrass produces seed heads during their initial spring growth. After cutting or grazing, it will then reproduce through its leafy and palatable regrowth.

What kind of grass is timothy hay?

Timothy hay (phleum pratense) also known as meadow cat's-tail, is a perennial grass hay used as feed for many animals from small pets to Triple Crown-winning racehorses. Native to much of Europe, an American colonial farmer is credited with being the first to cultivate the grass in North America in 1720.