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.

What kind of grass is timothy?

Timothy (Phleum pratense) is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe except for the Mediterranean region. It is also known as timothy-grass, meadow cat's-tail or common cat's tail.

Is timothy hay a hay grass?

Timothy hay is a grass hay. Another type of grass hay is meadow hay. This is softer than Timothy hay, and may include some edible plants such as dandelions. Because it contains a variety of plants, it can also be a bit more variable in contents than Timothy.

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.

What is Timothy grass used for?

Uses. 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.

Timothy Grass

Is timothy hay and timothy grass the same?

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.

Is timothy hay alfalfa?

Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are different nutritionally

Alfalfa hay and timothy hay are both forage sources commonly used in rabbit and guinea pig diets. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay (Table 1).

Is Timothy hay expensive?

Timothy Hay is by far the most expensive option, and not just for horses. Many other animals eat Timothy Hay, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Because of the quality and quantity of animals that need Timothy Hay, its price is much more expensive than other hay varieties.

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.

Is timothy hay a wheat?

Hay is actually a plant that is cut when it is alive and full of grain. Hay is often a mixture of grasses, such as ryegrass, timothy, or fescue – or it may be comprised of alfalfa or cloves. Straw, on the other hand, shouldn't contain any grain. Straw is the dried stalks of cereal plants, like wheat, oats or barley.

Is Timothy grass OK for rabbits?

Orchard grass, or other grass hays can be given for variety, but most rabbits prefer timothy hay over other grass hays. Your rabbit should have unlimited amounts of timothy hay.

Is timothy hay the same as straw?

Hay is a crop that is grown and harvested as a feed crop for cattle, horses and other farm animals. Straw on the other hand is a byproduct of a grain crop; in our area it's usually usually wheat straw that we see.

Can I grow timothy hay in my garden?

Rake to incorporate the planting site of the seeds in the soil. Sow the seeds no more than 1/2 inches deep. Slowly moisten the soil and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. For growing timothy hay, sow seeds in spring or late summer, you can also plant seeds in early fall.

Where is Timothy grass grow?

The grass is native to Europe, temperate Asia and North Africa. The plant is adapted to numerous climates and performs well in even cold, northern regions. Timothy grass care is minimal in most regions.

Is Timothy grass good for cattle?

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.

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 Timothy hay low in sugar?

Timothy hay is considered a medium sugar hay. This warm-season grass measures at the low end of the normal range for ethanol soluble carbohydrates, measuring between 4.7 percent and 10.9 percent.

What is Timothy hay made of?

Timothy hay is dried versions of timothy grass (P. Pratense), which is thought to have originated on the European continent. Early colonists to the New World brought grass seeds accidentally, inspiring significant wild growth of the grass in the US too.

Who eats timothy hay?

This renewable plant resource feeds several types of animals, from livestock, deer, and horses, to our small animal companions including guinea pigs, rabbits, and chinchillas. Timothy hay is highly palatable, nutritious, and eagerly munched on by our pets.

How big is a bale of timothy hay?

Two-string hay bales are typically 14” high x 18” wide x 35” long, and three-string bales are 16” high x 22” wide x 44” long. Round bales can come in various diameters depending on what size baler was used to make them. Standard sizes are 5 feet wide and 6 feet in diameter or 4 feet wide and 5 feet in diameter.

What hay has lowest sugar?

Low sugar hay is extremely important in a horse's diet due to its health properties and the enormous benefits it can offer. While lucerne usually has lower sugar than a lot of grass hays, it more often than not tests HIGHER in sugar, starch & protein compared to our Low Sugar Hay.

What cut of Timothy hay is best 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 fescue grass hay?

Fescue hay

Tall fescue is a hardy, popular, cool season perennial grass that can grow on a variety of soils in a variety of climates. It is grown on an estimated 35 million acres in the U.S. Tall fescue has a high yield. It is drought resistant, resistant to overgrazing and is a high quality nutrient source.

What's the difference between grass and hay?

Hay is a grass or can be a form of grass. When referring to it as a form of grass, it is a cut grass that has been cut then dried for the purpose of becoming an animal feed or food. If it's still not to be used as food, then it can readily be stored some place else.