Orchard grass hay is a very popular hay forage on both coasts of the United States, where it is typically grown.  This hay forage offers a variety of changes in the analysis profiles, between first cutting and second cutting.  In some areas, a third cutting is becoming popular.  Because of the variances between cuttings, this forage puts pressure into certain market arenas.  An example of this would be second cutting orchard grass has few seed heads; low protein levels and is attractive to the alpaca and llama farms.  The first cutting has plenty of seed heads, driving the protein and sugar levels down, with percentages that mirror timothy grass forage.  Without the seed heads, the protein level and sugar level rise in second and third cuttings.  Orchard grass hay can be considered maintenance type energy level hay forage for most animals. 

Protein - Not Less Than 8%
Crude Fat - Not Less Than 1.8%
Crude Fiber - Not More Than 35%
Moisture - Not More Than 12%

*Persons requiring a more detailed analysis to make informed decisions about their animals feeding regimen should have their own individual analysis completed.

The most important thing in a horse’s diet is water. Provide plenty of fresh clean water at all times.  All forage grazing animals need long stem forage in their diets. The long stem forages can be supplemented with hay forages made into cubes and pellets. We recommend that you feed by weight and not by volume.  1-2% of a horse’s weight should be fed daily in hay forages.  This amount may vary depending on the animal’s needs and the horse’s activity.  Therefore, if a horse weighs 1,000lbs and is a performance horse, 20lbs of forage would be sufficient, however, consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist for selected forage types and specific needs for your animal(s).  Make feed changes gradually over a period of 7 days.