Barley Hay?

foothillsequine · Postby **foothillsequine** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 6:12 pm

I've heard of oat hay for horses, but not barley hay. My neighbor plans on feeding their TB's this. Is it a good hay? What is the nutritional value, can it cause any problems? I told him I would ask some experts, so I am asking any of you who may have used it. Thanks much for any answers/suggestions that I can pass on.

Frankly, I prefer a good orchard mix and alfalfa for my horses, but....

Thanks again!

Diane · Postby **Diane** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:45 pm

I've been throwing away large clumps of it the last month. Barley, oats and alfalfa is a common mix out here and it works well IF there are alot of oats. The mix has lower protein than straight alfalfa which is our staple hay here. I find myself adding chunks of alfalfa to their dinner feeding to compensate for what's being being nosed out of the feeder and pooped on though. Think of barley as good straw and go from there.

griff · Postby **griff** » Wed Mar 10, 2010 10:07 pm

I'm not sure barley is "good" straw

griff

foothillsequine · Postby **foothillsequine** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 7:17 am

Much what I thought, so thanks very much!

LKR · Postby **LKR** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:35 am

Watch out for bearded barley. It almost acts like cheatgrass, gets stuck in their cheeks, also, it is more likely to cause compaction, at least that is what happened to us 30 years ago when we fed some to my kids ponies. Haven't fed it since.