Goat owners...............

[jerseygirl1]

Is it OK for a goat to eat hay with reed grass in it? They seem to like it, though the guy I get it from said usually it tastes sour to them and they don't like it. I mean, nutritionally, is it OK?
I asked on the BYH, but gt some conflicting information
Thanks

 

[shadowpaints]

not sure, we have always fed our goats alfalfa hay.. lol hope some one else knows!

 

[Hound]

From what I can figure out (reed hay just doesn't exist in this part of the country), it is a decent feed for some goats. It isn't as nutritious as alfalfa, so I wouldn't recommend it for pregnant or lactating does.

Also, how good it is depends on how good that particular batch is (as with any hay).

This article is somewhat helpful

http://hayandforage.com/mag/farming_reed_canarygrass_makes/

 

[()relics]

Quote:
Really? I will have to reread that thread... What exactly is Reed hay? Is it actually Reed's Canary grass or is it hay that is cut and baled Reeds from a swamp or ditch bank? Now that would make a Giant difference....small world we live in

 

[jerseygirl1]

Reed grass is what he called it, it's almost looks like thick grass to me. Problem is, some say it's OK,others say no, basically he calls it mulch or landscaping hay.BUt they seem to like it, and it's cheap
One reponse said it's great, another didn't really care for it

Edited because I think it's reed canary grass, which someone said is good for them

 

[jerseygirl1]

Quote:
Thanks, that what I was told, also. Looks like I am getting a good deal, then

 

[()relics]

I have 10 acres of Reed canary grass that I round bale several times a year. If you cut it when it is young it makes good hay, even my horses eat it durring the winter. But if it gets older and taller it starts to get stalky(?) and then it is about worthless because even the goats see it only as bedding...JMO

 

[jerseygirl1]

I see, thanks! They seem to like it so far! I just didnt' want them to eat the equivalent of 10 big macs a day with this hay unless I knew it was good for them