Question about hay

[Shadrach]

Which is why you should inspect any feed before you buy it. Properly made and stored hay should have none of these issues.

I'll remember to take a microscope next time we cut or buy.
It's the nature of the crop, not really much to do with storage and harvesting.
Certain pathogens and mites live in the live plant which don't live in the stalks left after harvesting.
I have a field of cut mixed grass lying in puddles atm. Not an awful lot you can do about nature deciding to make life more difficult.

 

[aart]

Hay is feed, straw is bedding...that's how I remember it.

Handling and storage does matter, type and length, anything can start to live and grow in stored product. I always buy straw in the fall when it's fresh cut and not been stored in a barn all winter where birds and rodents can get into it. Rarely use hay and only as a 'treat' in moderation to pick thru during winter boredom.