Dactylis glomerata is treated as the sole species in the genus Dactylis by some authors, [1] [3] while others include one to four other species. [10] It is commonly divided into several regional subspecies, particularly by those authors accepting only the single species: [1] [6] [10] Goats will become gluttons when the first sweet clover appears and this should be avoided as much as possible. Treats, even healthy ones, should only be provided in small to moderate amounts. Healthy goat treats are especially helpful when used as training aids to establish trust between keepers and the animals and to teach them their ranging boundaries. Regardless of whether you are buying a grass hay or a legume hay, it should be green on the inside of the bale. If it was newly baled, it should still be green on the outside, but over time, the outside of the bale will fade to brown, although it will still be green inside.

Legume Hay – Alfalfa style hay has a higher protein county that other types of agricultural hay. Legume hay is comprised of approximately 15 to 22 percent crude protein. It also contains 34 percent of crude fiber. When consuming alfalfa legume hay varieties a goat can garner roughly 120 percent more energy than they would acquare if eating other types of hay. Although they share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two species in terms of their growth habits, nutritional profiles, and adaptation to environmental conditions. Baxter (1830). The Library of Agricultural and Horticultural Knowledge: With an Appendix on Suspended Animation, Poisons, and the Principal Laws Relating to Farming and Rural Affairs. pp.228–229, 523. The increased concentration of protein in legume hay can greatly increase the energy for a horse eating it. If a horse has a heavy workload, or needs more energy and caloric intake, legume hay can be a good fit.Timothy hay is a perfectly good staple hay for your rabbits. It’s the most common hay type used by bunny guardians and is completely safe.

Orchardgrass is a bunch type grass which establishes rapidly and is suitable for pasture, hay, or silage. However, because it becomes coarse and less palatable as it matures, it is best suited for pastures. The rapid decline in palatability and quality as orchardgrass matures is the major deterrent to its use. Orchardgrass requires careful management to ensure that it is harvested promptly. Orchardgrass responds well to nitrogen fertilization and is very compatible with legumes in a mixture. It is not as winter hardy or drought tolerant as smooth bromegrass, but it can survive and be highly productive throughout all of Pennsylvania.Prepare the soil by testing the pH and tilling it lightly.Make sure the soil pH is slightly acidic or neutral (pH of 6.5-7). You can adjust the soil’s pH by adding lime or acidic fertilizers. Even during cold weather months, a goat can browse for a significant portion of their diet providing they have enough room to roam on a homestead that is at least partially wooded. Hay: How Much and Types