Instructions
How to Choose High Quality Brome Hay Bales
Bales that have been stacked or exposed to air and moisture may develop some discoloration on the outside. Cut several bales to evaluate the interior before purchase. Examine the interior hay for signs of discoloration, insect infestation, mold and debris.
Evaluate the feel of the hay. Overly fibrous strands of hay, harvested from very mature plants, will be hard and pointy to the feel. High-quality hay should be somewhat soft and contain medium sized pieces. Hay that has been over processed will crumble to the touch or break into small stems and shards. Avoid overly processed hay,as it does not provide enough fiber to stimulate ruminants and may cause colic in horses.
Smell the hay. Quality brome hay should yield a sweet, fresh smell. Reject hay that smells moldy, rotten or of any chemical.
Lift a bale of hay to discern whether or not it contains too much moisture. Overly heavy bales of hay may have been baled when wet, predisposing the hay to mold and combustion. Do not purchase damp hay.
How to Choose Quality Brome Hay Bales
Brome hay is cut and dried brome grass. High in fiber and protein, brome grass produces well and is a popular choice for hay. When purchasing baled brome hay, it is important to inspect the hay for quality before purchase. Poor quality hay does not meet the nutritional needs of livestock or horses and can cause health problems if moldy, contaminated or cut too short. By purchasing high-quality hay, owners ensure the health of their animals as well as the best investment of their hay-buying dollars.