Hay Net Attachment Warnings

Mesh Size

• Choose a hay net with a mesh size suitable for the livestock feeding from it. Openings should allow the animal to access the hay without getting its head tangled within the mesh.

Height

• Different animals require different height strategies.

  For a horse or mule, place the hay net no higher than the animal's shoulder level. This placement minimizes the danger of causing eye injuries from hay pieces and respiratory problems from the inhalation of dust particles, according Ashley Griffin of the University of Kentucky. Hang individual hay nets high enough to discourage the animal from batting at it with a hoof, which risks causing injury if the hoof gets entangled in the net.

  For a goat, hang the net high enough so that it has to stand on its hind legs to reach the hay. This mimics a natural movement in nature.

Hardware

• Check the net for rough edges on hardware. Use snap hooks or carabiner type hooks to avoid cutting the animal. Open hooks such as "S" hooks may speed the hanging and removal of hay nets but they do so at a risk. The open edge may snag the animal's flesh. Livestock may be able to dislodge the net from the hook and be at risk for entanglement injury.

Location

• Space hay nets far enough apart to discourage crowding and potential fighting between animals. Consider the individual personalities of the animals when positioning the nets. Separate competitive eaters; companionable eaters benefit by placement closer together.

Feeding Sequence

• If the animal is to receive grain or other concentrated feed along with the forage, give the forage first. When concentrate is given at the same time, animals tend to gorge on the concentrate and ignore the forage. This can lead to digestion problems and illness unless corrected.