Quality Hay

Nature compensates for the short growing season and slow growth rate by increasing the concentration of nutrients in growing forages. Digestible energy, protein, minerals and vitamin levels are higher while indigestible fiber is lower. While this effect is most obvious in the higher ratio of leaves to stems in mountain grown alfalfa, it also occurs in grass and oat hay, When harvested at the right time and properly cured mountain hays retain a high percentage of the natural nutrition accumulated by the growing plant.

The harvest of each cutting of hay is timed to maximize the levels of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins while maintaining adequate fiber to avoid colic and other digestive disturbances that can afflict horses consuming too little natural fiber. Harvest practice's are organized to ensure rapid natural drying and, minimize the loss of color and nutrients through bleaching, Weather conditions in the Shasta Valley favor rapid curing of hay to preserve leaves and reduce nutrient loss. Proper attention to moisture levels as hay is raked and baled keeps hay free of mold and dust.

Oat hay is harvested with an eye toward obtaining the best possible balance between nutrient content and palatability. Oat varieties are selected for fine stems and good leaf retention. By cutting these varieties earlier than normally practiced, some yield is sacrificed. However, the hay is softer, cleaner and better accepted by horses than hay grown elsewhere.

A limestone layer that is consistently being broken down as new soil is formed underlies the soils on the Shasta Shadow Ranch. This natural source of calcium ensures that hay harvested on the ranch is a strong source of this mineral, which is essential to strong bone development. Alfalfa and other hays grown on the ranch are excellent sources of most other minerals as well as vitamins A, D and E. Good hay can reduce the need for expensive mineral supplements.

Sound horse nutrition begins with good quality hay. Knowledgeable horsemen buy the best hay available and recognize that poor hay is never cheap enough.

The higher percentage content of essential nutrients in mountain grown hay makes it possible for horses to obtain their daily requirements from a smaller feeding of hay. Such hay is seldom waged and certainly has a higher value per pound than poor quality hays which must be fed free choice, with the accompanying waste and cleanup problems, in order to even approach the horse's nutritional needs.

Livestockmen have long recognized that cattle and horses grazed in a mountain setting do better than the same animals kept at lower elevations. The differences are greater than what can be explained by analysis for protein and other nutrients. There is obviously some unexplained combination of differences that make up the components of strong mountain hay or posture. It is not necessary to understand all there is to know about natural processes in order to turn natural advantages to your own advantage.

Capitalize on one of the nature's secrets-buy and feed with hay from Shasta Shadow Ranch.

For information about prices and availability, call: 530-340-0595