Interesting hay theory

[GuineaTV]

It's been suggested that feeding a variety of hays is good for your pigs (timothy, orchard grass), which certainly makes sense. Now, if your pellets are made from Timothy, does that mean that Orchard grass is a better choice for hay, in order to give them variety (if they like it)? Any thoughts?

[Slap Maxwell]

I feed my pigs what they seem to enjoy. Mine don't particularly like timothy (though they love their pellets) but they LOVE sweet meadow hay from (www.sweetmeadowfarm.com). Variety is the key for a pig's diet.

[jackie ramser]

Now what about a alfalfa-grass(1/3) hay that we feed to our horses? Not to feed as a staple but as a treat. I know that the alfalfa causes stones in our little men.

Thanks
Jackie

[Ly&Pigs]

If the pigs are prone to bladder stones, it wouldn't be good for them.

[aqh88]

Originally Posted by jackie ramser

Now what about a alfalfa-grass(1/3) hay that we feed to our horses? Not to feed as a staple but as a treat. I know that the alfalfa causes stones in our little men.

Mine much prefer the green alfalfa straight out of the field as a treat but it is very high in calcium as well as other nutrients. Give them just a few pieces not very often. Straight alfalfa should not be fed frequently to any animal. The only reason it's used in cattle so frequently is because they want the fast growth without worrying about the health consequences.

[mom to cujo]

Originally Posted by slap_maxwell

I feed my pigs what they seem to enjoy. Mine don't particularly like timothy (though they love their pellets) but they LOVE sweet meadow hay from (www.sweetmeadowfarm.com). Variety is the key for a pig's diet.

My guys love sweetmeadow hay as well!