ADM just started selling a Hay in a bag product that seems to be pretty good. I got one bag of it and my deer seem to love it. They have two types: 100% alfalfa chop and Timothy/alfalfa mix . It sort of like haylage but not as moist. has anyone had any bad experiences feeding this , or actual haylage, that one should be concerned about? And, It would be interesting to hear comments on what you would reccommend feeding your deer --Timothy/alfalfa or straight alfalfa chop. What are the pros and cons of each product? Thanks
I have never tried it BUT if it's all chopped I can tell you that my "education" concerning runinant animals is that long strands of hay/grass are good for the rumen and chopped short stuff is not. Can you not obtain bales of hay in complete long strands for even less?
Joined Oct 2009
3,165 Posts | 1+
upstate ny
I am not sure on the long strand coment,mine seem to like the small stuff and leave the longer behind.I use straight alf,clover mix and they pound it.Its seems all the leaves fall off the alf and they clean it up.I tried haylage with no luck and im not sure about that stuff as sometimes it can get moldy and that cant be good.I dont think you can get better than alf,clover mix for them and it has plenty of protein!!
I have not yet seen this product but this is what I did 1 time.
I have a pretty decent alfalfa hay source so I went to TSC to get a rope net-like bag that holds a couple flakes of hay.
I thought this would be great until the next day my buck fawn ripped out his state tag. The tag was located on the ground directly under the bag.
Now I use a home made hay rack that is mounted on the wall in the feed stall.
Not sure of the construction the ADM bag this may not be a problem.
Jeff & Tina Enochs
Hunters Dream Whitetails.
I have a pretty decent alfalfa hay source so I went to TSC to get a rope net-like bag that holds a couple flakes of hay.
I thought this would be great until the next day my buck fawn ripped out his state tag. The tag was located on the ground directly under the bag.
Now I use a home made hay rack that is mounted on the wall in the feed stall.
Not sure of the construction the ADM bag this may not be a problem.
Jeff & Tina Enochs
Hunters Dream Whitetails.
The hay in a bag is good, but be careful with it. If you open a bag, moisture begins to allow the formation of mold on the remaining portion. If you can feed all of each bag when you open it or at least keep checking and smelling it for cleanliness.
Thanks for the comments everyone. I did try one bag of the ALF/Tim mix and my deer seemed to eat it right up. I used to feed a very good dairy hay ,but , there is always a mess in the spring , and thru out the summer, hay on the ground collecting moisture and possibly parasites cannot be good. That is what got me interested in this hay product. It is a little more expensive, but could have greater rewards also. I do like the idea of easy storage , no cleanup, and consistancy in the hay we are feeding.
One fella did tell me the alfalfa/timothy might be the way to go because it probably isn't as hot as the straight alfalfa chop. I was leaning towards the straight chop anyways, the protein difference was only about 2% and didn't exceed 16%.
One fella did tell me the alfalfa/timothy might be the way to go because it probably isn't as hot as the straight alfalfa chop. I was leaning towards the straight chop anyways, the protein difference was only about 2% and didn't exceed 16%.