3-Way hay?

Last Knight · 08-14-2008, 08:58 AM

In this area, a mixture of Oat, Wheat, and Barley hay is very popular and is called "3-Way".

Usually there is a choice of this hay, or Alfalfa.

I'm curious- anyone here use the 3-way? Any comments on it? I've really never come across it before, and also wonder how to tell if the hay I am buying is GOOD guality 3-Way if I decide to try it...

Thanks!

SaddleBrat · 08-14-2008, 10:48 AM

I have never heard of 3-way hay but if you want to know how good it is I know there are places around here that you can have the hay tested to check nutritional value. I'm sure there many more members of this forum who can give you much better info but if I was wondering about the quaity of my hay I would have it tested.

AllAroundRdr · 08-14-2008, 02:23 PM

My 2 year old is currently on 3-Way in the AM and Alfalfa in the PM with Orchard in the Afternoon.

I've never been a 3-Way fan in the past and always fed Alfalfa x Orchard/Timothy.

Where I'm boarding I have the choice of Alfalfa, 3-Way, or Bermuda and Orchard/Timothy I have to provide and pay extra to be fed (plus I have to section/weigh each feeding myself for the guys to throw)

I decided with my 2 year old to feed 3-Way in the AM with Alfalfa in the PM to keep his protein intake low (*lower than if I was feeding Alfalfa AM & PM*) since his workload was not heavy and I add in extra Alfalfa x Timothy pellets on heavy work days.

3-Way should be a mix of green and yellow (I prefer way more green in my bales) and should not be the consistency of straw.

Last Knight · 08-14-2008, 02:55 PM

Thanks- I was wondering on color- do you know how much should be grains?

County · 08-14-2008, 07:17 PM

Never heard of 3 Way hay but around here we bale alot of oat hay and feed. Its best when cut as the grain is in the milk stage.

imjustjoking22 · 08-14-2008, 10:12 PM

I feed 3-way and alfalfa to my guy and he really likes it and I do too! I can feed it pretty much free choice and then minimal alfalfa and he stays a good weight but still sensible.

Last Knight · 08-14-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imjustjoking22

I feed 3-way and alfalfa to my guy and he really likes it and I do too! I can feed it pretty much free choice and then minimal alfalfa and he stays a good weight but still sensible.

Thats what I am considering doing- they seem to munch the 3-way slower, too, so I feel better leaving it out all day, with alfalfa added in.

Really didn't realize how regional it was, thanks fellow California people for answering!

08-14-2008, 08:58 AM	#1
Last Knight Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 347 Images: 17	3-Way hay? In this area, a mixture of Oat, Wheat, and Barley hay is very popular and is called "3-Way". Usually there is a choice of this hay, or Alfalfa. I'm curious- anyone here use the 3-way? Any comments on it? I've really never come across it before, and also wonder how to tell if the hay I am buying is GOOD guality 3-Way if I decide to try it... Thanks!

08-14-2008, 02:23 PM	#3
AllAroundRdr Senior Member+ Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southern CA - The Land of Fires & Shakey Ground Posts: 4,020 Images: 26	My 2 year old is currently on 3-Way in the AM and Alfalfa in the PM with Orchard in the Afternoon. I've never been a 3-Way fan in the past and always fed Alfalfa x Orchard/Timothy. Where I'm boarding I have the choice of Alfalfa, 3-Way, or Bermuda and Orchard/Timothy I have to provide and pay extra to be fed (plus I have to section/weigh each feeding myself for the guys to throw) I decided with my 2 year old to feed 3-Way in the AM with Alfalfa in the PM to keep his protein intake low (lower than if I was feeding Alfalfa AM & PM) since his workload was not heavy and I add in extra Alfalfa x Timothy pellets on heavy work days. 3-Way should be a mix of green and yellow (I prefer way more green in my bales) and should not be the consistency of straw. __________________ People say riding isn't a sport...Well you see, the 'ball' I play with has a mind of its own. I've been Goosed..and I LIKED it!

08-14-2008, 10:12 PM	#6
imjustjoking22 Senior Member+ Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Coastal California Posts: 4,269 Images: 74	I feed 3-way and alfalfa to my guy and he really likes it and I do too! I can feed it pretty much free choice and then minimal alfalfa and he stays a good weight but still sensible. __________________ ~Ikelos- 2003 Oldenburg by Ideal~ My last and greatest gift from my mother. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

08-14-2008, 10:48 AM	#2
SaddleBrat Full Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 211 Images: 10	I have never heard of 3-way hay but if you want to know how good it is I know there are places around here that you can have the hay tested to check nutritional value. I'm sure there many more members of this forum who can give you much better info but if I was wondering about the quaity of my hay I would have it tested.

08-14-2008, 02:55 PM	#4
Last Knight Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 347 Images: 17	Thanks- I was wondering on color- do you know how much should be grains?

08-14-2008, 07:17 PM	#5
County Senior Member+ Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mn Posts: 2,461	Never heard of 3 Way hay but around here we bale alot of oat hay and feed. Its best when cut as the grain is in the milk stage.