Hay
Hay Evaluation
Ear Notching
Breed Descriptions
100

Forage (grasses, legumes) mowed and field dried to 12 - 16% moisture

Dry hay

100

What is the most important quality factor when judging hay?

Maturity

100

Why do farmers ear notch their pigs?

Permanent form of identification

100

Developed in the US, Cross of red hogs from New York and New Jersey, Ears droop, grows quickly

Duroc

200

Product made from forage grasses & legumes containing 40-60% moisture

Haylage

200

Hay with this odor and condition would score very low

Moldy & Dusty

200

Which ear tells us the Pigs Litter Number?

Right Ear

200

Developed in England, Cross of Hampshire & Cotswold, has a wool cap, face & legs range from steel grey to chocolate brown

Oxford

300

Measures the total structural fiber-indicating how much a horse or livestock will comsume 

Neutral Detergent Fiber

300

What is the ideal color for hay?

Bright green

300

What do notches in the pigs left ear tell us?

Pig number

300

Originated in Southeastern France, white in color with a pink nose and light colored hooves, fast growing and produce large amounts of lean meat

Charolais

400
Measures the indigestible portion of the plant

Acid Detergent Fiber

400

When should alfalfa be cut?

late bud or early bloom stage

400

What does this ear notch mean?   27-5

Litter #27 Pig #5

400

Developed in Kent, England, Dual purpose breed, resistant to hoof rot, white, black or brown and polled with a wool cap

Romney

500

A calculated index indicating forage quality by estimating both its digestbility and how much an animal will eat, based on fiber content

Relative Feed Value

500

What are the 5 quality factors when evaluating hay in order with most important going first?

Maturity, Leafiness, Color, Odor & Condition and Foreign Material

500

At what age should piglets be ear notched?

1-3 days old

500

Developed in the Nile Valley, referred to as "the cattle of kings", graceful, tolerate temperature extremes well

Watusi

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