🌾 Vet Guide 2025: Hay Cuttings in Focus – Fact vs Fiction with Dr Duncan Houston

If you’ve shopped for small-pet hay, you’ve seen labels like “1st cutting” or “2nd cutting” and wondered which one is best for your pet. Let’s debunk myths, understand crop science, and learn how to choose top-quality hay—no matter the cutting! 😊

📘 What Are Hay Cuttings?

“Cutting” simply refers to when hay is harvested: first, second (or even third) mowing of the same grass in a season :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. First cutting often yields stalkier, bulkier hay; second cutting regrows softer, leafier grass :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}. Third cutting is rare, lush, and high in nutrients if conditions allow :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

❓ Myths vs Reality

🟢 Myth: "2nd cutting is nutritionally superior"

While softer and often preferred, there’s no evidence it’s more nutritious. What matters most is maturity—leaf-to-stem ratio, early harvesting—and not the cutting number :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

🟢 Myth: "Adults prefer 2nd cutting"

Some pets do favor softer hay—but it varies individually. Preference is based on texture, scent, and taste—not strictly cut number :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🌱 Why Straw is Key, Not Labels

The secret to quality hay::

• ✅ Early harvest maturity = softer leaves, fewer stems
• ✅ High leaf content → better fiber & nutrition balance
• ✅ Quality control in harvesting, drying, processing (e.g., Oxbow’s Extra Acre protocol) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

This matters **more** than first vs second cutting.

👀 Real-World Insights from Oxbow

Oxbow vets confirm: cutting number isn’t key. They focus on maturity and stringent quality checks—from field timing to bagging :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

💬 Community Feedback & Expert Tips

“First cutting tends to be stiffer… Second cutting… grassier… third cutting… very grassy with few seed heads.” :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

“Second cut Timothy is softer—a good option if your piggies don’t like first cut… but some pigs got soft poop when fed soft cut exclusively.” :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

📋 Comparison Table: Cut vs Maturity

✅ Choosing the Right Hay

• Always check texture and aroma—soft leaves, fresh scent, minimal dust
• Buy small quantities to ensure freshness
• Observe your pet’s preference—some may eat stalky hay more eagerly
• Provide variety: mix orchard, botanical, meadow, or different cuttings
• Quality matters most—reputation, sourcing, and maturity control (like Oxbow’s) are crucial

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Key Takeaways

1. Don’t buy based on cutting number—prioritize maturity and leafiness
2. Watch your pet’s preferences and health—adjust if weight or digestion shifts
3. Rotate hay types to prevent boredom
4. Trust growers who care about quality control

Need hay advice tailored to your pet’s species or condition? Visit Ask A Vet, and check out **Woopf** for hay puzzles and **Purrz** for hay-safe grooming! 🐹📱