How is straw different from hay?

How is straw different from hay?

Straw is a stalk, usually a waste product of wheat, that's used as bedding for barnyard animals. Hay—typically alfalfa or a grass—is used as animal feed. … Straw and hay both begin life the same way—as a field crop. The word 'hay' refers to the entire harvested plant, including the seed heads.

Which is better hay or straw?

Straw is the bare stalk remaining after a nutritious seed head, such as barley or wheat has been harvested. … If your goal is simply to cover the soil, as for paths, then straw is fine. If your goal is to enrich your soil, then the nutritious hay is much better.

Does hay turn into straw?

Hay often contains seeds which sprout when used as mulch, which is why there are so many warnings against using it. Straw can also contain seeds if all of the grain was not removed, but in general it is less of a problem.

Do horses eat hay or straw?

Because it may provide a significant level of calories while presenting a hazard for choke or impaction, straw isn't a great forage choice for most horses. It's probably safer to find and feed a low-carbohydrate hay, soaking it before feeding to remove some water-soluble carbohydrates.