RANDOLPH OAT Hay ขนาด 500 กรัม

Rice plants are generally unsuitable for use as hay; once the grain has been harvested, the remaining stalk becomes "rice straw." This material consists largely of indigestible fibers—specifically lignin and cellulose—and lacks the fermentable fibers needed for energy production. Additionally, rice straw is often too alkaline, which can disrupt the pH balance of the digestive tract. In contrast, oat plants are successfully utilized as hay. This requires careful field management and precise timing of the harvest to ensure the hay is suitable for young animals, providing the excellent nutritional value necessary for growth.

Benefits of Oat Hay: Unlike other grasses, oat hay derives energy from the plant's "milky stage" (when the grain is still developing). It is frequently mixed with alfalfa to boost protein levels in the diets of young animals and nursing mothers. Because it is harvested at a more mature stage than Timothy hay, it contains higher levels of indigestible fiber, which promotes the production of larger fecal pellets. Furthermore, the mature stalks are rich in silica, which aids in natural tooth abrasion.

Australian oat hay is highly popular due to the country's rigorous standards regarding harvest timing to maximize nutritional value; Japan is one of the major importers of this product.

Veterinarians often recommend oat hay for rabbits showing early signs of improper tooth wear. It helps minimize the risk of abnormal tooth elongation, thereby preventing more severe dental issues later on, and serves as an excellent natural source of Vitamin A. The optimal stage for harvesting oat grass for rabbits and small herbivores is the early milk stage—the period when flowering begins and young grains start to form or accumulate starch. Squeezing the flower head at this time releases a milky, rice-like fluid (sometimes referred to as the "watery-ripe stage"). If harvesting is delayed beyond this point, the grass's nutritional value declines rapidly.
This differs from other grass varieties, which are typically harvested during the vegetative stage (mid-bud phase prior to flowering) when protein levels range from 6% to 9%. Premium oat grass offers high nutritional value and can be paired with alfalfa; notably, it provides higher levels of Vitamin A than many other grass types. Another advantage of harvesting at the early milk stage is that the grass retains a pleasant aroma and flavor that animals find highly palatable. Oat grass is suitable for adult rabbits and herbivores, offering dietary and flavor variety. It is also beneficial for addressing issues such as insufficient tooth wear and Vitamin A deficiency. It is commonly mixed with alfalfa to boost protein and calcium levels for young animals and nursing mothers. It is recommended that various grasses constitute the primary component of the diet, making up at least 75–80% of total food intake.