How to Choose High Quality Brome Hay Bales

• 1
  The outer edges of bales may be a duller shade of brown.stacked hay bales 02 image by Michael Cornelius from Fotolia.com
  
  Bales that have been stacked or exposed to air and moisture may develop some discoloration on the outside. Cut several bales to evaluate the interior before purchase. Examine the interior hay for signs of discoloration, insect infestation, mold and debris.
  
  
• 2). Evaluate the feel of the hay. Overly fibrous strands of hay, harvested from very mature plants, will be hard and pointy to the feel. High-quality hay should be somewhat soft and contain medium sized pieces. Hay that has been over processed will crumble to the touch or break into small stems and shards. Avoid overly processed hay,as it does not provide enough fiber to stimulate ruminants and may cause colic in horses.
  
  
• 3). Smell the hay. Quality brome hay should yield a sweet, fresh smell. Reject hay that smells moldy, rotten or of any chemical.
  
  
• 4). Lift a bale of hay to discern whether or not it contains too much moisture. Overly heavy bales of hay may have been baled when wet, predisposing the hay to mold and combustion. Do not purchase damp hay.