[langdon]

how long does hay stay edible when wet, does it loose any nutrional value at all?
sometimes i see hay left in fields in the big hay feeders for cattle and it could have been raining
for days yet it is left out for them to eat.
im not saying i leave ours out thats why i put one up in the day shelter to prevent this, im
just curious

[Roxy]

Its likely that it is haylage or silage out in the feeders - it does seem to keep better in the big bales, and even straw is left out in all weathers uncovered in the big bales.  I think it takes more time for the rain to penetrate through those big bales, and it does not seem to bother it too much, yet small bales are no use if soaked through.  Hay in big bales seems more water resistant too.  I am not saying it does not deteriorate with being out in the rain, but its usually ok to eat.

With my ponies, its not there long enough for weather to damage it - they eat it so fast!!

[Hellybee]

Echo Roxy.   the ousdie of a wet  little bale can look fine to the eye, but after a few days it will start to go off.  However on the whole ours dont last long enough for the rot to set in.