Specifications include, but are not limited to: Item 1 – Timothy and Orchard Grass New Castle County is seeking hay that is a mixture of Timothy and Orchard grass. The hay must be leafy, light green to green, early to medium seed head, crude protein 8-12%, ADF 35- 42%, and NDF 55% or less. The visual profile of all hay, regardless of grade, shall be as follows: • The greater the leaf to stem ratio, the better the nutrient quality of the hay. • More leaf and less stem = more protein, energy and greater digestibility. • Few mature seed head and thinner/finer stems and mostly leaf. • Texture: the shorter the stem length, the softer and more flexible the hay. • Color: the brighter the green color, the higher the protein and vitamin content. • Aroma: hay should not have a musty or moldy odor or show dust on being “slapped”. • Weeds: hay should have few or no weeds, especially thistle, burdock, nettle, or seed rose. • Foreign material: hay should have no wire, glass, paper, plastic, etc.
