Cut hay is generally fed mixed with grain and is considered an excellent
feed, as it prevents the stock from eating the concentrated grain ration
too rapidly. The hay is usually dampened when used in this manner. This
is one of the disadvantages of feeding it for if more than enough is
mixed for one feed and it is not fed within a short time it is likely to
sour if the weather is warm, or possibly freeze if the weather is cold.
This condition, together with the labor and bother of mixing, has caused
feeders in many instances to turn to ready-mixed and molasses feeds.
However, for feeders who desire to prepare their own mixed feed ration
the cut hay is probably the most convenient ingredient that can be used
to produce the required bulk.