SUSTAINING

Orchard Grass - Alfalfa Blend

Crude Protein < 15%

Performance

Blend Hay

Premium Hay for

Growing and Lactating Animals

High-protein hay similar to alfalfa, designed to support rapid growth

and milk production in young and nursing herbivores.


What Is Sustainability Hay?

Our sustainability Hay Blend is a carefully balanced mix of orchard grass and alfalfa, grown using regenerative farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity, without sacrificing nutrition.

This blend is designed for animal owners who care not only about what they feed, but how it’s grown.

By combining deep-rooted perennial grasses with nitrogen-fixing legumes, Sustainability Hay supports:

  • Consistent, moderate nutrition

  • Healthy digestion and dental wear

  • Lower environmental impact per bale

It’s hay that nourishes animals and the land that grows it.

What You Need to Know About Performance Hay

This specialized blend plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and performance of animals. It provides high-quality protein and energy, two key components that support rapid growth, reproduction, and recovery.

For animals like rabbits, horses, and other plant eaters, the high fiber content supports healthy digestion and helps prevent issues such as gastrointestinal stasis or colic.

Beyond digestion, performance hay encourages natural chewing behaviors that are vital for proper dental wear, especially in small mammals with continuously growing teeth. By integrating this blend into their diet, you help sustain vitality, support high-demand nutritional needs, and reduce reliance on additional supplements.

Why Orchard Grass + Alfalfa

Is a Sustainable Pairing

🌾 Orchard Grass

  • Deep root systems improve soil structure and water retention

  • Slower maturity promotes consistent fiber levels

  • Ideal for maintaining gut health and steady energy

🌾 Alfalfa

  • Naturally fixes nitrogen, reducing need for synthetic inputs

  • Adds plant protein, calcium, and essential minerals

  • Supports regrowth and long-term pasture productivity

Together, they create a self-supporting system that feeds animals

while rebuilding soil fertility year after year.

Nutritional Value

Lab-tested each cutting. Values may vary slightly by harvest

Consider Using Sustainability Hay for:

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Farms focused on soil regeneration and closed-loop systems

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Rabbits needing clean, consistent forage

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Adult horses in light work or pasture rotation

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Goat and sheep on maintenance or light production

Nutritional Value

The Performance Blend boasts an impressive nutrient profile. On a dry matter basis, it typically contains the following:

These values can fluctuate with soil quality and curing methods, but overall, it's more palatable and energy-rich than grass alternatives.

Who Will Benefit?

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Growing young animals, such as rabbits under 6 months, foals, or young guinea pigs

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Lactating mothers, including

nursing rabbit does or mares

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Performance horses in training

or competition

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Dairy goats or cows

It's not recommended for mature, sedentary adults,

as the high nutrients can lead to imbalances.

why Sustainability Hay?

  • Grown using regenerative, soil-first practices

  • Balanced nutrition without excess protein or sugars

  • Supports long-term pasture health and carbon sequestration

  • Lower input farming = cleaner forage

  • Soft, leafy texture animals clean up eagerly

This blend is ideal when you want responsible nutrition without extremes, no overfeeding, no depletion, no shortcuts.

How It can help Animals

The Performance Blend aids in multiple ways:

  • its protein supports tissue repair and growth, crucial for young animals building bone and muscle mass.

  • For lactating females, it boosts milk yield and quality.

  • The fiber promotes healthy gut motility, reducing boredom-induced issues like fur chewing in rabbits while preventing digestive slowdowns.

  • High calcium strengthens bones and teeth, and the overall energy helps animals recover from illness or maintain condition during stressful periods.

Feeding Directions

  • Free-choice for most adult animals on maintenance diets

  • Ideal as a primary forage or mixed with pasture

  • Adjust intake for animals in higher production stages

⚠️ For late gestation, heavy lactation, or rapid weight gain, consider Performance Blend.

Shelf Life and

Storage

Properly stored, this blend can last 6-12 months without significant nutrient loss.

  • Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture.

  • Use pallets to elevate bales off the ground.

  • Cover with breathable tarps if outdoors.

  • Signs of spoilage: musty odors, discoloration, or visible mold, discard affected portions immediately.

Additional Insights

  • Potential Drawbacks or Warnings

    Excess calcium and protein can cause urinary issues like bladder stones in adult rabbits or obesity in easy-keeper horses, so include disclaimers against long-term use for matures. Monitor for blister beetles in some regions, which are toxic

  • Feeding Guidelines

    Offer unlimited access for young rabbits (switch to grass hay by 6-7 months), or 1-2% of body weight daily for horses, mixed with grass for balance. Introduce gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

  • Sourcing and Quality Tips

    Look for vibrant green color, leafy texture, and a fresh, sweet aroma with minimal dust. Opt for second or third cuttings for higher quality; organic options reduce pesticide exposure. Seasonal availability peaks in spring/summer.

  • Comparison to Other Hays

    Unlike timothy (lower protein), this blend is richer but less suitable for maintenance than mixed grasses.

Additional Insights

  • Potential Drawbacks or Warnings

    Excess calcium and protein can cause urinary issues like bladder stones in adult rabbits or obesity in easy-keeper horses, so include disclaimers against long-term use for matures. Monitor for blister beetles in some regions, which are toxic

  • Feeding Guidelines

    Offer unlimited access for young rabbits (switch to grass hay by 6-7 months), or 1-2% of body weight daily for horses, mixed with grass for balance. Introduce gradually over 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.

  • Sourcing and Quality Tips

    Look for vibrant green color, leafy texture, and a fresh, sweet aroma with minimal dust. Opt for second or third cuttings for higher quality; organic options reduce pesticide exposure. Seasonal availability peaks in spring/summer.

  • Comparison to Other Hays

    Unlike timothy (lower protein), this blend is richer but less suitable for maintenance than mixed grasses.

Feed Animals. Restore Land

Sustainability Hay Blend supports healthy animals today

and healthy fields for generations to come.

Ready to Boost

Your Animals' Performance?

Support Growth, Lactation

and Vitality

2025  The Healthy Hay Company

2025  The Healthy Hay Company