Timothy hay is a perennial grass cultivated in cool, temperate regions primarily as high-quality forage. Harvested while green and dried, it serves as a dietary staple for livestock and small domestic herbivores. Its significance lies in its robust growth in cooler climates and its favorable nutritional composition. The hay is valued for its long-stem fiber content, which is necessary for maintaining the digestive health of many herbivorous species.
The Man Behind the Name
The common name for this forage grass honors 18th-century North American farmer Timothy Hanson. The grass was introduced from Europe, where it was sometimes called meadow cat’s-tail. In New England, it was known as “Herd’s grass,” named after John Herd, who promoted its use in the early 1700s.
Timothy Hanson, an agriculturist near Baltimore, Maryland, recognized the grass’s quality as fodder for horses in the 1720s. He began cultivating the grass extensively and was among the first to commercially process and distribute its seed throughout the central colonies. His efforts in popularizing the grass led to a shift in nomenclature among farmers.
The name “Timothy’s seed” or simply “Timothy” gradually replaced older names due to his commercial success and distribution network. Historical accounts suggest figures like Benjamin Franklin helped cement the name, using it to identify the superior variety being sold and leading to the enduring common name for the species globally.
Botanical Classification and Characteristics
Timothy hay is scientifically classified as Phleum pratense, belonging to the grass family Poaceae. This cool-season, perennial, tufted grass is native to much of Europe and Asia. It thrives in environments with long, cold winters and moderate summer temperatures, making it a reliable crop in northern latitudes.
Phleum pratense is characterized by its tall growth habit, typically reaching 48 to 60 inches at maturity. Its most identifiable feature is the dense, cylindrical flower head, a spike-like panicle that resembles a cat’s tail. The stems are often bulbous at the base, which aids the plant’s survival through cold periods.
The leaves are smooth, hairless, and rolled, growing up to 17 inches long. When harvested, the robust stems and seed heads are retained, providing the long-stem fiber beneficial to consuming animals.
Nutritional Value and Primary Uses
Timothy hay is valued as forage due to its balanced nutritional composition, featuring high fiber and low levels of protein and calcium. When harvested, the hay typically contains 7 to 11 percent crude protein. This moderate protein level is ideal for the maintenance diet of adult horses and cattle, preventing nutrient oversupply.
The high proportion of indigestible fiber is beneficial for hindgut fermenters, such as horses and rabbits. This long-stem fiber promotes gut motility, preventing conditions like colic and gastrointestinal stasis. For small pets, the hay’s abrasive texture is essential for continuously wearing down their ever-growing teeth, preventing dental overgrowth.
The low calcium content, generally 0.38 to 0.51 percent, is an advantage, especially for small animals where excessive calcium intake can cause urinary tract issues. Timothy hay serves as the base of the diet for many adult animals, providing necessary bulk and supporting overall digestive and dental health.