Heu

Heu is the German noun for hay, the dried grasses or legumes used as animal fodder. It is produced by mowing forage crops, allowing the cut material to dry in the field, and then baling or stacking it for storage. Common sources include meadow grasses such as timothy and various clovers or alfalfa. Hay is valued for providing a concentrated source of nutrients when fresh pasture is unavailable, especially in winter or during periods of drought.

The term Heu has cognates in other Germanic languages; for example Dutch hooi is the corresponding term in Dutch, and English hay shares a common origin within the same language family. The word’s precise etymology traces to Proto-Germanic roots and reflects historical agricultural practices.

Quality depends on proper drying and storage. Typical target moisture is around 15-20 percent; under-dried hay can mold, while over-drying reduces palatability. Good hay is green to yellow-brown, has a pleasant grassy aroma, and contains a favorable leaf-to-stem ratio. It should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated space to prevent moisture buildup and heating.

Hay is distinct from straw, which consists mainly of dried cereal stems and is poorer in nutrients. Straw is commonly used for bedding, whereas hay serves as primary forage for cattle, horses, and other livestock. In rural contexts, hay is sometimes stored in haycocks or haystacks known as Heuhaufen.