hooi

Hooi is dried forage used as fodder for livestock. It is made from grasses or legumes that are cut, dried in the field, and then stored as feed. The term is Dutch for hay and is used in many European agricultural contexts; it is distinct from straw, which comes from cereal crops after threshing.

The composition depends on plant species and harvest stage. Common sources include meadow grasses such as timothy, orchardgrass, fescue, and legumes like clover or alfalfa. The nutritional value varies with species and maturity; younger forage contains more protein and energy, while mature forage is higher in fiber.

Harvesting requires dry, sunny conditions. For effective preservation, moisture content should be reduced to about 15-20 percent before baling. Weather delays can cause mold, nutrient loss, and spoilage.

Storage should be in a dry, well-ventilated space. Poor storage can lead to mold growth, heating, and ignition risk; moisture and pests can degrade quality.

Hooi provides roughage and energy to ruminant animals and can be supplemented with concentrates. It is widely used for cattle, sheep, goats, and horses, with legume-rich hay offering higher protein content.

Historically essential in temperate agriculture, hooi remains a staple winter feed in many regions of Europe, North America, and beyond, reflecting seasonal climate and farm practices.