Hay Net or Ground Feeding? Pros and Cons for Different Livestock
Feeding livestock may seem straightforward, but the method you choose—whether using a hay net or feeding directly on the ground—can make a big difference in animal health, hay waste, and your bottom line. At Ohana Farms, we know that quality hay is just one part of good livestock care. How you present that hay matters too. In this blog, we’ll dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both hay nets and ground feeding for horses, goats, sheep, and cattle to help you decide which option is right for your operation.
(Close up of donkey eating hay off the ground.)
Why Feeding Method Matters
Before we compare hay nets and ground feeding, let’s talk about why this decision is worth your attention. Feeding method impacts:
- Waste – How much hay gets eaten vs. trampled or soiled.
- Animal Health – Respiratory issues, dental wear, and digestive health.
- Feeding Behavior – How natural the eating posture is for your animals.
- Labor Efficiency – Time spent refilling feeders, cleaning, or managing spoiled hay.
Now let’s break down the two methods.
Hay Nets: Controlled Access with Key Benefits
Hay nets are mesh or rope feeders that hold hay in place, allowing livestock to eat slowly through small openings. They come in various sizes and can be hung, placed in feeders, or secured to the ground.
Pros of Using Hay Nets
1. Reduces Waste
One of the biggest reasons farmers and pet owners turn to hay nets is the significant reduction in hay waste. When hay is kept off the ground and animals can only pull out small amounts at a time, there’s less chance for trampling or soiling.
2. Encourages Slow Feeding
Slow feeding mimics natural grazing behavior. By limiting how quickly animals can eat, hay nets help regulate digestion and reduce the risk of issues like choke or colic, especially in horses.
3. Improved Cleanliness
Hay kept in nets stays dry and clean. This is especially beneficial in muddy, wet, or snowy conditions where ground-fed hay would otherwise be ruined quickly.
4. Good for Overweight Animals
Controlling portions helps manage body condition. For animals that are prone to overeating—like ponies, miniature horses, or some goats—hay nets can slow intake and support healthier weight management.
Cons of Using Hay Nets
1. Can Be Frustrating for Some Animals
If the holes are too small, animals may become irritated or discouraged. Especially with older livestock or those with dental issues, eating through a net can become a challenge.
2. Requires Regular Refilling
Depending on the size of your herd and the net, you may find yourself needing to refill more often, which can increase labor time.
3. Safety Risks
Improperly secured hay nets can cause entanglement, especially with horned animals or those wearing halters. Always check for safe placement and durability of materials.
Ground Feeding: A Natural But Messy Option
Ground feeding refers to placing hay directly on the ground or in low troughs or mats. It’s one of the oldest and most natural ways to offer forage.
Pros of Ground Feeding
1. Mimics Natural Grazing
For species like horses and cattle, eating with their heads down is more natural. This position promotes proper jaw movement, encourages nasal drainage, and supports respiratory health.
2. Easier Access for All Animals
With no barriers to entry, ground feeding ensures even the shy or weaker animals in a group can get their share—assuming there’s enough space and hay for everyone.
3. Ideal for Herd Dynamics
For certain livestock, feeding in multiple ground piles can reduce tension and food-related aggression by allowing animals to spread out.
Cons of Ground Feeding
1. High Hay Waste
Hay on the ground is more likely to get walked on, urinated on, or mixed with dirt and mud. This can lead to significant losses and increase feed costs.
2. Health Risks
Contaminated or dusty hay can lead to respiratory issues, especially in horses. Mold growth in damp hay can also cause serious illness in ruminants.
3. Pest Attraction
Feeding on the ground can attract rodents and insects, especially if hay is left to sit or is stored in open areas.
4. Increased Clean-Up Time
If hay is being fed in wet or messy pastures, ground feeding might mean more cleanup work for you—and potentially a higher risk of foot problems in your animals due to standing in soggy feed areas.
Species-Specific Considerations
Different animals have different needs. Here’s how the two methods stack up depending on the type of livestock:
Horses
- Best option: Hay nets with slow-feed designs.
- Why: Reduces colic risk, mimics grazing, lowers waste.
- Note: Make sure nets are low enough to support natural head position, but not so low they risk hoof entanglement.
Goats
- Best option: Elevated hay feeders or nets with strong, chew-resistant design.
- Why: Goats are notorious for climbing in feed and soiling it. Keeping hay off the ground maintains quality.
- Note: Nets must be securely fastened and used with caution around horned goats.
Sheep
- Best option: Low hay racks or small-holed nets.
- Why: Sheep benefit from clean feeding areas, and slow-feed options help avoid bloating and digestive upset.
- Note: Avoid nets that could trap wool or legs.
Cattle
- Best option: Ground feeding with mats or large feeders.
- Why: Cattle are strong and can easily destroy nets. Feeding on large, spaced-out piles is often more practical.
- Note: Rotate feeding areas to avoid muddy conditions and reduce waste.
How to Choose the Right Feeding Method for Your Farm
Every farm is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. When deciding between hay nets and ground feeding, consider:
- Weather Conditions – Wet and snowy climates may favor nets or elevated feeders.
- Animal Age & Health – Older animals or those with dental issues may struggle with nets.
- Herd Size – Larger herds may benefit from ground feeding stations for reduced competition.
- Labor Resources – If you’re short on time, larger ground feeding systems may be easier to manage.
In many cases, a hybrid approach works best. For example, you might use hay nets during winter or rainy seasons and switch to ground feeding in dry months. Or you might feed horses with nets while allowing cattle to feed from the ground.
Conclusion: It's Not Just What You Feed, But How You Feed It
At Ohana Farms, we’re proud to provide premium hay products that keeps your livestock healthy and happy—but we also know that the feeding method plays a big role in maximizing that hay’s value. Whether you choose hay nets, ground feeding, or a mix of both, the goal is the same: to keep animals well-fed, reduce waste, and simplify your daily routine.
We encourage our customers to experiment, observe their animals, and adjust their feeding methods based on real results. If you ever have questions about which hay is best for your setup—or how to get the most out of your feed—we’re always here to help.
Need help finding the best hay for your livestock or want tips on reducing waste with your feeding setup?
Reach out to the team at Ohana Farms—we’re happy to assist with personalized guidance for your animals and operation.
