What size hole suits your livestock the best?Updated a month ago

For livestock the right hole size can depend on a few key things: the type of livestock, their eating behaviour, and even the kind of hay you’re feeding. Choosing the right hole size can make a big difference, not just in slowing intake, but also in reducing waste and keeping feeding time easier.

Cattle

Despite not having top teeth, many cattle adapt well to smaller hole sizes, we’ve even seen them use 3cm (1 ¼") nets successfully.

• Recommended starting point: 4cm (1 ¾”)
• If hay is coarse or stalky: 6cm (2 1/2”) may be more suitable

Sheep

If your sheep are eating hay where they will likely burrow their heads into the bale to chase seeds or more palatable sections of hay within the bale, then we recommend:

• Start with: 4cm (1 ¾”)
• Very soft, leafy hay: You can try 3cm (1 ¼")

Donkeys

Donkeys usually follow similar guidelines to horses:

• New to hay nets: Start with 4cm (1 ¾”)
• More experienced / need slower feeding: Move down to 3cm (1 ¼")
• Very palatable hay (e.g. lucerne): Smaller holes work best
• Stalky, less palatable hay: 6cm (2 1/2”) can be a better option

Always ensure the hole size is smaller than the donkey’s hoof to reduce any risk of entanglement.

Alpacas & Goats

Both generally adapt well to:

• 3cm (1 ¼") or 4cm (1 ¾”) Your choice will depend on how rich or stalky the hay is.

A few things to keep in mind

• You may need to experiment to find the right fit, this can change with seasons and hay quality.
• Animals often eat faster in winter, as they need more fibre to stay warm.
• Hay that works in a 4cm (1 ¾”) net in summer may need a larger hole 6cm (2 1/2”) in winter if intake drops.
• Monitoring small hooved animals that may jump on hay nets is recommended. Although we have never had an issue reported, it is advised to watch that small feet/hooves don't become entangled in the netting.

Please Note: 

Horns & Ear Tags: We do not recommend using hay nets with livestock that have horns, as netting can become caught or hooked. Similarly, if your cattle or calves have ear tags, there is a risk of them rubbing against the netting and catching a tag. This can potentially result in the tag being pulled out or the ear being injured. 

For this reason, hay nets are generally better suited to hobby farm situations, where the benefits (reduced waste, slower feeding, etc.) may outweigh the potential inconvenience of tag loss.Ultimately, it is up to the owner to assess whether this product is suitable for their livestock and setup. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out and we can help guide you toward the best option.

In addition to the information, you will also find more photos and information HERE.

Please contact Nikki at [email protected] if you wish to discuss your individual needs and requirements so we can help guide you towards the correct hay net for your individual situation.