True or False: Good quality hay should be free of mold and dust.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on hay type
• D. Only partially true

Answer: (A)

Good quality hay should indeed be free of mold and dust because the presence of these elements can indicate poor storage conditions or improper curing processes. Mold in hay can be a sign of excessive moisture, which may lead to health issues for horses, such as respiratory problems or colic. Dust can also cause respiratory distress in horses. Therefore, high-quality hay must be well-cured, allowing moisture content to drop to safe levels, and stored in such a way that it remains dry and uncontaminated. This ensures that the forage is nutritionally beneficial and safe for feeding.