Foxtail hay, is it worth baling?

[Vesp3r]

What's the deal with foxtail in hay? This time of year, we get a second cutting of grass for hay, but it's loaded with foxtail and purple top grass.

I've almost never baled this stuff and usually just mow it to get it out of the way. I'm wondering what you guys think. Does it have any feed value?
Does it pose a danger to livestock? I know it can cause issues for horses, but how about for goats?
I'd love to hear your experiences and views on this. And while we're at it, what's the best way to get rid of it once it's established in a field?
For those who do bale it, are there any specific livestock that can safely eat it without problems, or is it always a risk?

 

[0ldfashioned]

Does it pose a danger to livestock? I know it can cause issues for horses, but how about for goats?

oh, absolutely a danger. The little barbs on those seed heads can get stuck in their gums, tongues, and even noses. It can lead to all kinds of infections and pain for the animals. Horses are especially at risk, but it's a no go for goats too

 

[frank.the.dad]

Foxtail’ is rough stuff for horses, and goats can have mouth issues with it too. Nutritionally it’s not great, especially once it heads out but tackle it early before it spreads, otherwise it just gets worse each season

 

[Vesp3r]

@0ldfashioned @frank.the.dad ah, okay. thanks for confirming my fears. I knew it was bad for horses, but good to know it's an absolute no go for goats too. It sounds like the risk of mouth and nose irritation/infection is just not worth it.
Since it's a danger, that really cements my choice to not bale it. anyone have experience with simply cutting and leaving it to mulch? And what are the realistic, long term options for getting this stuff completely out of a hay field?

 

[Brad Pith]

@0ldfashioned @frank.the.dad ah, okay. thanks for confirming my fears. I knew it was bad for horses, but good to know it's an absolute no go for goats too. It sounds like the risk of mouth and nose irritation/infection is just not worth it.
Since it's a danger, that really cements my choice to not bale it. anyone have experience with simply cutting and leaving it to mulch? And what are the realistic, long term options for getting this stuff completely out of a hay field?

Cutting and leaving it to mulch can actually help it spread if it's something that reseeds easily, so that's usually not the move, you see most problem weeds in hay fields need repeated mowing before they go to seed, plus spot spraying with the right herbicide
What species are you dealing with?