Crau Hay – 3rd Cut

Welcome to Hay Hub, where we connect you with the finest forages from around the world. Crau Hay 3rd Cut holds a special place in our collection. With its solid reputation built over generations, this hay is beloved by traditional breeders who remember its value, and it is now being rediscovered by a new generation of livestock owners who want to understand what makes it truly exceptional. One of the roles of Doulière Hay France, our trusted partner, is to provide Crau Hay with the added value it deserves. At Hay Hub, we continue that mission by making this remarkable hay accessible to you.

Crau Hay is hand crafted by approximately 300 producers, most of them located on the Crau plain. This plain was once a delta of the Durance River in the Bouches du Rhône department of southern France. The unique geology and history of this land give Crau Hay its distinctive character. In 1997, this hay was awarded Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée certification, making it the very first animal feed to receive such recognition. In 2009, this became Appellation d’Origine Protégée, placing Crau Hay alongside world famous wines, cheeses, and agricultural products.

You can recognize authentic AOP Crau Hay by its floral composition and its very specific odor. For producer members, the bales are bound with red and white string. When you buy Crau Hay from Hay Hub, every commercial sale is guaranteed with an accompanying voucher for complete traceability. This ensures that you are receiving genuine AOP Crau Hay, not an imitation.

Crau Hay represents only 0.02 percent of the hay sold worldwide. Despite its rarity, it is internationally renowned. Race horses, dairy cows, goats, and dairy ewes all enjoy this hay. In fact, Crau Hay is used in the production of some of France’s finest cheeses because of its positive influence on milk quality.

Nutritionally, Crau Hay 3rd Cut from Hay Hub delivers 11 to 13 percent protein and 0.70 FU to 0.79 FU. It is rich in legumes and is especially valuable for sheep and goats when used to supplement rations that are high in cellulose. The detailed nutritional profile is as follows. Food energy per kilogram of dry matter is UFL 0.79 and UVF 0.72. The nitrogen value is MADC 72 grams per kilogram of dry matter. Phosphorus content is 4 grams per kilogram of dry matter, and calcium content is 13 grams per kilogram of dry matter.

At Hay Hub, we offer Crau Hay 3rd Cut in CHC bales, which stand for Calibrated High Compression bales. These bales provide consistent quality, easy handling, and precise portion control. Compression removes air from the bale, reducing oxidation and preserving nutrients. Compacted slices encourage animals to take more bites and produce more salivation, supporting slower and healthier digestion. All CHC bales from Hay Hub are calibrated, compressed, palletized, and filmed. They are bound using polyane string and delivered on pallets of 24 to 48 bales.

Quality control is rigorous at every stage. From production to storage, hydrometric controls are practiced. Any lot that does not meet quality criteria is listed and downgraded. A sample is taken from each batch and analyzed by a certified laboratory. This guarantees the accuracy of your rations and gives you complete confidence in every bale of Crau Hay you buy from Hay Hub.

The advantages of CHC bales are clear. You save up to half your storage space. Handling is easy thanks to the small size. Nutrient preservation is guaranteed because compression reduces hay oxidation. Assimilation improves because compacted slices require more bites and more salivation. Your animals also regain a feeling of grazing, which reduces boredom and supports natural behavior.

For sheep and goats, Hay Hub recommends approximately 2 to 3 kilograms of Crau Hay 3rd Cut per day, split into two meals. For horses and cattle, this hay can be integrated into a balanced ration according to their specific needs. Whether you raise dairy sheep, keep goats for cheese production, or simply want the best for your animals, Crau Hay 3rd Cut from Hay Hub delivers authenticity, quality, and heritage.