Locally sourced Chaff is quite simply dried forage that has been cut into small pieces, in contrast to the long grass stems in hay and haylage. There are many different types of chaff for horses on the market today, such as chopped hay, alfalfa, dried grass and straw, or mixes of one or all of these. Most are made by forage producers and bagged for ease of transport and to help maintain freshness. Molasses and/or oil or another mixer such as wheat or corn syrup is used to reduce dust and increase palatability. Flavours may be added such as cherry, apple or spearmint and herbs including garlic. Dried grass is dried at high temperatures which kill any bacteria and spores, but preserve the nutrient value, leaving the forage clean and nutritious.
