Techniques to Make Oat Grass Fragrant and Appetizing

"Techniques to Make Oat Grass More Fragrant and Tasty"
by Associate Professor Dr. Sompoch Weerakun (Professor Kaew)

The ideal stage for harvesting oat grass is during the first cut when it begins to flower and the seeds are in the milk stage. Harvesting at the right season and in the proper way will result in higher-quality grass, which is softer and greener than the typical oat grass we usually see. In Thailand, we may not be accustomed to seeing it, and when it arrives, it often turns yellow quickly, resembling hay and is slightly rougher. Dried grass or hay also turns yellow quickly, but the quality doesn't differ much, except when the grass is harvested too late and the seeds have ripened, which makes it less valuable and more alkaline for digestion. Grass harvested at the optimal stage will remain green, but it has the disadvantage of being more fragile and breaking easily when dried, as it is less coarse. However, this is determined by the farm and the harvesting method, which doesn't affect the grass's quality. The moisture content of grass at this stage is around 8.5%, which is acceptable and beneficial for its properties. In contrast, grass that has been sun-dried or stored for a long time will lose nearly all its moisture, which isn't ideal because it becomes too dry. Grass that is preserved well, however, may still release moisture even when stored in bags.

One thing that can be noticed with some rabbits is that they might not like the fresh grass smell, which may not be as fragrant as the smell of dried grass. This is one reason why oat grass differs from other types of grass.

Oat grass has flowers during the milk stage of seed formation, which doesn't smell much when it's green. The fragrance becomes noticeable when the grass is exposed to heat or dried. Fresh oat grass may lack this fragrance, but it retains higher nutritional value. While most rabbits prefer fresh green grass, some may dislike the smell of fresh grass, which could be perceived as "stinky." If you try crushing fresh grass in the field and smell it yourself, you'll notice a "green" smell, which isn't as pleasant as the dried grass or grain. However, in herbivorous animals, this "green" smell is natural, although some pet rabbits might not like it if they are used to eating dry grass.

Making Grass More Fragrant!
Heat helps enhance the fragrance of foods, plants, flowers, and even coffee leaves, and we can apply this heat to grass as well. To make the grass smell better, we need to stimulate the stems and flowers of the grass by drying or applying heat, which will cause the grass to mature, and the flowers and seeds will begin to emit a fragrance. One method is to use the same process as drying tea leaves. Set the drying temperature at approximately 80°C for about 1 hour (the time can vary depending on how fragrant you want the grass). This method helps preserve the green color, maintain moisture, and enhance the fragrance. However, it requires time and effort. Another method is sun-drying, where you place the grass on paper to prevent direct sunlight. But be careful, as the paper’s scent or chemicals could contaminate the grass and reduce its attractiveness. Using a basket or a covered container will help keep the grass green and increase the fragrance, but this method also takes longer than the first one. If you choose to sun-dry, be cautious, as prolonged exposure to heat can degrade vitamins and make the fragrance disappear. It's best to dry the grass just enough to create some heat and then test the smell, or let your rabbit decide if it finds it appealing. Each rabbit will have different preferences.

Conclusion
In any case, it’s better for a rabbit to eat fresh grass or eat a variety of grass types, as the characteristics and properties of the grass change with the season and harvesting methods. You might find some grass with short stems, others with long stems, and some that are soft, others hard. This is normal and depends on the harvest stage.

Although there are other grasses with higher nutritional value than oat grass, such as super-premium and premium Timothy hay, which have 2-3 times more protein and better fiber content, oat grass is still popular for its pleasant fragrance. Its coarser stems, due to the longer harvesting period, make it a good choice for rabbits that need help wearing down their teeth. However, for rabbits that already eat a variety of hay without dental issues, any grass—whether Timothy, Alfalfa, Meadow, or Oat—can be used. In some cases, rabbits that only eat oat grass may experience excessive tooth wear. Therefore, it's essential to provide a variety of grasses and balance their diet with proper nutrition from other sources to prevent deficiencies and reduce health risks. Regular health checkups are also recommended.