Are Feed And Hay Combinations A Scientific Formula?
The choices for setting up a good feeding program for your horse these days can be overwhelming. Any good program however, begins with quality hay. Being grazers by nature, horse's digestive systems are designed to process the high fiber and roughage found in quality forage.
Alfalfa hay has been a staple of horse diets since time out of mind. While it has many benefits, it also has many drawbacks as well. It is so rich and full of nutrients that it can actually overwhelm the horse's digestive system and potentially cause health and even behavioral problems. Using a little bit is better than using a lot. It goes a long way.
Grass based hays such as Timothy, Alicia, Russell or Orchard grass are good choices in quality forage. The Timothy hay seems to be somewhat heavy in stalk especially if it is baled late in the season. By contrast Orchard grass hay is a softer hay with wider blades and horses seem to prefer this type over the Timothy.
Alicia and Russell hay, grown primarily in the south east, are good forage choices as well. Alicia hay is a finer grass, that tolerates heat and drought quite well. Russell hay is a bit thicker, with an overall higher protein content. Coastal Bermuda hay is also an excellent choice for a nice grass type base to your feeding program.
Finding a quality hay producer can be tough. Talk with the farmer some, and inspect the hay first. No matter what type of hay you are buying, it needs to have good green color, a fresh smell, no dust, and absolutely no mold. Buying sub-quality forage will only mean you spend more in the long run- either on additional feed supplements or on vet bills.
Having the hay tested by your local agriculture extension agency is also a good idea. With this information, you will be able to examine your feed options, and set up the most balanced, comprehensive feeding program for your horse.
When setting up this program, take into account your horse's age, his activity level, and often times his breeding. Some breeds are harder keepers- meaning they require more supplementation in their diet to maintain proper weight- than others. You'll need to be aware of this, so that you can plan accordingly for their dietary needs.
Feeding a horse for optimum health is not really rocket science. Find good quality hay, and let your horse eat as much as they choose. Supplement as needed, and balance the nutrients to the hay. Provide a mineral block, fresh clean water at all times, and exercise, and the chances are you'll have a very healthy horse for a long time! - 17268
Alfalfa hay has been a staple of horse diets since time out of mind. While it has many benefits, it also has many drawbacks as well. It is so rich and full of nutrients that it can actually overwhelm the horse's digestive system and potentially cause health and even behavioral problems. Using a little bit is better than using a lot. It goes a long way.
Grass based hays such as Timothy, Alicia, Russell or Orchard grass are good choices in quality forage. The Timothy hay seems to be somewhat heavy in stalk especially if it is baled late in the season. By contrast Orchard grass hay is a softer hay with wider blades and horses seem to prefer this type over the Timothy.
Alicia and Russell hay, grown primarily in the south east, are good forage choices as well. Alicia hay is a finer grass, that tolerates heat and drought quite well. Russell hay is a bit thicker, with an overall higher protein content. Coastal Bermuda hay is also an excellent choice for a nice grass type base to your feeding program.
Finding a quality hay producer can be tough. Talk with the farmer some, and inspect the hay first. No matter what type of hay you are buying, it needs to have good green color, a fresh smell, no dust, and absolutely no mold. Buying sub-quality forage will only mean you spend more in the long run- either on additional feed supplements or on vet bills.
Having the hay tested by your local agriculture extension agency is also a good idea. With this information, you will be able to examine your feed options, and set up the most balanced, comprehensive feeding program for your horse.
When setting up this program, take into account your horse's age, his activity level, and often times his breeding. Some breeds are harder keepers- meaning they require more supplementation in their diet to maintain proper weight- than others. You'll need to be aware of this, so that you can plan accordingly for their dietary needs.
Feeding a horse for optimum health is not really rocket science. Find good quality hay, and let your horse eat as much as they choose. Supplement as needed, and balance the nutrients to the hay. Provide a mineral block, fresh clean water at all times, and exercise, and the chances are you'll have a very healthy horse for a long time! - 17268
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