Feed And Hay - A Scientific Formula?
If you are looking to set up a feeding program for your horse or horses there are a lot of choices available to you. There are so many choices that the decision can be overwhelming. Of course any good program is going to begin with hay. Horses are grazing animals, and their digestive systems are meant to process the roughage found in hay.
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.
A good grass based hay, such as Orchard grass, Timothy, Alicia, or Russell hay, is a good place to start looking for quality forage. Timothy tends to contain a bit more heavy stalks if it is baled late. A lot of horses seem to prefer the softer, wider blades contained in the Orchard grass type hay.
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.
When looking for a quality hay make sure to inspect the hay you are considering for purchase. Good quality hay should have a nice green color and a fresh smell. The hay should be free from dust and mold. It's worth the extra expense to make sure you are buying high quality forage to insure the health and well being of your horse.
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.
You must take your horse's age, breed, and activity level into account when setting up a feed program. Hardier breeds require more supplementation to maintain healthy weight. Know your horse's needs and plan accordingly.
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! - 17269
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.
A good grass based hay, such as Orchard grass, Timothy, Alicia, or Russell hay, is a good place to start looking for quality forage. Timothy tends to contain a bit more heavy stalks if it is baled late. A lot of horses seem to prefer the softer, wider blades contained in the Orchard grass type hay.
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.
When looking for a quality hay make sure to inspect the hay you are considering for purchase. Good quality hay should have a nice green color and a fresh smell. The hay should be free from dust and mold. It's worth the extra expense to make sure you are buying high quality forage to insure the health and well being of your horse.
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.
You must take your horse's age, breed, and activity level into account when setting up a feed program. Hardier breeds require more supplementation to maintain healthy weight. Know your horse's needs and plan accordingly.
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! - 17269
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