Horse Hay isn’t just filler; it’s the cornerstone of horses diet, packed with the essentials they need to thrive.
At the heart of the matter is balance. Carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals must all be in sync for optimal health. Think of hay as a complex dietary staple that needs to support a wide array of bodily functions, from digestion to muscle development.
A younger horse bursting with energy has different needs from an older horse enjoying a more leisurely lifestyle. Their activities, whether it’s a busy training schedule or casual daily exercise, influence the type of nutrition they require.
This blog post is about giving you the information so that you can make informed decisions about what type of hay to feed and why.
The Horse Hay Selection Process
There distinct types of hay, from alfalfa to timothy to orchard grass, along with many other types of grass and legume hays each come with their own nutritional profiles suited to different needs.
Choosing the Right Grass
The first step to making great horse hay or buying great horse hay is selecting the right species of grass. Not all grasses are created equal when it comes to horse nutrition. Here are some top choices:
- Timothy Grass: This is a favorite among horse owners due to its balanced nutritional profile and digestibility.
- Orchard Grass: Another excellent option, known for its palatability and high fiber content.
- Brome Grass: It’s hardy and nutritious, making it a solid choice for horse hay.
- Bermuda Grass: Great for warmer climates, it’s a low-sugar option that’s gentle on your horse’s stomach.
Hay quality can be affected by several factors including when it was cut, and baled, the type of mower used, ie did it have a conditioner on it, how and when the hay was turned, the storage conditions, and its age. These aspects can significantly alter the hay’s nutritional value over time.
Getting the Moisture Level Right
Balancing moisture levels in hay is crucial. Too much moisture, and your hay could mold; too little, and it might become too brittle and lose nutritional value. The sweet spot for baling hay is at a moisture level of 15-20%. This range ensures that the hay retains its nutritional quality while minimizing the risk of mold.
Best Practices for Baling
- Cutting: Start by cutting the grass when it’s in the pre- or early bloom stage. This timing ensures optimal nutrient content.
- Drying: Spread the cut grass evenly and let it dry under the sun. Regularly turn the grass to ensure even drying. Aim for a drying period of 2-3 days, depending on weather conditions.
- Baling: Once the grass has dried to the ideal moisture level, it’s time to bale it. Use a baler to compress the hay into manageable bales.
Storing Your Hay
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your hay. Here are some tips to keep your hay fresh and mold-free:
- Dry, Well-Ventilated Space: Store hay in a dry, covered area with good air circulation. This prevents moisture buildup and mold growth.
- Pallets or Racks: Keep the bales off the ground by using pallets or racks. This allows air to flow around the bales and reduces moisture contact from the ground.
- Regular Checks: Inspect your hay regularly for any signs of mold or moisture. Remove any affected bales immediately to prevent contamination.
When Buying Hay
To identify high-quality hay for your horse, you should look for a few key indicators. Fresh smelling, clean, and free of excessive dust or mold is what you’re aiming for. The color should ideally be a bright green, but that isn’t always a good indicator of well made hay, if it was very hot when the hay was made then the sun will have faded the grass, or if the grass was past it’s best the color will be dull as well. Stems should be fine rather than thick and coarse, which generally suggest better digestibility.
Not all hay is created equal – that is why it’s important to have your hay tested.
Analyzing Hay Nutritional Content
A reliable way to understand the specific nutritional profiles of your hay is to conduct a forage analysis.
A forage analysis can sound intimidating, but it’s basically a lab test that breaks down the nutrient composition of hay. This includes crude protein, fiber, energy, sugar, starch, and mineral content. These insights will help you determine if your horse’s nutritional needs are being met, or if you need to adjust their feeding regimen.
When you receive a hay analysis report, it’s important to understand the critical components. Look out for terms like ‘crude protein,’ which is vital for muscle maintenance and growth. ‘Acid detergent fiber’ and ‘neutral detergent fiber’ tell you about the digestibility and energy content.
Sometimes, your hay might be lacking in certain nutrients essential for your horse’s health, or such as in Saskatchewan where I live the selenium levels tend to be high, which can cause in-balances, especially when feeding store bought hard feed.
In these situations, you have to find ways to balance their diet. This might include adding hay from different sources, providing supplements, or introducing alternative forages like beet pulp or hay cubes, especially for horses with specific dietary needs.
Meeting Special Dietary Requirements
Caring for horses with specific nutritional needs requires attention to detail. For instance, horses dealing with metabolic concerns such as insulin resistance need hay with a lower non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content. Regular testing of hay helps ensure these horses consume the appropriate nutrients without exacerbating their condition.
Young, growing horses have increased nutritional demands to support their development. They benefit from higher protein and calcium levels, typically found in legume hays like alfalfa. It’s essential to provide these horses with the right type of hay to promote healthy growth and avoid future health issues – though too much protein can cause a wide range of issues for young horses.
For those in intense training, the energy and protein requirements are notably higher. Performance horses falling into this category often require a carefully calculated diet, where high-quality hay serves as the foundation. It may sometimes be necessary to supplement with grain or specialty feeds to meet their caloric demands.
Finally, when hay falls short in providing necessary nutrients, alternative forages or supplements can fill the gaps. Beet pulp, hay cubes, and pelleted feeds can complement the horse’s diet, especially when high-quality hay is scarce or if your horse has specific dietary restrictions.
Great horse hay helps in paving the way for a happy, healthy life together.