During winter, horses require high-fiber feeds to maintain body heat and digestive health. Good options include grass hays like timothy and orchard grass, which provide essential roughage, and legume hays such as alfalfa, known for their high protein content, especially beneficial for growing or lactating horses. Supplementing with grains like oats can provide additional energy to help horses thrive during colder months.
What High-Fiber Feeds Are Suitable for Horses in Winter?
Why is Fiber Important for Horses in Winter?
Fiber is crucial for horses, especially in winter, as it aids in maintaining body temperature and supports digestive health. The digestion of fiber generates heat, helping horses stay warm in cold weather. Additionally, fiber keeps the digestive system functioning properly, preventing issues like colic.
What Types of Hay Are High in Fiber?
Grass hays such as timothy, prairie grass, and orchard grass are excellent sources of fiber for horses. Early horsemen preferred these hays because they were generally free from mold and dust and slowed the rate of passage through the intestinal tract. Legume hays, like alfalfa, offer high-quality fiber and are rich in protein, making them particularly suitable for horses that are growing or lactating.
Can Grains Supplement a Horse’s Fiber Intake?
While hay should form the foundation of a horse’s winter diet, grains can provide supplemental energy. Oats are a preferred grain for horses due to their bulk. Corn, barley, wheat, and milo can also be used, especially when they are more cost-effective. It’s essential to balance grain intake with sufficient fiber to maintain digestive health.
Are There Any Feeds to Avoid?
Moldy or dusty feeds should be avoided as horses are highly susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications. Silages of all sorts should also be avoided since horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
How Much Should I Feed My Horse?
Weanling foals need about three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. As they mature, this requirement decreases to one pound of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. Horses typically reach mature weight before four years of age, with 80 percent of their mature weight attained before two years.
What Other Nutrients Are Important in Winter?
In addition to fiber, horses may require protein and vitamin A supplementation during the late fall and winter months when pasture forage is low in these nutrients. A balanced diet ensures that horses maintain their health and energy levels throughout the winter.
Choosing the right high-fiber feeds is essential for maintaining your horse’s health and well-being during the winter months. A diet primarily consisting of quality hay, supplemented with appropriate grains and nutrients, will help keep your horse warm and healthy.
Would you like to explore how to identify high-quality hay?