The best types of forage for horses include grass-legume pastures, alfalfa, and grass hays like timothy, prairie grass, and orchard grass. These forages provide essential nutrients, but should be supplemented based on the horse’s workload and the forage quality. It’s important to avoid moldy or dusty feeds, as horses are susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory issues.
What are the Nutritional Needs of Horses?
The specific nutrient requirements of horses are not fully understood, but can usually be met with pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates. Good quality grass-legume pastures with iodized or trace-mineralized salt can adequately maintain an adult horse doing light work or mares during pregnancy. Lush, early spring pasture, high in water and protein, may need a high-energy supplement like grain for horses performing medium to heavy work. Late fall and winter pasture, low in water and protein, may need protein and vitamin A supplements.
What are the Best Types of Hay for Horses?
High-quality legume hays, especially early bloom alfalfa, are preferred for horses, particularly those growing or lactating. Alfalfa is known for its tolerance of drought, heat, and cold, as well as its productivity and nutritious herbage, containing about 16 percent proteins and 8 percent mineral constituents. It is also rich in vitamins A, E, D, and K. Grass hays like timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass were favored by early horsemen, especially for racehorses, because they were usually free from mold and dust and slowed passage through the intestinal tract. However, these hays are low in digestible energy and protein and need adequate supplementation.
What Grains are Suitable for Horses?
Oats are the preferred grain for horses due to their bulk. Corn (maize), barley, wheat, and milo can be used if they are less expensive. Weanling foals need three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily, decreasing to one pound as they mature. Horses typically reach mature weight before four years old, with 80 percent of their mature weight attained before two years old.
What Should Be Avoided When Feeding Horses?
Moldy or dusty feeds should be avoided because horses are prone to forage poisoning and respiratory complications. Silages of all sorts should also be avoided, as horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
How Does the Type of Forage Affect a Horse’s Health?
The type of forage significantly impacts a horse’s health. High-quality forage ensures they receive essential nutrients, supporting their overall well-being. For instance, lush spring pastures can provide ample energy, while legume hays like alfalfa offer high protein levels beneficial for growing and lactating horses. Conversely, poor-quality forage can lead to health issues. Moldy or dusty feeds can cause respiratory problems and forage poisoning, while inadequate supplementation of low-energy forages can result in nutritional deficiencies.
How to Supplement Forage for Horses?
Supplementing forage for horses involves adjusting their diet to meet specific nutritional needs that the primary forage source may not fully cover. For horses engaged in medium to heavy work, supplementing lush spring pastures with high-energy grains can provide the necessary calories. In contrast, late fall and winter pastures, which are low in protein and water, may require protein and vitamin A supplements to maintain the horse’s health. Additionally, grass hays, while beneficial for their low dust and mold content, often need supplementation with energy and protein sources to ensure a balanced diet.
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