alfalfa hay for horses uk

Research in Colorado reported that mature horses fed alfalfa cubes maintained their body weight better than horses fed equal amounts of long-stem hay. It is widely know that alfalfa hay is an excellent source of nutrients. “Many horse owners buy bales of alfalfa and bales of grass hay and feed several flakes of grass hay and one flake of alfalfa” as needed, says Krista Lea, MS, forage extension specialist and research analyst at UK. As Sampled Basis: nutrient results for a sample in its natural state including the water. | Photo Credit: Courtesy North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. These flying insects—dead or alive—contain the toxin cantharidin, which can kill a horse if consumed in large amounts. This combination results in a steady release of digestible energy. The last thing you want on an endurance ride where the horse is sweating for long periods is the increased body heat, water needs, and urine production described. Poisonous weeds that sometimes grow in alfalfa fields include ragwort, groundsels, Johnson grass, Sudangrass, water hemlock, and hoary alyssum. Abstract. 859-257-4772, Students   /   “With growing horses, however, use caution in amount fed, simply so they don’t grow too quickly or get too big too fast and become at risk for DOD (developmental orthopedic disease),” Martinson says. For some types of horses—in either of those areas—-alfalfa simply isn’t a great choice. “The biggest benefit of alfalfa for horses is that it tends to be more nutrient-dense than most grasses when harvested at the same stage of maturity,” says Martinson. To steer clear of these, buy hay from a reputable person or company that knows how to grow alfalfa weed-free. So feed overweight horses or easy keepers just as you would the sugar- or carb-sensitive ones—offer them a mature grass hay with lower caloric content over a rich legume. Soak cubes to reduce risk of choke. “Many horse owners buy bales of alfalfa and bales of grass hay and feed several flakes of grass hay and one flake of alfalfa” as needed, says Krista Lea, MS, forage extension specialist and research analyst at UK. These horses are particularly sensitive to alfalfa’s high potassium content. See Full Listing. Alfalfa pellets are an excellent way of providing fibre in a concentrated form; No added sugar and low in starch; Alfalfa Pellets are rich in calcium and other naturally occurring vitamins and minerals She is getting no grain, and she has never developed laminitis, inflammation of the soft connective tissues within the foot that can result from a variety … This is the cut that’s taken before the hay blooms and is a good, solid, hay! A well-kept pasture also is the most natural and healthy environment for exercise and rest. Because it’s so nutrient-dense, it is a good feed for underweight horses. 2-twine bales in 21 bale bundles. Kentucky Alfalfa Update at the 2020 UK Stored Forages Conference February 8, 2020 Liming for a Successful Soil pH January 2, 2020 Placing 12th at the 2019 World Forage Analysis Superbowl December 31, … High levels of calcium, on the other hand, can interfere with the horse’s ability to mobilize bones’ calcium stores during exercise. As both the grasses and alfalfa have been high temperature dried, this is a very ‘clean’ forage source making it especially beneficial for performance horses or … Feeding Hay to Horses and Ponies. It can be detrimental, however, to horses with impaired kidneys or liver. It, Other horses that do best with limited alfalfa are horses with the genetic muscle disease, Some horses with unpigmented skin should not eat alfalfa because they could be prone to, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. S123 Ag Science – North Choosing the right hay for proper balance can be challenging, however. Emerald Green Feeds Alfalfa Pellets are ideal for horses both young and old, they are very palatable and high in fibre content. Horses fed to appetite consumed 17 to 25% more cubed alfalfa than long-stem hay. At the same time, poorly managed pastures supply little or no feed and frequently are the sourc… It’s readily available and commonly fed, so it’s a logical foundation for many horses’ diets. In table 1, there is a comparison between a mid bloom alfalfa and a mid bloom timothy hay. However, when only given the choice of acid treated hay, the horses readily consumed it. Research   /   Hay allows us to keep horses in climates and conditions not natural to horses. Other horses that do best with limited alfalfa are horses with the genetic muscle disease hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP). ), building a diet on a good foundation of forage is especially important—the oats, corn, and barley that make up many feeds are 55-75% carbohydrate. The succulent taste stimulates the appetite of ill or post-surgical animals. Stephen Duren, PhD, equine nutritionist and founder of Performance Horse Nutrition, in Weiser, Idaho, says this is because alfalfa provides amino acids needed for muscle regeneration. Some horses with unpigmented skin should not eat alfalfa because they could be prone to photosensitization caused by black blotch disease, says Martinson. Heavily pregnant or lactating mares, and young rapidly growing horses, benefit from alfalfa's high protein content. View Not all alfalfa hay is really high in potassium, but you have to test it to find out. However, when one considers hay as that basic forage, what criteria are used to describe quality horse hay? Horses that are fed alfalfa cubes tend to eat all the cubes provided, whereas horses fed long-stem alfalfa hay will sort through the hay and not eat all the hay offered. 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