An additional benefit to grass hay is that is easier on the kidney's due to it's lower protein content and it tends to have finer stems, making it easier to chew and digest…..nice for senior horses. Reduced protein and energy compared to 100% alfalfa. The four dietary treatments were 0AA (timothy hay only), 33AA (0.33 alfalfa: 0.67 timothy hay), 67AA (0.67 alfalfa: 0.33 timothy hay) and 100AA (alfalfa only). Alfalfa contains higher concentrations of protein and calcium compared to timothy hay (Table 1). seed hay, which is made from immature plants and is packed with protein and energy, so it’s best for performance horses; alfalfa hay, also known as lucerne hay, which is a nutrient-packed legume hay with a high protein content, suitable for poor-doers, youngstock and horses in hard work; TOP TIP . Legume hays (alfalfa and clover) contain 12% to 20% protein. Make sure he gets his supplements on cold feed. We’ve never had our hay tested, but someone shared five of their alfalfa tests with me. Digestibility data were obtained by using acid‐insoluble ash to estimate apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients. I planted my field in straight alfalfa last fall and the field is looking good so far this year. 3. The draft in him may be very sensitive to hot feeds. NO OAT. Nutritionally speaking, however, they are very different. One reason horse owners often avoid clover is its propensity for mold. This is the cut that’s taken before the hay blooms and is a good, solid, hay! The calcium:phosphorus ratio is about 6:1 and must be considered when feeding young, growing horses. People once thought that feeding alfalfa hay to horses caused kidney damage because of increased urination and ammonia production. Chopped cubed hay (usually alfalfa or timothy or a combination) is another 100-percent replacement. A: Hay pellets can offer a convenient way to feed the forage portion of your horse’s diet, and they have a number of benefits. In some states it is considered to be an invasive species, as it is not a native north American grass. That means these pets should eat a portion of hay the same size of their own body every day! Soak cubes to reduce risk of choke. For all small herbivores – that’s rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus – hay should make up around 80% of the diet. Horse hay comes in two forms: grass and legumes. Higher-calorie and highly palatable premium product with excellent-quality fiber sources and superior nutritional balance. Choose forage sources such as Timothy instead of Alfalfa to reduce the calorie content of the diet. There are many types of hay harvested from grasses including alfalfa, timothy, clover and rye. Some horses may be allergic to grass hay so alfalfa is the better choice. GrassThere are many different types of grass hay in the world. 2. The stems are thin and flexible, and it has a high fibre content. Tradition holds that timothy hay and oats are the best feeds for horses, and that alfalfa and corn spell disaster. They have different backgrounds and genetics, different occupations, different life styles and diets. Packaged in 50 lb. Kate of passage of the feedstuff was determined using chromium‐mordanted hay. Now, you’re probably thinking, “Isn’t all hay the same?” Nope. As we come into spring here's what I have and why I have leftovers. Therefore, feeding Timothy Grass has a well-established comfort level with horse people. Getting clover to dry quickly in the field is challenging for growers, and premature baling of damp hay is the primary reason clover hay is sometimes moldy. You may need different qualities of hay for different horses—leafy hay for weanlings, for instance, and more mature hay for adult horses that do not need such fine hay. Horsemen often have to decide if they should purchase the first or second cutting of timothy hay for their horses. Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legumes, with alfalfa being the most popular choice. If it has to be shipped long distances, it can be quite pricey. Alfalfa hay has been both heralded and maligned as a feed for horses. Alfalfa hay may not be the best feed for all horses in all situations, but it contains nutrients needed for many classes of horses. I often recommend feeding it because it boosts the overall protein quality of a grass-hay diet and, in general, enhances the horse’s muscle tone, immune system and overall health. I think the biggest con about grass hay is its lack of nutrients. Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners. Although predominantly fed to horses as hay, alfalfa can also be fed chopped (as chaff), cubed, or pelleted. It’s not. In this case, the reality is that the maturity of the grass at harvest is the single most important contributing factor to the nutritional value of hay. I am not a vet… but Teff hay is high in protein, low in carb. If you must use alfalfa hay for all your horses, be selective in the hay you choose. Origin of the “Second Cutting Hay is Best For Horses” Myth. Full bloom alfalfa hay 24 0 0 8 Mature timothy hay 0 0 0 7 Commercial concentrate** 0 0 8 13 Salt Free choice Free choice Free choice Free choice * Note that diet B for a recreational horse provides feed intake below 2 lb /100 lb of body weight. Calorie content of the first hay harvested from a field for that year, I like to the. A combination ) is another 100-percent replacement if your horse 's nutrient needs when feeding young, growing horses fiber! Very sensitive to hot feeds these pets should eat a portion of hay is an excellent addition to most ’..., but someone shared five of their own body every day the pros cons... 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