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  Discussion on Supplement to soft grassy Hay
Author Message
Member:
Sdhart

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2004 - 8:51 am:

Dear Dr. O. I purchased my hay supply from a reputable neighbour. It was quite course late cut, but unfortunately when I went to use it, it had molded. He agreed to replace it but since it has been a very difficult season for hay producers it has been difficult for him to find something suitable. This morning I was surprised to find about 8 new bales in my barn set there obviously for me to try. I wasn't there to talk to the producer so I'm not sure yet of my options. This new hay is very nice, green, smells good. My only concern is that it is very soft, not stemmy at all. I would like to accept this hay since my chances of getting something else are slim to none. My question then is: should I supplement this to add anything, particularily fiber to the diet? We have two horses who are out on pasture for about 5 hours a day but that will end in the next few weeks. The 12 year old mare (easy keeper) will get hay only for the winter and our new horse (appendix quarter horse, hard keeper) will get all the hay he can get before bullied by the mare plus about 8lbs of Patriot Surmount a day. ( We're still trying to get weight on to him)
Guidence would be appreciated. Thanks Sue Hart.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 - 6:27 am:

I can tell you have not read our article on forages Sue. It tells you how to evaluate quality and softness is pne of the excellent qualities for hay to have and does not indicate too little fiber. For other important aspects to evaluate hay see the article associated with this forum.
DrO
Member:
Sdhart

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 - 8:06 am:

Dear Dr. O. I apologize, as I have read all the articles on forages which were very helpful, and remember the "good bed" statement. However, I guess I have always been told that the only good hay for horses is late first cut, course and stemmy, to provide a seemingly necessary "scratch factor". All this free advice was aimed at treating may older mare (post 'Recurring diarrhea in healthy mare').It seems I have lucked out in finding replacement hay that is better in quality then what I had originaly since it was very course and stemmy. What about this 'scratch factor'? Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I hope to never stop learning what is best for my horses. Thanks again Sue
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004 - 2:17 pm:

Think about the natural feed of horses: pasture which most of the year is not course and stemmy. The course stemmy late cut hay is more suitable for browsers (goats) than grazers with the exception of some very easy keeping equines. The protein and vitamin content of such hays are below the nutritional requirements of horses. There is plenty of scratch factor (long strands of undigestible fiber) in excellent quality grass hays.
DrO
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