You might be considering different types of forage for horses due to the current shortage of hay. Being aware of the benefits and shortfalls of different forages and knowing about the best forage replacers will help you make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right products for your horse.
Forage is a really important part of the diet as it contains fibre, which is needed for energy. It also plays an important role as a filler, helping to prevent gastric ulcers and aid digestion. We’ve covered all the types of forage – and explained some of the benefits and problems associated with feeding each.
Types of forage for horses
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1. Hay
Hay is the most commonly fed type of forage for horses. harvested either from permanent pasture meadow grasses or specially sown seed leys. Once cut, it’s left to air-dry in the field. It tends to be harvested between the end of May and end of July.
Benefits of feeding hay
Various types of hay available
Long stems encourage chewing, which stimulates saliva, helping to control stomach acid
Shortage this year has affected availability and driven up prices
Can’t know specific nutrient quantities unless professionally analysed
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2. Haylage
Haylage is conserved cut grass, baled with a higher water content than hay, and then wrapped. Haylage tends to be cut earlier in the season compared to hay (generally before mid-June).
Benefits of feeding haylage
Tends to be higher in overall energy if it’s cut earlier
Less dusty
Can buy in bulk or smaller bags
Problems associated with haylage
Due to the higher water content, more haylage needs to be fed than hay (by weight) as the nutrient and fibre levels will effectively have been ‘diluted’
Not usually so good for good-doers
Starts to go off once wrapping is opened
Can’t know specific nutrient quantities unless professionally analysed (or purchased in bags with nutritional info)
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3. Straw
More commonly used as a cheap bedding option, straw can also be fed to horses. Oat and barley straw are most common, though oat straw has a slightly softer texture and is less prickly for the horse to eat compared to barley straw.
Always make sure that you are providing a clean, fresh supply of drinking water alongside and monitor droppings to reduce the risk of impaction colic
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4. Chopped dried grass
Chopped dried grass is harvested earlier than hay and dried artificially.
Benefits of chopped dried grass
Often higher in protein and energy, making it a good option for poor-doers and veterans
Problems associated with chopped dried grass
These types of chaffs retain much of the natural sugar content of fresh grass, but without the water content to ‘dilute’ it, so it’s usually best to avoid these for horses prone to laminitis or requiring a low sugar diet
Not suitable for use as a complete hay replacement
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5. Sugar beet
Sugar beet is the fibrous byproduct of the sugar beet root left after the sugar has been extracted for human consumption.
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Benefits of sugar beet
Palatable way to add fibre
Quick-to-soak options
Molasses free options
Problems associated with sugar beet
Can’t be used as a complete replacement
Dangerous if fed unsoaked
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6. Short-chopped fibres
These may contain chopped straw, grass and alfalfa, or a combination of the three. They sometimes come as complete feed including vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet, in which case they may be an economical alternative to a traditional hard feed of mix or nuts. Short chopped fibres can either partially or totally replace forage ration.
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7. Soakable products
Soakable high fibre products or mashes are often high-fibre and low in sugar and starch, so can be used as a partial replacement and are ideal for horses with dental problems.
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8. High-fibre pellets
Pellets are a versatile and palatable way of adding fibre as a complete compound feed, partial replacer or treats in a stable toy. Some contain added vitamins and minerals so should be fed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.
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