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Articles ( * = TheHorse.com members only )Date Posted
Watch for Poisonous Weeds in Hay
Most weeds are not palatable and will be avoided by pastured livestock if adequate forage is available. However, in hay, most livestock cannot differentiate weeds from beneficial long-stemmed forage, resulting in accidental ingestion and possibly a loss in performance or death. Three weeds commonly found in the upper Midwest that remain toxic when ... Read full story
 11/19/2009
Researchers: Soaking Hay Key to Stable Dust Reduction
Horse owners' selection and preparation of their animals' feed has a greater influence on concentrations of dust and endotoxin in the stable than the type of bedding used, researchers recently reported. "Dust and its constituents are important factors in the development of lung disease of horses that can reduce their well-being and ... Read full story
 11/5/2009
First Fall Frost Brings Flurry of Forage Questions   *
The first frost of the autumn generally brings questions centered around three general topics: Suspected toxicity of frosted alfalfa to grazing animals Post-frost harvest of last alfalfa cutting Toxic prussic acid potential and management of frosted Sudangrass and sorghum-Sudangrass hybrids Is frosted alfalfa toxic? Frost injured alfalfa, ... Read full story
 10/21/2009
Alfalfa Conference to Focus on Profitability   *
Dismal prices, sluggish sales, high production costs, and challenging weather conditions have left alfalfa farmers with little to no profit in 2009, prompting a focus on "Improving Your Odds of Profitability" at this year's Western Alfalfa and Forage Conference, to be held Dec. 2-4, in Reno, Nev. "To salvage profitability though these tough times, ... Read full story
 9/23/2009
Establishing Pastures and Hayfields: Fall Conditions Ideal   *
Cool temperatures and abundant rainfall create ideal conditions for forage producers to establish or thicken grass pastures and hayfields. "The continuous rainfall this summer was very good for forage growth, and soil moisture levels are ideal across most of the state," said Ray Smith, MS, PhD, forage extension specialist in the University of Kentucky ... Read full story
 9/13/2009
Kentucky Hay Supply Rebounds, Testing Important  *
Wet conditions in Kentucky this spring and summer have created an abundance of hay in the state for the upcoming winter feeding season. The increase in volume is welcome news to many hay and livestock producers who suffered through the droughts of 2007 and 2008 that kept hay supplies below normal across much of the state. The increase in supply means ... Read full story
 8/26/2009
Six Simple Tips for Buying Good Hay   *
As bales of hay roll in from the fields on the back of farmers' wagons, it's again time to start staking your claim so that your hayloft remains full over the coming winter months. Here are some tips to help you select hay for your horses. 1. Remember that quality forage should be the backbone of your horse's diet (a minimum of 2/3 of their nutrition). ... Read full story
 8/11/2009
Barn Fires: Avoid Hay Bale Combustion  *
Experienced agricultural producers in the southern Great Plains know that low wind speeds, high humidity, moist hay, and hot temperatures can be a recipe for disaster. Under such a set of circumstances, tightly stacked hay bales have been known to combust. Without proper preventative measures, hay barns or any other structures close to the blazing ... Read full story
 7/24/2009
Drought Burdens Texas Horse Rescues  *
Texas' worst drought in 50 years has burnt up pasture and raised the price of hay, leaving horse rescues to cope with an increase in abandonment and neglect cases as owners struggle to feed their horses. "The cost of hay is going up, if you can even find it," said Jennifer Williams, PhD, president and executive director of Texas' Bluebonnet Equine ... Read full story
 7/23/2009
Hay Herbicides Not a Risk to Horses, Despite Manure-Fertilized Crop Loss   *
Recent reported crop losses in North Carolina and several other states are linked to certain broad leaf herbicides containing aminopyralid, clopyralid, and picloram, according to researchers. In North Carolina, people with gardens and organic farms who rely on horse manure or compost for fertilizer are noticing that some of their plants are dying. ... Read full story
 7/10/2009
Researchers Examine Effects of Hay Carbs on PSSM Horses   *
University of Minnesota researchers have been examining the effects of feeding horses hay with varying levels of nonstructural carbohydrate content (NSC) in order to determine the best diets for horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Lisa Borgia, a PhD candidate under the direction of Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, presented ... Read full story
 6/8/2009
Ingested Wires Cause Colic, Adhesions   *
When ingested, small wires can wreak havoc in the equine digestive system. They might even cause different segments of the tract to fuse together, leading to painful and usually fatal consequences, according to South African and American researchers who recently published a study on the subject. The four cases discussed in the medical review, which ... Read full story
 4/4/2009
Hay, Does Fertilization Matter?
Q: Should I look for hay that comes from a fertilized or unfertilized field? In what ways would the nutrition be affected? Does fertilizing the field increase the protein content of the hay? What are appropriate questions to ask regarding the hay? Roberta, Camano Island, Wash. A: Whether or not a hay field is fertilized might be more ... Read full story
 3/1/2009
Horse Health Tips for Extreme Cold Weather
This winter has been unusually cold in some areas, with temperatures well below freezing for many days in a row. This extreme cold weather can be particularly dangerous to animals that live outdoors. The Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is reporting an increase in the number of animals presenting with starvation and problems related ... Read full story
 1/14/2009
12 Months of Feeding Tips  *
Here's how to roll with Mother Nature through the seasons, nutritionally speaking. Sometimes it feels as if humans have divorced themselves from the rhythms of nature. Perhaps that's part of the appeal of horses. They seem so much more attuned to the natural world than we are. And when we spend time in their company, we're brought back into an environment ... Read full story
 1/1/2009
Grassroots Effort Helps Feed Oregon Horses   *
Financially strapped horse owners in Central Oregon are getting help feeding their horses this winter thanks to a hay donation program established by a Bend couple. The program distributes bales of hay, either donated by individuals or purchased with cash contributions, free of charge to horse owners caught short. "The rescues here are all full, ... Read full story
 12/31/2008
Teff Hay for Foundered Horses: A Good Fit?   *
In California, teff is being called the "perfect grass for foundered horses." But is teff hay always safe for horses that are intolerant of high-sugar forage? Teff grass (Eragrostis teff) is a new type of grass being introduced around the world for hay production. Originally from the highlands of Ethiopia, there are different varieties grown for grain ... Read full story
 12/22/2008
Forage Options for Special Needs Horses   *
At the recent Purina Equine Veterinary Conference, Katie Young, PhD, consulting equine nutritionist for Purina Mills, presented information on forage options for horses with commonly encountered special needs, including recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or chronic laminitis. Horses with RAO (also known as heaves) have a hypersensitivity to airborne ... Read full story
 11/8/2008
Readers Report Trends in This Year's Hay Market  *
More than 1,900 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Have you purchased hay for the coming winter?" Results were as follows: Yes, and I had to pay more than last year's prices: 45.27% (867) Yes, and it was about the same price as last year: 22.09% (423) I grow my own hay: 11.96% (229) No, I haven't bought hay ... Read full story
 10/21/2008
Armyworms Attack Texas Hayfields, Oats   *
Texas farmers are once again battling armyworms and the voracious creatures are attacking fields and pastures in formidable numbers. "There are probably more armyworms this year than in previous years," Allen Knutson, an entomologist with the Texas A&M University System, said Thursday. The armyworm, which is actually the caterpillar or larva ... Read full story
 10/19/2008
Drought: Kentucky Hay Supply Up but Not Back to Normal  *
Even though the majority of the state is in the midst of a drought, hay supplies in Kentucky are up from last year. However, some livestock producers will still need to find an additional hay source to get through the winter, said Tom Keene, hay marketing specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. "Overall, we are in decent ... Read full story
 10/13/2008
100 Horses Dead at Embryo Transfer Farm; Botulism Suspected  *
Around 100 horses have died at EquiTransfer, a Marion County, Fla., embryo transfer farm. Veterinary officials say that botulism from haylage might be to blame. EquiTransfer is owned by veterinarians Jose Dávila, DVM, and his wife, Francis Ramirez, DVM. Neither were available for comment. Mike Short, DVM, equine programs manager for Florida's Division ... Read full story
 10/10/2008
Southern Hay Option is Highly Digestible, Costs Peanuts   *
Perennial peanut hay is getting rave reviews as an extraordinarily delicious forage option for horses. Even better, it doesn't result in explosive energy, gives a glossy coat, is easily digestible, needs no pesticides, and is not outlandishly expensive. Only thing is, most horse owners have never heard of it. David Pugh, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, ACVN, ... Read full story
 9/19/2008
Making Hay  *
Learn what goes into growing and harvesting quality hay so you can recognize and select it for your horses. The difference between good hay and poor hay is often in the harvesting. Poor timing of harvest processes or bad harvesting conditions can render a good hay crop poor or unsafe for horses, as it might contain mold or dust. Hay must be baled ... Read full story
 8/1/2008
Ethanol from Corn--Where's the Horse Feed?  *
Increased production of ethanol and other demands placed on traditional crops will force horse owners to look at feeding in a whole new light. We often tend to view the equine industry as a separate entity--one that stands apart from the overall economic infrastructure. After all, it is far different from manufacturing and the business world in general. ... Read full story
 8/1/2008
Hazards Could be Hidden in Hay  *
Just 24 hours after Betsy Bueno of Santa Rosa, Calif., began feeding her horses a new batch of hay, one colicked and began to show neurologic signs. Within days, two of her 12 horses required euthanasia and seven were showing similar clinical signs. "I thought they had gotten some poisonous hemlock outside," Bueno said. But her veterinarian asked ... Read full story
 7/16/2008
Don't Guess. Test Your Hay  *
In our effort to 'cover all the bases,' many of us feel we have to supplement with fortified grains in an effort to feel secure that we are providing enough vitamins, minerals and protein in our horses diet. Grain may present an unnecessary amount of sugar and starch that may even be dangerous to those horses suffering from laminitis or other forms ... Read full story
 7/3/2008
Michigan State Expo to Give Horse Hay Buying Guidance   *
Like nearly everything else, the cost of horse hay is increasing. Buyers who want to purchase a quality product and sellers who want to provide a marketable commodity can attend an educational seminar during Michigan State University's Ag Expo, July 15 from 2 to 3 p.m. The seminar will be presented by MSU Extension specialist Karen Waite in the College ... Read full story
 7/1/2008
Readers Respond: Where's the Hay?  *
Almost 1,300 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "Are you having problems getting hay?" Results were as follows: Yes: 32.76% (420) No: 67.24% (862) Readers shared their hay problems in the comments below. Results of weekly polls from TheHorse.com are published in The Horse Health E-Newsletter. Published every week, ... Read full story
 6/19/2008
Gasoline, Weather Fueling Hay Prices   *
When her barn operator's hay supply fell short last fall, Kentucky horse owner Linda Jones struggled mightily with high prices and limited availability to keep her two Saddlebreds fed. "I'm stocking up now," Jones said. "I don't know what the market will be like later." Drought conditions in some major hay producing states, along with a demand ... Read full story
 6/16/2008
Got Grit? Hay Type and Pasture Key to Decreasing Risk of Enterolithiasis  *
Too much alfalfa, too little oat and grass hay, and limited access to pasture grazing are important factors that put California horses at risk for developing enterolithiasis (intestinal stones). Enteroliths are composed of a crystalline mineral that forms one or more concretions in various regions of the colon. Enteroliths have the potential to cause ... Read full story
 6/2/2008
North Dakota Database Connects Horse Owners, Hay Sellers  *
Drought conditions in parts of western North Dakota have some livestock producers in need of additional forage. Farmers and ranchers who have forage for sale can list it on a North Dakota State University (NDSU) database designed to help feed sellers and buyers connect. Producers can also use this service to list pasture they have available for rent. ... Read full story
 5/13/2008
Understanding Feeds for the Busy Owner  *
Providing a complete and balanced diet does not need to be complicated or a drain on time, energy, or finances. Feeding horses can be a daunting and time-consuming task, particularly if owners attempt to optimize and maximize their horse's diet by unnecessarily introducing concentrates, vitamins, or other supplements. But providing a complete diet ... Read full story
 5/1/2008
Fiber in Hay: What's the Magic Number?   *
Horses evolved to eat a lot of fiber, spending up to 17 hours a day grazing various forage plants. But not all fiber is created equal, especially when it comes to hay. Hay carries a few challenges compared to living forages. One, compared to fresh forage, dry hay lacks the moisture needed to move fiber along the digestive tract. Unlimited access ... Read full story
 5/1/2008
Prepare for a Reduced Hay Crop in 2008   *
The USDA has released several crop reports that indicate the number of hay acres will be down in 2008. The department also reported that the existing hay supply is lower than previous years. This information, combined with higher input costs (fuel, fertilizer, land rent) and higher grain prices (corn, soybean, wheat), will likely lead to increased ... Read full story
 4/22/2008
Alfalfa Hay Reduces Ulcer Severity  *
If your horse has ulcers, giving him GastroGard (omeprazole) isn't the only thing you can do to help reduce the severity of the problem. At the 2007 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 1-5 in Orlando, Fla., Noah Cohen, VMD, PhD, MPH, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of equine medicine at Texas A&M University, discussed a study ... Read full story
 4/2/2008
Agriculture Officials Helping North Carolina Horse Owners Find Hay  *
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) has launched several initiatives to assist livestock producers and equine owners in locating and transporting hay to their farms to cope with the ongoing drought. The NCDA&CS has established the Hay Alert Web site and a toll-free hotline to assist individuals in their ... Read full story
 2/23/2008
Use Caution When Transitioning to Alternative Forages   *
Hay is at a premium. Whether it is the result of weather conditions making forage scarce or prohibitively expensive, or if there's some other reason, there could come a time when horse owners need to consider alternative sources of forage. Equine nutritionists say that when this is necessary, you should change a horse's diet gradually to avoid stressing ... Read full story
 1/11/2008
Be a Hay Connoisseur  *
Good owners know whether the hay they are feeding is the right type and the right quality. If a horse does not have access to pasture, hay is usually the mainstay of diet. Next to pasture, good-quality hay is the most natural feed for horses. In this article we'll help you become a "hay connoisseur," knowing what is good, and what to watch out ... Read full story
 1/1/2008
Study Suggests Alfalfa Might Buffer Gastric Acid Production, Prevent Ulcers   *
A change in diet can be good for what ails you--even if you are a horse. Research from Texas A&M University showed that feeding alfalfa to horses either prevented or was therapeutic in treating stomach ulcers. "Something in alfalfa hay tends to buffer acid production," said Pete Gibbs, PhD, Extension horse specialist. According to Gibbs, ... Read full story
 12/19/2007
Hay Prices Highest Since Records Began; Officials Warn of Scams  *
Agriculture experts around the country are warning hay farmers and buyers to watch for scams amid a feed shortage and resulting high prices. In Washington, hay prices have passed $200 per ton in some areas, and winter is still weeks away. The state Department of Agriculture has already fielded 42 complaints about hay quality or nonpayment, with the ... Read full story
 11/30/2007
Readers Respond: Hitting High Hay Prices  *
Nearly 2,400 readers of TheHorse.com responded to a poll asking, "How much are you paying for small square bales of hay?" Results were as follows: $3-5: 37.81% (904) $6-8: 22.79% (545) Under $3: 15.18% (363) More than $10: 11.63% (278) I don't feed small square bales: 7.07% (169) $9-10: 5.52% (132) Many readers noted that, ... Read full story
 11/21/2007
Southeastern Drought Affecting Feed Prices, Horse Sales   *
Some horse owners are looking toward a dire winter as hay prices soar, and rescue workers worry about animal neglect and abandonment in the coming months. Both groups blame the drought, which wiped out hay crops across the South and affected pasture land that horses would normally graze through November. "I'm just trying to hold out and maybe make ... Read full story
 11/19/2007
Carb Testing Program for Horse Feed and Hay Introduced   *
When it comes to horses, what does "low carb" mean? Lower than what? "There are several analytical procedures that measure sugar, and each one measures a slightly different fraction," said Kathryn Watts, owner of Rocky Mountain Research & Consulting, Inc. and Safergrass.org. "Samples analyzed by different testing labs may not provide a fair comparison ... Read full story
 10/30/2007
Choose the Right Hay for Your Horses  *
You invest a lot of care and appreciation on your horses, so it is wise to spend some time considering their primary diet -- forages. The horse evolved over time to be efficient as a grazing animal thriving on forages. As we adapted the horse for colder climates, the horse was well-suited to thrive on hay and other conserved forages. Currently in ... Read full story
 10/26/2007
Imported Hay Could Hold Hidden Health Dangers   *
As if hay scarcity and high prices aren’t enough, experts are warning horse owners that imported hay could also hide horse health dangers including seriously low amounts of essential vitamins such as A and E, excessive amounts of selenium, and even life-threatening insect infestations. "It all depends upon where the hay is coming from," said Peggy ... Read full story
 9/23/2007
Motion Capture Confirms: Horses Chew Different Feeds in Different Ways  *
Horses eating a diet consisting mostly of pellets or grain could require more dental maintenance than horses eating predominantly hay or pasture grasses, according to researchers at Michigan State University who used motion capture techniques to track the movement of horses' jaws. The results of their study showed that horses use slower, larger movements ... Read full story
 7/31/2007
Kentucky Hay Hotline Helps Farmers in Search of Forage   *
Kentucky horse owners in need of hay can call the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's toll-free Hay Hotline to join up with farmers with hay to sell. The Hay Hotline number for both buyers and sellers is 888/567-9589. Those who call the number to buy or sell hay will be listed on the Hay Hotline page on the Department's Web site, www.kyagr.com. "These ... Read full story
 7/16/2007
Possible Toxicity: Georgia Horses Sickened by Michigan Hay  *
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has alerted horse owners to a problem with some alfalfa hay from Michigan and the upper Midwest. The hay is believed to contain hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana), a weed that is toxic to horses. "We have a report of 25 horses sickened from eating alfalfa hay from Michigan that contained this plant," Irvin ... Read full story
 7/2/2007
Toxicity of Equisetum to Horses  *
Present and persistent since the Paleozoic era (250 to 540 million years ago), the plants of the genus Equisetum, commonly known as horsetail, are considered to be living fossils. These widespread, perennial, fern-like plants are found in most temperate areas of the world. They can have detrimental effects on horses if consumed in large quantities ... Read full story
 6/9/2007
Finding and Testing Low-Sugar Forage
Did the brown, stemmy, overmature hay you thought was perfect for your easy keepers make them even fatter? Are increased sugar concentrations in your pasture causing your pony's recent bouts of laminitis, or increased muscle soreness in your equine polysaccharide storage myopathy (EPSM)-afflicted horse? Could high fructan levels caused by recent ... Read full story
 5/14/2007
Changing Carbohydrate Evaluations in Animal Diets  *
Nutritionists are doing away with "nonstructural carbohydrates" in favor of more specific measures. If you own a horse with laminitis or a metabolic problem such as insulin resistance or Cushing's disease, chances are you've heard recommendations to minimize his intake of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC). However, many nutritionists and feed analysts ... Read full story
 4/15/2007
Blister Beetles in Hay: Shop Smart to Reduce the Risk  *
Alfalfa hay is an excellent, high quality forage for horses, but it has the potential to attract blister beetles--toxic insects that can kill horses if ingested. Blister beetles cause inflammation and blistering of the skin within hours of contact. If ingested, cantharidin, a toxic substance in the beetle, is absorbed and rapidly excreted in the ... Read full story
 4/12/2007
Food for Thought: Digestive Health  *
A favorite pastime of humans and horses alike is to eat. Our world view of eating revolves around fundamental expectations of the types of food we eat, how these foods make us feel, and how different foods are processed through our bodies. Unlike our human intestinal constitution, the horse has a unique intestinal structure and function for processing ... Read full story
 4/1/2007
Hay Alternatives for Horses  *
Adverse summer grass growing or harvesting conditions or excessively long, cold winter weather can make it difficult to find or afford horse hay. These problems might tempt horse owners to feed their horses an all-concentrate diet. However, horse owners should remember a diet without roughage can be detrimental to the horse. A constant fiber source ... Read full story
 2/8/2007
Pilot Study Shows Bee Pollen Product Increases Appetite  *
Keeping weight on a horse that's in intense training can be difficult; his appetite can fall off just as soon as you think he's reaching his athletic peak. Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) have reported in a pilot study that a bee pollen-based product shows promise in improving athletic horses' feed intake, and it could be applicable ... Read full story
 10/12/2006
Hay for the Laminitic Horse
Q: Is there a particular type of grass hay that is better than others as a long-term part of the maintenance diet for a horse prone to laminitis? Sue, via e-mail A: If a horse has a history of chronic laminitis, my first concern would be addressing the metabolic issues contributing to the problem, usually obesity and/or pituitary ... Read full story
 9/1/2006
Drought Grips Areas of the United States  *
Drought and excessive heat could strain the nation's agricultural industry. From Florida to California farmers and ranchers have already felt the effects in decreased hay production and waning grazing pastures. "A big concern right now is hay," said Sam Holland, DVM, South Dakota state veterinarian. With pastures starting to dry up, ranchers and farmers ... Read full story
 8/22/2006
Horse Owners' Needs Still Urgent after Katrina and Rita  *
It's a common trend--people don't break out the checkbooks months after a disaster event as readily as they do immediately after the crisis. Time passes, other calamities arise, and well-meaning donors change their focus. The salty water drowned pastures in Louisiana and Mississippi months ago, but the needs of horse owners in those areas left incapacitated ... Read full story
 1/12/2006
Growing Grass After the Hurricanes  *
Will grass re-establish in Gulf Coast area pastures that were covered in murky, salty, or contaminated floodwaters for several weeks in September? That is a question agronomy researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) aim to answer in the coming months. Plant and soil scientists are analyzing how best to manage pastures and hay fields that were ... Read full story
 10/21/2005
Analyzing Forages   *
We all know a horse's primary food is pasture grass and/or hay (forage). The quality of the forage is, thus, a major factor affecting his health. Do you know if your horse's forage meets his needs? Truly, most of us don't--but we should. Forage analysis can tell you whether your forage alone will provide the nutrition your horse needs, or whether ... Read full story
 10/1/2005
National Hay Association Convention to Be Held In Lexington  *
More than 100 members of the National Hay Association are expected to attend the organization's annual 110th convention, which will be held at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, Ky., on Sept. 29- Oct. 1. Tom Creech, owner of Charles T. Creech, Inc. (hay and straw) and Creech Services, Inc. (horse bedding removal and producer of Thoroughbred Compost) ... Read full story
 8/23/2005
Whisper Syndrome Update: Titer Results Inconclusive   *
A treating vet in Virginia still isn't sure what made three of his clients' horses sick this spring while generating widespread concern on an Internet message board as "Whisper Syndrome" (for background information, see www.TheHorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?id=5588). Antibody titer results searching for a definitive diagnosis or rule-out on the bacterial ... Read full story
 7/1/2005
"Whisper Syndrome" Update  *
A treating veterinarian in southwestern Virginia still isn't sure what made three of his clients' horses sick this spring while generating widespread concern on an Internet message board. Titer results searching for a definitive diagnosis or rule-out on the bacterial disease listeriosis came back inconclusive in late May. But Thach Winslow, DVM, of ... Read full story
 5/31/2005
Nutritional and Metabolic Concerns with Equine Forages  *
While many of us want to simplify nutrition for our horses, selecting the best forage for a horse isn't always simple, particularly if he is chronically laminitic and/or metabolically challenged. Diets for these horses require particular care; however, in order to optimize the diet, first you must understand the horse's need for forages. The first ... Read full story
 11/17/2004
Fall and Winter Bring Forage Risks
Now that we've had our first frost in Central Kentucky (and many areas have had more than that), your pastures might be higher in carbohydrates and thus more dangerous for laminitic and/or metabolically challenged horses (such as Cushingoid ones). And while weather plays a significant role in forage carbohydrate levels, high levels often trace back ... Read full story
 11/10/2004
Nutritional Value of Forages  *
To feed your horse the best forage for his needs, you have to understand the plants and what affects their nutrient content, said Jerry Chatterton, PhD, Research Leader of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Forage and Range Research Laboratory in Logan, Utah. He spoke at the Equine Forage: Risks and Rewards Seminar and Summit held Oct. 22-23 at ... Read full story
 11/9/2004
Stacks of Decisions--Buying Better Hay  *
Horses eat hay. But why? How does it work? What happens to the hay after it passes the horse's teeth? Knowing how hay functions in the horse's body will help you make better hay choices in the future. Robert Van Saun, DVM, PhD, an extension veterinarian and associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, begins his forage feeding lectures ... Read full story
 10/1/2004
Cutting Down on Carbohydrates   *
In an attempt to avoid the rich diets that can worsen obesity and laminitis in insulin-resistant horses (those said to be suffering from peripheral Cushing's disease), many owners feed hay instead of lush pasture or grain. However, Kathryn Watts, BS, director of research for Rocky Mountain Research and Consulting, has found that some hay isn't safe ... Read full story
 1/1/2004
Cutting Down on Carbs (For Your Horse)  *
In an attempt to avoid the rich diets that can worsen obesity and laminitis in insulin-resistant horses (those said to be suffering from peripheral Cushing's disease), many owners feed hay instead of lush pasture or grain. However, Kathryn Watts, BS, director of research for Rocky Mountain Research and Consulting, has found that some hay isn't a safe ... Read full story
 11/17/2003
Problems for Horse Owners Caused by This Summer's Wet Weather  *
From Penn State University's Dairy & Animal Science News The wet weather this summer has not only increased the price of quality hay, but creates the right conditions for increased mold, fungi and mycotoxins in hay and grains. The cool, wet growing season has delayed the harvest of hay and grains and has also set up the right conditions for mold ... Read full story
 10/14/2003
Salting Hay for Storage
Q: I was told that using rock salt on hay that is kept in a small area would keep it from molding. Is this true, and would it do anything to the hay other than keep it dry? Julie A: The basic answer is yes, salt (sodium chloride) can be effective in inhibiting growth of mold organisms in hay. In earlier days, the practice was not uncommon ... Read full story
 9/1/2003
Blister Beetle Poisoning in Florida   *
At press time, three horses had died of blister beetle poisoning in Clay County, Fla., and two others returned home following treatment at the University of Florida after eating alfalfa hay contaminated with blister beetles. The hay was delivered from a supplier in Oklahoma. Marginned blister beetle Courtesy Dr. Ric Bessin Blister beetles, ... Read full story
 9/1/2003
The Mycotoxin Problem  *
There can be a number of reasons why a horse might have performance problems. A diagnosis can be frustrating, but one reason that might be overlooked is mycotoxicosis. It wasn’t until recently that the significance of mycotoxins was realized, said Thomas Buckley, MS, head of microbiology at the Irish Equine Centre. Buckley presented “Coping With Mycotoxin ... Read full story
 6/25/2003
AAEP 2002: Recent Developments in Equine Nutrition  *
A lot has happened in the field of equine research in the last five years. Ginger Rich, PhD, of Rich Equine Nutritional Consulting in Eads, Tenn.; and Leslie Breuer, PhD, of LH Breuer and Associates, updated veterinarians and others who attended the Current Concepts in Equine Nutrition in-depth session at the 2002 American Association of Equine Practitioners’ ... Read full story
 2/4/2003
Letter: Copper Sulfate and Ergot  *
The following letter from a reader was run in the June 8th Issue of The Blood-Horse, a sister publication to The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. The subsequent response is from Dr Jimmy C. Henning, Extension Professor of Agronomy at the University of Kentucky, and gives some insight on ergot. Ergot Warning I am writing this letter as a warning ... Read full story
 6/21/2002
Fescue Field Management   *
It is estimated that 35 million acres of United States pasture are planted with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and roughly 700,000 horses graze these fescue pastures. This plant is a cool-season plant, so it grows in cooler climates, is tolerant of poor drainage and poor soil, and has a good regrowth after grazing. It also lasts longer into cool ... Read full story
 3/1/2002
Forage Alternatives  *
Man might not live by bread alone, but horses can live on forage just fine. As grazing, herbivorous animals, forage (grasses and plants that grow on pastureland) is what they're designed to eat. Other components of the equine diet--grains, fats, apples, and carrots, for example--are merely the "bells and whistles." It's high-fiber grasses and legumes ... Read full story
 1/1/2001
Michigan Hay Surplus   *
A very favorable summer growing season over much of Michigan has produced a tremendous supply of surplus hay for many farms. According to Jerry Lindquist, the coordinator of the Michigan Hay Seller's List and Michigan State University (MSU) County Extension Director, "Many farms went from empty barns in the spring to filling everything up and scrambling ... Read full story
 12/2/1999
Hay FAQ  *
Ask any Average Joe on the street what a horse eats, and chances are he’ll answer, ‘hay.’ Even those who’ve never picked a foot or mucked a stall recognize that fibrous dried forage as the foundation of a horse’s diet. Given that, it’s surprising how little respect hay gets. Perhaps it’s not as sexy as a bag of high-powered grain or a bucket of space-age ... Read full story
 12/1/1999
New Hay And Fescue Education Brochures Available To Horse Owners  *
Ensuring your horse is consuming essential nutrients -- and staying away from grasses that look nutritious but can pose a health risk -- are the topics of two new client-education brochures published by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) in conjunction with educational partners Purina Mills, Inc. and Bayer Corporation, Animal Health. "Hay ... Read full story
 7/9/1999
British Horse Society Warns Of Dangers Of Ragwort In Hay  *
The British Horse Society has issued a warning to all horse owners to beware of ragwort in hay. With a high prevalence of ragwort last summer, it is virtually impossible to guarantee that hay is completely ragwort free, in fact the BHS received many reports of fields absolutely full of ragwort being cropped for hay. The presence of ragwort in hay is ... Read full story
 7/2/1999
Alfalfa Cubes: An Alternative Forage   *
Good quality forage is the basis of feeding programs for all horses. When hay is being fed, horse owners need to select a hay that is nutritious but also free of dust and mold. However, when mold-free hay is not available, horse owners can consider the use of alfalfa cubes as a viable forage alternative. The difference between alfalfa hay and the alfalfa ... Read full story
 4/16/1999
Hay Alternatives  *
Although regular baled hay is the mainstay of equine diets across North America, it's sometimes more trouble than it's worth. Heavy to stack, bulky to store, prone to vitamin breakdown, and -- heaven forbid! -- also spontaneous combustion, not to mention dust and molds that can aggravate both human and equine respiratory allergies, hay is hardly a ... Read full story
 7/1/1998
Cost Of Hay Fluctuates  *
After reaching a record price of nearly $118 per ton last May, the cost of hay dropped to more normal seasonal levels by the end of the year, according to records maintained by Morgan Consulting Ltd. of Paola, Kan. While the cost of hay and other forage increases during the second quarter of each calendar year, the Morgan statistics show hay prices ... Read full story
 2/13/1998
Fiber Facts  *
Grazing is a full-time job for horses. Given their druthers, they'd graze for 12 hours or more every day, their broad, flat teeth and sideways chewing motions making short work of the tough, stemmy grasses and weeds they favor. Like all true herbivores, horses get most of their daily energy requirements from eating plant fibers. Yet, ironically, horses ... Read full story
 12/1/1997
Buying and Storing Feeds  *
Feed is a major expenditure for any horse owner, and we all want it to be money well spent--both in terms of nutrition and quality. Getting the best value often means buying and storing feed in bulk. But unless that's done properly, you might find you lose a major portion of your investment to mold, insect infestation, or water damage, any of which ... Read full story
 10/1/1997
Hay, Look Me Over  *
Horses are superbly adapted herbivores. From their wide flat molars--designed for grinding tough, gritty stems--to their gastrointestinal tracts--which process the nutrition bound in fibrous plants--they are equipped to get the maximum benefit out of food sources that many animals reject. Evolution also has provided horses with a talent for speed, ... Read full story
 8/1/1997




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