The Replacements: Alternative Forages and Feeds

Quality forage and grain alternatives can help owners manage horses better during drought and economic downturn.
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The Replacements: Alternative Forages and Feeds
Some forage options available commercially are chopped hay or straw, hay cubes, and haylage. | Photo: The Horse Staff

Quality forage and grain alternatives can help owners manage horses better during drought and economic downturn.

Over the past several years, much of the United States has been under moderate to severe drought, especially in the south central and southeastern states. Due to the lack of rainfall, hay production has been less than normal, indicating a shortage of good-quality forage, and the price of what is available has been higher than in previous years. Another concern for horse owners recently is the current state of the economy. Horses are rarely inexpensive to maintain even in the best of times, and feeding them properly can be one of the largest expenses.

With this in mind, horse owners and managers should be aware of alternative sources of fiber and be prepared to make informed decisions when the need for these alternatives arises. Horse owners should also evaluate their current feeding plans and make educated decisions on how to best meet their horses’ needs for the least amount of money.

It should be stressed that forage quality is of utmost importance for horses, and that forages appropriate for cattle and sheep might not be of a high enough quality for horses

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Written by:

Janice L. Holland, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Director of Equine Studies at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. A graduate of both Penn State and Virginia Tech, her equine interests include nutrition and behavior, as well as amateur photography. When not involved in horse activities she enjoys spending time outdoors enjoying nature.

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