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- It is not recommended to feed horses a diet solely consisting of legume hays. These hays are lower in fibre and do not support hindgut fermentation as well as grass hays.
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Are Legume hays good for horses?
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What if my horse can't eat hay?
Sep 29, 2017 · Legume hay provides a better fit of nutrients for a horse with higher needs (growing, lactating), while grass hay provides a good fit for most horses.
- Legumes Are Higher in Protein Than Grass Hays.
- Legumes Are Also Higher in calcium.
- Legumes Are Also Delicious, Which Leads to Much Less Wasted Hay on The Farm.
Higher protein can be super for growing horses and pregnant mares. The increased protein, sometimes around 15%, can give your horse extra energy. The nitrogen and proteins are broken down and excre...
This is both good and not so good. For the ulcer-prone horse, the extra calcium acts as a buffer for stomach acids which have been linked to ulcers.
The higher calories, combined with the deliciousness, are not always compatible with the easy keeper type of horse.
Sep 2, 2019 · The increased concentration of protein in legume hay can greatly increase the energy for a horse eating it. If a horse has a heavy workload, or needs more energy and caloric intake, legume hay can be a good fit.
- Coastal Bermudagrass. This type of hay is very popular in the southern U.S. The protein content of bermudagrass hay ranges from about 6-11%, and this type of hay is highly digestible.
- Bromegrass. Bromegrass is highly palatable and has a nutrient content similar to bermudagrass. Since bromegrass matures later in the season when weather is less of a variable, it tends to be more consistent in nutritional value and carries less risk of getting moldy.
- Prairie Grass. Prairie grass hay is a mixture of native grasses grown in the Midwestern U.S. The protein content of prairie grass is typically between 6- 8%.
- Orchardgrass. Orchardgrass is typically grown in the northwestern and northeastern U.S. This type of hay is highly palatable and has a high nutrient content, making it a good choice for many horses.
An adult horse that is simply maintaining body weight can probably eat only grass hay. If you are competing in endurance, for example, you would likely choose a mix of grass and legume hay (and some grain).
Nov 8, 2010 · Although the most popular legume used among horse owners is alfalfa, other legumes such as red or crimson clover, lespedeza, birdsfoot trefoil, and peanut hay are often fed, and these provide horses with high-quality nutrients. Evaluating hay requires a thorough visual appraisal.
Jul 23, 2013 · So, there are pros and cons for each type of hay, and good reasons why a blend of the two, or even 100% alfalfa or 100% grass hay could ideally meet your horses’ needs. If you have additional questions, or want to discuss a feeding program tailored to your horse, contact your veterinarian.
