Importance of Forage
Forage is
the base of the equine diet. No horse
can survive without forage, and all horses must consume at least 1% but
preferably at least 2% of their body weight every day.
Forages come in many
forms: long stemmed, cubed pelleted and chopped, but the best way to feet it to
horses is long stemmed. Horses need to
chew forage for many reasons, including mental and behavioral health, dental
health, increased saliva production to help prevent ulcers and most of all,
excellent quality nutrition.
The type of
horse being fed will dictate which type of forage should be used. For example, a racehorse will require a
forage of super high quality and high caloric density, while a Shetland pony
needs a more fibrous, lower calorie forage.
Several varieties are available to choose from, and all of the following are suitable choices for most horses.
Best choice for working and producing animals: Orchard Grass
Orchard grass
is a bunch-type, tall-growing, cool-season
perennial grass. It is fast-growing and
matures very early in the spring. In
the vegetative (leafy) stage, orchard grass is a high-quality forage. Quality
declines as the plants approach maturity. Therefore, to obtain high animal
performance, harvesting at an early stage of maturity is most desirable. Orchard Grass is high in fiber and has
a good level of protein, vitamins and minerals.
Best Choice for your Easy Keepers: Timothy-Grass
Timothy-grass is an abundant perennial grass native to most of Europe. It is names after Timothy Hanson, a U.S. farmer and agriculturalist said to have
introduced it from New England to the southern states in the early 18th
century. Timothy hay is very palatable to horses if it is cut at an earlier
stage of maturity. Timothy hay is an
excellent choice for all classes of horses, but especially those that require
more fiber and lower calories and lower protein levels.
Best Choice for Working, Breeding and Growing Horses: Alfalfa
Alfalfa is
a perennial flowering
plant in the pea family cultivated as an important forage crop in many countries around the world. Alfalfa
is very palatable to horses and contains very high levels of protein, soluble
fiber and calcium. It is the best forage
for working, breeding and growing horses.
It is very useful in the diet of horses that need superior levels of
nutrients and high calories.