Buying Horse HayBuying Horse Hay

Key issues for Horse OwnersKey issues for Horse Owners

Nutritional Requirements Nutritional Requirements of Horsesof Horses

Pseudo-RuminantsPseudo-Ruminants– ineffective ruminants: high quality neededineffective ruminants: high quality needed– fiber required:fiber required:

» daily forage intake should >1% bwdaily forage intake should >1% bw» Prefer 1/2 of daily intake to be foragesPrefer 1/2 of daily intake to be forages

Multiple RequirementsMultiple Requirements– Production: Reproduction, Growth, WorkProduction: Reproduction, Growth, Work– Maintenance: infrequently exercised, mature Maintenance: infrequently exercised, mature

horsehorse

Forage Requirements of Forage Requirements of Horse OwnersHorse Owners

NutritionNutrition– High Quality neededHigh Quality needed– Reduce feed costsReduce feed costs– Control of Toxic plantsControl of Toxic plants

ExerciseExercise– Daily requirementsDaily requirements– Soil compactionSoil compaction

AestheticsAesthetics

Forage QualityForage Quality

Digestibility is a function of maturityDigestibility is a function of maturity Crude protein is a function of maturity Crude protein is a function of maturity

and soil nitrogen.and soil nitrogen.

Nitrogen rate effect on Nitrogen rate effect on digestibility and crude proteindigestibility and crude protein

NitrogenRate

CrudeProteinLevel

DigestibleDry

MatterLb/ac % % 25100200300

6.7 7.610.610.8

53.854.853.455.1

Maturity effects on Digestibility Maturity effects on Digestibility and Crude protein.and Crude protein.

HarvestInterval

NitrogenRate Yield

CrudeProtein

DryMatterDig.

Weeks lbs/ac tons/ac % %1

2

4

8

300600300600300600300600

5.27 4.97 5.60 6.70 6.39 7.32 6.4710.48

19.222.216.820.214.917.211.111.7

59.861.659.561.758.659.252.052.3

22.2

Forage SelectionForage Selection

Cool SeasonCool Season– AnnualsAnnuals

» RyegrassRyegrass» Small grainsSmall grains» CloversClovers

– Perennials:Perennials:» Tall Fescue: toxinTall Fescue: toxin» othersothers

Warm SeasonWarm Season– AnnualsAnnuals

» Crabgrass: loamsCrabgrass: loams» Millets: SandMillets: Sand

– Perennials:Perennials:» Switch Grass, Indian Switch Grass, Indian

Grass, Side Oats Grass, Side Oats Gamma, Big and Gamma, Big and Little BluestemLittle Bluestem

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Sensitive horsesSensitive horses– Laminitis (founder)Laminitis (founder)– Equine metabolic syndromeEquine metabolic syndrome– Equine Cushing’s syndromeEquine Cushing’s syndrome– Polysaccharide storage myopathyPolysaccharide storage myopathy

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Cushing Disease and pasture laminitisCushing Disease and pasture laminitis Cause: Unable to take up sugar in the Cause: Unable to take up sugar in the

form of glucose due to diminished form of glucose due to diminished response to insulin (insulin resistance)response to insulin (insulin resistance)– Obese or fat horses over 15 years of ageObese or fat horses over 15 years of age– Common in poniesCommon in ponies

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Polysaccharide storage myopathy Polysaccharide storage myopathy Cause:Increased sensitivity to insulin and Cause:Increased sensitivity to insulin and

increased glucose uptake in musclesincreased glucose uptake in muscles– Found more often in heavy muscled horses Found more often in heavy muscled horses

and poniesand ponies

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Cool Season Grass RatingsCool Season Grass Ratings– Orchardgrass, meadow fescue, tall fescue all Orchardgrass, meadow fescue, tall fescue all

high in sugarhigh in sugar– Timothy and crested wheat grass are Timothy and crested wheat grass are

medium in sugarmedium in sugar– Warm Season Annuals are medium in sugar Warm Season Annuals are medium in sugar

contentcontent

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Test forage for Sugar if horses are Test forage for Sugar if horses are sensitivesensitive– 10% of less considered safe10% of less considered safe

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Producers can Take Some ActionProducers can Take Some Action– Soak hay 60 minutes in cold water followed Soak hay 60 minutes in cold water followed

by 30 minutes in hot waterby 30 minutes in hot water– Removes 30% of the sugar contentRemoves 30% of the sugar content

Sugar Problems With Hay and Sugar Problems With Hay and ForageForage

Grazing Control Options for ProducersGrazing Control Options for Producers– Sugar highest at vegetative state and Sugar highest at vegetative state and

periods of cool nights and warm sunny days, periods of cool nights and warm sunny days, or after a hard freeze and during periods of or after a hard freeze and during periods of droughtdrought

– Usually found in top 2” of plant so grazing Usually found in top 2” of plant so grazing susceptible horses last is recommendedsusceptible horses last is recommended

Warm Season Perennial Grasses Warm Season Perennial Grasses adapted to Central Sandsadapted to Central Sands

Rye Grass: most popularRye Grass: most popular Switch Grass: gaining popularitySwitch Grass: gaining popularity Sudan Grass: Can be toxic and avoidedSudan Grass: Can be toxic and avoided Big and Little Bluestem: Late Summer Big and Little Bluestem: Late Summer Indian Grass-Side Oats Gamma-Indian Grass-Side Oats Gamma-

Gamma Grass-Some interestGamma Grass-Some interest

Weed ControlWeed Control

Limited HerbicidesLimited Herbicides Multiple optionsMultiple options Integrated ManagementIntegrated Management

– Multiple usesMultiple uses– Multiple methodsMultiple methods

Why Control WeedsWhy Control WeedsWhy Control WeedsWhy Control Weeds

Economics: forage quality and quantityEconomics: forage quality and quantity Animal Health: toxicAnimal Health: toxic

– Hoary AlyssumHoary Alyssum– Tall fescueTall fescue

Spouse Nagging: better listenSpouse Nagging: better listen

Weed Control MethodsWeed Control MethodsWeed Control MethodsWeed Control Methods

HerbicidesHerbicides DefoliationDefoliation

– MowingMowing– GrazingGrazing

Good ManagementGood Management– FertilityFertility– Carbohydrate ManagementCarbohydrate Management– ShadingShading

Basic Principles of Chemical Basic Principles of Chemical Weed ControlWeed Control

Basic Principles of Chemical Basic Principles of Chemical Weed ControlWeed Control

Know your weedsKnow your weeds Choose the right herbicideChoose the right herbicide Calibrate your sprayerCalibrate your sprayer Spray at the proper timeSpray at the proper time

Know Your WeedsKnow Your WeedsKnow Your WeedsKnow Your Weeds

300 different species in Wisconsin 300 different species in Wisconsin Pastures and FieldsPastures and Fields

Only a Handful Only a Handful Economically SignificantEconomically Significant

Only a Handful Only a Handful Economically SignificantEconomically Significant

Yellow FoxtailYellow Foxtail MilkweedMilkweed PigweedPigweed RagweedRagweed ThistlesThistles Spotted Knap WeedSpotted Knap Weed HorsenettleHorsenettle GrassbursGrassburs Buffalo Burs and Sand BursBuffalo Burs and Sand Burs Hoary AlyssumHoary AlyssumCrabgrassCrabgrass

Life CycleLife Cycle

Annual: Seed germinates, plant grows, Annual: Seed germinates, plant grows, flowers and seeds out in one growing flowers and seeds out in one growing season (crabgrass)season (crabgrass)

Biennial: Seed germinates, plant grows, Biennial: Seed germinates, plant grows, then reproduces in following year (onion)then reproduces in following year (onion)

Perennial: Seed germinates, and plant Perennial: Seed germinates, and plant lives and reproduces for several years lives and reproduces for several years (bermudagrass)(bermudagrass)

Basic PrincipleBasic PrincipleBasic PrincipleBasic Principle

Starve the weed, feed the cropStarve the weed, feed the crop Spray annual weeds when they are Spray annual weeds when they are

young and actively growingyoung and actively growing Spray perennial weeds when they are at Spray perennial weeds when they are at

full leaf or fruit setfull leaf or fruit set

Labeled HerbicidesLabeled HerbicidesLabeled HerbicidesLabeled Herbicides

2,4-D: annual broadleaf2,4-D: annual broadleaf Banvel: WeedmasterBanvel: Weedmaster Picloram: Grazon P+DPicloram: Grazon P+D Sulfanyl Urea: Ally, AmberSulfanyl Urea: Ally, Amber

– specific weed tolerance and susceptibilityspecific weed tolerance and susceptibility Roundup: new usesRoundup: new uses Zorial: only labeled pre-emergeZorial: only labeled pre-emerge

SummarySummary

Weed managementWeed management Weed IdentificationWeed Identification Integrated Integrated

managementmanagement0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 3 5 7 9 11

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Month

Gro

wth

Rat

e

Lieberg’s Law of LimitsLieberg’s Law of Limits

Soil FertilitySoil Fertility

ChemicalChemical– Soil pHSoil pH– NitrogenNitrogen– PhosphorusPhosphorus– PotassiumPotassium– SecondarySecondary– MicronutrientsMicronutrients

PhysicalPhysical– TextureTexture– StructureStructure– Infiltration rateInfiltration rate– UtilityUtility– AestheticsAesthetics– Crop selectivityCrop selectivity

Nutrient removed (lbs./ac) by Nutrient removed (lbs./ac) by grazing and hay production.grazing and hay production.

Nutrient

Grazing (500 lbs of horse/acre)

Hay (6 tons of hay/acre)

Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

18 9 1

300 60 240

Fertility ManagementFertility Management

Potassium: TrickyPotassium: Tricky– Grazing: limitedGrazing: limited– Hay: depletionHay: depletion– First indication: Winter killFirst indication: Winter kill– Late application may be more importantLate application may be more important– examine roots in late summerexamine roots in late summer– fertilize for Ryegrass Requirementsfertilize for Ryegrass Requirements

Fertility ManagementFertility Management

Soil pH:Soil pH:– limits nutrient availabilitylimits nutrient availability– Cool season more intolerantCool season more intolerant– Ryegrass/small grains: pH>5.8Ryegrass/small grains: pH>5.8– CloverClover

» pH<7: crimson, arrowleaf, subterranean, pH<7: crimson, arrowleaf, subterranean, lespedezalespedeza

» pH>7:alfalfa, berseem, sweetclover, vetch, pH>7:alfalfa, berseem, sweetclover, vetch, medics (?)medics (?)

Fertility ManagementFertility Management

Secondary: Ca, Mg, S.Secondary: Ca, Mg, S.– Ca, Mg: adjust with limeCa, Mg: adjust with lime– Sulfur becoming more importantSulfur becoming more important

Micronutrients: Zn, Cu, othersMicronutrients: Zn, Cu, others– pH regulatespH regulates

» pH<5.5: Zn, Cu, otherspH<5.5: Zn, Cu, others» pH>7.5: Fe, otherspH>7.5: Fe, others

– manure: build up of Cumanure: build up of Cu

SummarySummary

Maximum responseMaximum response– NitrogenNitrogen– PotassiumPotassium

Forage requirementForage requirement Nutrient useNutrient use Crop CompatibilityCrop Compatibility

– Manage for cool Manage for cool seasonseason

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 3 5 7 9 11

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Month

Gro

wth

Rat

e

Quality Hay CharacteristicsQuality Hay Characteristics

High digestibilityHigh digestibility High nutrient contentHigh nutrient content High palatabilityHigh palatability Easily consumedEasily consumed Free of toxic materialsFree of toxic materials Easily handledEasily handled

Factors in Purchasing HayFactors in Purchasing Hay

Chemical AnalysisChemical Analysis– ProteinProtein– DigestibilityDigestibility– other nutrientsother nutrients

Physical FactorsPhysical Factors Anti-quality Factors:Anti-quality Factors:

– toxins: fescue, sorghum, kleingrasstoxins: fescue, sorghum, kleingrass– dust, etc.dust, etc.

Physical Factors Affecting Physical Factors Affecting Quality HayQuality Hay

Stage of Maturity: younger is betterStage of Maturity: younger is better Foreign Material:Foreign Material:

– Dust, mold, etc.Dust, mold, etc.– Metal, Toxic weedsMetal, Toxic weeds– Insects (blister beetles)Insects (blister beetles)

Texture: softer is betterTexture: softer is better Leafiness: more leaf, more digestibleLeafiness: more leaf, more digestible Color: buyer factorColor: buyer factor

How Much Hay Will Your How Much Hay Will Your Horse Eat Per YearHorse Eat Per Year

Horse Weight x 2.2% of Body Weight (1100x 2.2=25 lbs)Horse Weight x 2.2% of Body Weight (1100x 2.2=25 lbs)

Number of days feed hay: 180 x 25=4,500 lbsNumber of days feed hay: 180 x 25=4,500 lbs– Small Square Bales(40 lbs) per yearSmall Square Bales(40 lbs) per year

» 4,500 divided by 40 lbs = 113 bales4,500 divided by 40 lbs = 113 bales

– Round bales or Big Squares per year at 800lbsRound bales or Big Squares per year at 800lbs» 4,500 divided by 800=6 large bales per year4,500 divided by 800=6 large bales per year

How Much Will Your Hay CostHow Much Will Your Hay CostSmall SquaresSmall Squares

Price Per BalePrice Per Bale Price Per Ton Price Per Ton

40 lbs 60 lbs 80 lbs40 lbs 60 lbs 80 lbs

Bale Weight, lbsBale Weight, lbs

$3.50$3.50 $175$175 $117$117 $88$88

$3.00$3.00 $150$150 $100$100 $75$75

$2.50$2.50 $125$125 $83$83 $63$63

$2.00$2.00 $100$100 $67$67 $50$50

$1.50$1.50 $75$75 $50$50 $38$38

How Much Will Your Hay CostHow Much Will Your Hay CostBig Bales(Round or Square)Big Bales(Round or Square)

Price Per BalePrice Per Bale Price Per Ton Price Per Ton

600 lbs 800 lbs 1000 lbs600 lbs 800 lbs 1000 lbs

Bale Weight, lbsBale Weight, lbs

$55$55 $183$183 $138$138 $110$110

$45$45 $150$150 $113$113 $90$90

$35$35 $117$117 $88$88 $70$70

$25$25 $84$84 $63$63 $50$50

$15$15 $50$50 $38$38 $30$30

CONSUMPTION CONSUMPTION REQUIREMENTSREQUIREMENTS

% BODY WEIGHT CONSUMPTION Forage Concentrate TotalMature Horse  Maintenance 1.5-2.0 0-0.5 1.5-2.0Young Horses  Nursing foal, 3 months 0 1.0-2.0 2.5-3.5

Weaning foal, 6 months 0.5-1.0 1.5-3.0 2.0-3.5

Yearling foal, 12 months 1.0-1.5 1.0-2.0 2.0-3.0

Long Yearling, 18 months 1.0-1.5 1.0-1.5 2.0-2.5

Two Year old, 24 months 1.0-1.5 1.0-1.5 2.0-2.5

Horse RequirementsHorse Requirements

Nutrient Research Council Sets StandardsNutrient Research Council Sets Standards Horse Status Digestible Energy Crude ProteinHorse Status Digestible Energy Crude Protein

MaintenanceMaintenance 16.4 mcal16.4 mcal 1.44 lbs1.44 lbs

Working LightWorking Light

Working IntenseWorking Intense

20.5 mcal20.5 mcal

32.8 mcal32.8 mcal

1.8 lbs1.8 lbs

2.9 lbs2.9 lbs

Mare Lactating Mare Lactating 28.3 mcal28.3 mcal 3.1 lbs3.1 lbs

2 year old in 2 year old in trainingtraining

26.3 mcal26.3 mcal 2.5 lbs2.5 lbs

ClassClass Digestible Digestible Energy Energy

McalMcal

Crude Crude Protein Protein

lbslbs

CalciuCalcium in m in

gramsgrams

Phosphorus in Phosphorus in gramsgrams

Maintenance,matureMaintenance,mature 16.416.4 1.441.44 2020 1414

Weanlings 4-5 monthsWeanlings 4-5 months 14.414.4 1.591.59 3434 1919

Weanlings 6-11 Weanlings 6-11 monthsmonths

15.015.0 1.651.65 2929 1616

Yearling 12-17 Yearling 12-17 monthsmonths

18.918.9 1.871.87 2929 1616

Yearling 18-24 Yearling 18-24 monthsmonths

19.819.8 1.971.97 2727 1515

Two Year old-restingTwo Year old-resting 18.618.6 1.761.76 2424 1313

Two Year old-TrainingTwo Year old-Training 26.326.3 2.462.46 3434 1919

Intense working Intense working 3535 2.892.89 4040 2929

Hay-Alfalfa vs GrassHay-Alfalfa vs Grass

Is There a Difference In Grass Is There a Difference In Grass Vs Legumes??Vs Legumes??

Should I feed Grain???Should I feed Grain??? Is Hay Enough????Is Hay Enough????

COMMON FEEDSTUFFCOMMON FEEDSTUFF

Alfalfa

% DM Mcal/# % Protein

90 .94 18

Brome 89 .80 11

Orchard 88 .85 11

Straw 91 .70 4

Oats 89 1.3 12

Corn 88 1.5 9

Balancing a RationBalancing a Rationworksheet meeting worksheet meeting requirementsrequirementsNeeds:Needs: MC MC ProteinProteinWorking Horse 28 2.8Working Horse 28 2.8

Brome Hay .80 .11Brome Hay .80 .11(feed 15 lbs) 12 Mc 1.2 (feed 15 lbs) 12 Mc 1.2 lbslbs

NEEDED 16 Mc 1.6 NEEDED 16 Mc 1.6 lbs lbs

Balancing A RationBalancing A RationGrain Mix(50% corn x 50% Oat)Grain Mix(50% corn x 50% Oat)Needs 16Mc 1.6 Needs 16Mc 1.6 lbs lbs

Ration 1.4/lb Ration 1.4/lb 10.5%10.5%Amount= Amount= 16/1.4=11.4 lbs16/1.4=11.4 lbs 11.4x10.5=1.211.4x10.5=1.2

Balancing 0 Balancing 0 Short .4Short .4

Need .4 lbs proteinNeed .4 lbs proteinSource 1 lb of Soybean mealSource 1 lb of Soybean mealIncrease amounts fed by 10% of Increase amounts fed by 10% of DMDM

Balancing a RationBalancing a Rationworksheet meeting requirementsworksheet meeting requirementsNeeds:Needs: MC ProteinMC ProteinMaintenance 16.4 1.6Maintenance 16.4 1.6

Alfalfa/Brome Hay .87 .145Alfalfa/Brome Hay .87 .145(feed 20 lbs) 17.4c 2.9 lbs(feed 20 lbs) 17.4c 2.9 lbs

NEEDED 16 Mc 1.6 lbs NEEDED 16 Mc 1.6 lbs