Classes of Feeds for Horses Presentation Part 3: Roughages (Continued 1) #8895-B

Timothy Hay One of the most popular hays Not grown in some areas because of expense due to transportation costs Clean, bright hay No mold

Timothy Hay Harvested in pre- or early-bloom stage After that, protein content declines rapidly

Coastal Bermudagrass Hay Fed & grown in southern United States Same strand of grass can be cut 4 to 5 times per year

Coastal Bermudagrass Hay Nutritionally comparable to timothy hay – More economical to purchase Value may be increased if grown with mixture of legumes

Prairie Hay or Wild Native Hays Can be fed if correctly processed Quality prairie hay only available in Midwest May come from low quality, mature grass containing numerous weeds Low in protein - only 2-4%

Sudangrass Hay Popular in some parts of United States Related to sorghum Should be cut in early-bloom stage to maximize nutritional content

Sudangrass Hay If harvested too early, may contain large amounts of prussic acid – Toxic to animals Protein content - 10% Energy content similar to oat hay

Johnsongrass Hay Good source of hay Related to sorghum Harvested in early-bloom stage Grows primarily in southern United States

Oat Hay Superior feed depending on its processing and where it is grown May be low in protein Due to soil deficiencies, may be low in calcium, phosphorous, and carotene

Alfalfa Hay Premium hay Highly palatable and quality legume 18-19% protein Provides vitamins A, B, and D

Alfalfa Hay Ratio of calcium to phosphorous - 6:1 Balance ration with other feeds when feeding young, immature horses – avoids bone growth problems Calcium to phosphorous ratios should range from 1:1 to 2:1

Alfalfa Hay More laxative than grass hay Harvested when a few blooms or flowers are visible During late-bloom stage, when field is full of flowers, nutrient content significantly decreases

Alfalfa Hay Usually cut 5-8 times per year First cutting full of weeds & grass Second is usually clean

Alfalfa Hay Third - high quality Fourth and fifth - more fibrous stems & fewer leaves – decreased nutrient content & palatability

Clover Hays Legumes Nutritious and similar to alfalfa Generally mixed with grass hays

Clover Hays 5 types of clover hays: – Red – Common – White – Crimson – Alsike – Ladino

Clover Hays White and ladino clovers are produced for pasture but not for hay Red, crimson, and alsike clovers contain approximately 14-16% protein