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Horse diets should be based on forage, and owners in some parts of the world have a choice between providing hay or haylage. The decision to feed a particular forage is often based on availability or cost, and some horse owners prefer to feed haylage because they believe this product is a better source of digestible energy and protein. However, without analyzing each batch of forage, it is impossible to know exactly what the nutrient profile is.

In a study conducted in the U.K., horse owners were asked to submit samples of the forage they were feeding. Researchers chose 24 samples of hay and 11 samples of haylage for analysis to determine nutrient composition. On average, hay and haylage samples were similar in levels of digestible energy and fiber. Haylage was lower in dry matter but higher for crude protein and fat. In comparisons among all samples, there was wide variation for most of the nutrient levels, indicating that broad statements about the “best” type of forage for all horses cannot be accepted as valid.

The forages analyzed in this study were judged to provide a medium level of energy. Protein levels varied such that horses eating forage with the lowest values would need supplemental protein to meet requirements. Hay samples averaged higher than haylage samples for water-soluble carbohydrates.

Regardless of what type of dried forage is fed, horses that do not have access to fresh grass will not ingest the high level of vitamin E derived from grazing. Vitamin E content drops rapidly after grass is harvested, and stored amounts of this nutrient can be depleted within a few months. For horses that don’t graze fresh forage, dietary supplementation with Nano-E provides superior bioavailability of natural-source vitamin E.

Kentucky Equine Research (KER) equine nutritionist Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., advises horse owners to note the variability of individual batches of forage. This underscores the importance of having any hay or forage product analyzed before it is fed. Having a nutrient profile allows owners to avoid problems that can occur when assumptions are made about a particular type of forage. Analysis can show what needs to be added to balance the the horse’s diet. No single forage will be perfect for every horse, and no two batches of forage are likely to be identical in nutrient content.

Horse owners can take the first step by having hay samples analyzed, but they will likely need advice from an equine nutritionist to develop the right feed management plan for the individual horses in their care. Dietary needs change as horses grow, age, and have different exercise plans and metabolic profiles. An equine nutritionist can make recommendations as to the best way to meet these needs, keeping horses in good condition while avoiding health issues caused by improper diets. KER advisors are also available to make recommendations to simplify and optimize your horse’s ration. Start the conversation.

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