Different Types Of Hay For Horses
Quality hay is a key component in your horse’s diet but there are many different types of hay for horses. Understanding the various types of hay available and their specific benefits for horses can be a game changer in terms of their health and wellbeing.
In this article, we consider the different types of hay for horses. We explore their nutritional value, discuss potential health concerns, and provide tips on selecting the best hay for your horse. Ultimately, we hope it will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your horse’s hay requirements.
Why Is Knowing About Different Types Of Hay For Horses Important?
A good horse diet starts with forage, or hay, and builds up from there. Many modern domestic horses do not have access to vast acreages of natural forage. As a result, hay has become the ‘go to’ forage substitute for most horse owners.
So hay, in fact, forms the foundation of most horse diets. Significantly, it provides many essential nutrients that are vital for their digestive health and wellbeing.
Therefore, understanding the different types of hay helps ensure your horse gets the right balance of fibre, protein, and other nutrients they need. And – choosing the right hay supports your horse’s digestive health, energy levels, and overall condition.
What Are The Benefits Of Different Types Of Hay For Horses?
Not all horse hays are created equal! Some are better for horses than others. But in general, the benefits of hay are –
Nutritional Balance
Each type of hay offers a different nutritional profile. For instance, lucerne (alfalfa) hay is rich in protein and calcium, making it suitable for young, growing horses, lactating mares, or performance horses that need extra energy. In contrast, grass hays like timothy are lower in protein but higher in fibre, ideal for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing obesity in adult horses.
Digestive Health
High-fibre hays such as meadow and pasture hay promote healthy digestion by stimulating chewing and saliva production. This helps buffer stomach acid and prevent conditions like gastric ulcers. The fibre also keeps gut content moving, and helps prevent colic.
Weight Management
Selecting the appropriate hay type can help manage your horse’s weight. For instance, feeding mature horses high protein hay, like lucerne, might lead to excessive weight gain. Conversely, lower-calorie grass hays can help keep your horse’s weight in check.
Cost-Effectiveness
Understanding the nutritional needs of your horse allows you to choose the most cost-effective hay. For example, lucerne hay can be more expensive than grass hays, but if your horse requires the additional nutrients, the investment is worthwhile. On the other hand, if your horse is a low-energy adult, a less expensive grass hay might suffice.
Dental Health
The act of chewing fibrous hay helps maintain healthy teeth by naturally wearing them down. This reduces the risk of dental issues, which can be costly and painful for your horse.
Common Types Of Hay For Horses
Here are some of the most common types of hay fed to horses in Australia.
Oaten Hay
Oaten hay is a cereal hay widely used in Australia. Grown from varieties of oats developed for hay rather than grain production, It’s higher in energy than grass hay so a good choice for horses in moderate work. Ensure it is free from mould and dust to prevent respiratory issues.
Oaten hay can also have moderate to high sugar levels, so it’s important to test its sugar content before feeding it to laminitic horses or those with metabolic disorders. It can be suitable if the sugar levels are within safe limits. Alternatively, soaking cereal hays to remove some of the sugar also works well.
Wheaten Hay
Wheaten hay is another cereal hay commonly fed to horses. It provides a moderate level of energy and fibre. Again, make sure it is clean and free from dust and mould. Wheaten hay can be a good option for horses in light to moderate work.
Wheaten hay may also have variable sugar content. For this reason, it’s advisable to test it to ensure it is safe for laminitic horses or horses with metabolic disorders. When sugar levels are low, it can be a good part of the diet.
Meadow Hay
Meadow hay is a mix of various grasses and sometimes legumes. Good quality meadow hay is custom grown using specially selected grasses and legumes. Poor quality meadow hay is often just native paddock grass (and weeds) that have been cut and baled. Therefore, its nutritional content can vary. Quality meadow hay though generally offers a balanced diet for most horses, and is closer to their natural forages. It’s an excellent choice for horses with no specific dietary needs.
Sugar content in meadow hay is generally balanced but varies depending on the grasses and legumes present. And also the weather conditions when cut, soil quality etc. Testing is recommended to ensure it is suitable for laminitic horses or those with metabolic disorders.
Rhodes Grass Hay
Rhodes grass hay is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, and shipped to southern regions. It’s high in fibre and relatively low in protein, suitable for maintaining a healthy digestive system and managing weight.
Rhodes hay typically has low sugar levels, making it a good option for horses with laminitis or metabolic issues. Its high fibre content also supports digestive health. However, it is an ‘acquired’ taste and many horses take a while to get used to it.
Lucerne (Alfalfa) Hay
Lucerne is a legume hay known for its high protein and calcium content. It’s suitable for young, growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses.
The nutritional content of lucerne hay varies considerably depending on how it’s grown. For example, lucerne grown naturally in fields like meadow hay is usually not as nutrient-dense as cultivated lucerne. Therefore, this type of lucerne can often make up a substantial portion of the hay component of a diet without too many issues.
However, when lucerne is intensively irrigated and cultivated, it can get very rich. This type of lucerne hay should not be fed in large quantities – it’s simply far too rich.
Lucerne is also high in potassium, and horses that have access to green grass already get enough potassium from that. Feeding a lot of lucerne on top of green forage can create imbalances in other minerals that work synergistically with potassium. It also forces the kidneys to work harder to remove the excess potassium.
Clover Hay
Clover hay, like lucerne, is a legume hay and is rich in protein and calcium. It’s often mixed with grass hays to balance its high nutrient content. Feed clover hay in moderation to avoid digestive issues.
Clover hay is also not generally high in sugar. In fact, it can be a suitable option for horses with metabolic conditions when included as part of a balanced diet.
Teff Hay
Teff hay is a relatively new option for horse owners in Australia. This fine-stemmed grass hay is highly digestible and has a low sugar content, making it an excellent choice for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic disorders. Teff hay is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Barley Straw
This is a low-calorie forage option that is particularly beneficial for horses needing a low-sugar diet, such as those with laminitis or metabolic disorders. It is high in fibre and helps maintain digestive health while being low in nutritional content, making it an excellent supplement to other hays. Barley straw should not be the sole forage source but can be effectively used to bulk up the diet without adding excess energy.
Hay Quality, Testing, and Regional Differences Between Types of Hay for Horses
Hay Quality Variations
The nutritional content of hay can fluctuate dramatically based on several factors
Growing conditions
Soil type, climate, and rainfall significantly influence the nutrient profile of hay. For instance, hay grown in arid regions might have different nutritional values compared to hay from fertile river valleys.
Cutting time
The stage of plant maturity at harvest dramatically impacts nutrient content. Early-cut hay is generally higher in protein and digestible energy but lower in fibre, while late-cut hay is the opposite.
Hay Cutting and Sugar Content
Hay cut under stress, such as during drought or frost, often has higher sugar levels. This is an important factor to consider for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic disorders.
Storage
Improper storage can lead to nutrient loss, mould growth, and increased dust levels. Hay should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to maintain quality.
Fertilisation
Excessive or inadequate fertilisation can affect the nutritional composition of hay.
Hay Testing
Regular hay testing is crucial for horse owners, especially those with specific dietary needs. Here’s what to look for:
Sugar content
This is particularly important for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic disorders. A commercial laboratory can test for water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), which includes sugars.
Safe sugar levels vary depending on the horse’s condition. Generally, laminitic or insulin-resistant horses require very low sugar hay, while healthy horses can tolerate higher levels. It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine appropriate sugar limits for your horse.
Protein
Essential for growing horses, pregnant or lactating mares, and performance horses.
Fibre
Important for digestive health and weight management.
Minerals
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are key minerals to monitor.
Regional Differences
Hay types and qualities can vary significantly across Australia. For example –
Southern Australia: Commonly produces oaten, wheaten, and meadow hays.
Northern Australia: Rhodes grass hay is prevalent due to the tropical climate.
Western Australia: A mix of oaten, wheaten, and meadow hays is common, with some lucerne production in specific regions.
Myths And Misconceptions About Different Types Of Hay For Horses
Myth – All Hay Is The Same
Fact – Hay varies significantly in its nutritional content, palatability, and suitability for different horses. It’s essential to choose hay based on your horse’s specific needs.
Myth – Lucerne Hay Is Too Rich For All Horses
Fact – While lucerne hay is high in protein and calcium, it can be beneficial for young, growing horses, lactating mares, and performance horses. It should be fed appropriately based on the horse’s dietary requirements.
Myth – Grass Hay Lacks Nutritional Value
Fact – Grass hays like timothy and oaten hay provide essential fibre and nutrients necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing obesity in adult horses.
Myth – Hay Only Needs To Be Checked For Mould
Fact – In addition to mould, check hay for dust, weeds, and foreign objects. The quality of the hay affects its nutritional value and your horse’s health.
Myth – Rye Grass Is Always Safe For Horses
Fact – In some Australian states, rye grass can be problematic due to the risk of rye grass toxicosis. This condition is the result of eating endophyte-infected rye grass and can lead to serious health issues in horses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Types Of Hay For Horses
Your FAQs about different types of hay for horses answered.
What Type Of Hay Is Best For Horses?
The best type of hay for your horse depends on their age, workload, and health. Generally, a mix of grass hay and a legume like lucerne provides a balanced diet.
What Hay Is Best For Horses In Australia?
Oaten hay is popular in Australia due to its availability and nutritional content. Timothy and lucerne hay are also excellent choices depending on your horse’s needs.
What Hay To Avoid For Horses?
Avoid hay that is mouldy, dusty, or contains weeds and foreign objects. These can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
Is Lucerne Or Oaten Hay Better For Horses?
It depends on the horse. Lucerne hay is better for young, growing horses or those needing extra protein. Oaten hay is suitable for adult horses and those in moderate work.
What Are The Negatives Of Lucerne?
Lucerne hay can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues if fed excessively. It may also cause digestive problems in horses not used to its rich nutrient content. Additionally, lucerne is high in potassium, which can create mineral imbalances if horses also have access to potassium-rich green grass.
What Is Low Quality Hay For Horses?
Low quality hay is usually mouldy, dusty, or contains a high amount of weeds and foreign objects. It offers little nutritional value and can be harmful to your horse’s health.
How Can You Tell If Hay Is Good For Horses?
Good quality hay is green, fresh-smelling, and free from mould, dust, and foreign objects. It should be leafy with minimal stems.
What Type Of Hay Is Lowest In Sugar?
Timothy hay is generally low in sugar, making it suitable for horses prone to laminitis or those needing a low-sugar diet.
What Is The Lowest Calorie Hay For Horses?
Grass hays like Teff and Rhodes are typically lower in calories and suitable for horses needing to maintain or lose weight.
What Hay Puts Weight On Horses?
Lucerne hay, due to its high protein and calorie content, is effective for putting weight on horses that need to gain it.
Final Thoughts About Different Types Of Hay For Horses
Selecting the right type of hay is crucial for your horse’s health and wellbeing. By understanding the nutritional content and benefits of different hays for horses, you can make informed decisions that cater to your horse’s specific needs. Always ensure that the hay you choose is of good quality, free from mould, dust, and foreign objects. With the right hay, you can support your horse’s digestive health, maintain an appropriate weight, and provide essential nutrients for their overall condition.
