For an explanation about the
physical characteristics reported in the next table, please
refer to the document Evaluation
Guidelines for Hays for Horses (pdf).
Physical Characteristics
| content |
stage |
mold |
leaves/stems |
touch |
smell |
color |
| alfalfa |
some flowers |
no |
very stemmy |
very rough |
sweet |
yellow, rained on, dark green inside |
Equine Digestible Energy and Crude Protein Content
| Dry
Matter |
As Fed |
DE Equine
(Mcal/lb) |
CP
(%) |
DE Equine
(Mcal/lb) |
CP
(%) |
| 1.12 |
13.92 |
0.97 |
12.13 |
Comments
Roughness is not attractive to horses, and allows them
to select the leaves and waste the stems. Even if it
has high protein content (which is not crucial for mature
horses), the horse will not readily it and potentially
cause digestive problems. Higher protein content will
make horses thirsty, they will urinate more, and with
more ammonia. Make sure to clean the stables accordingly.
|