Open Bale

[click to enlarge-400K]

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

Equine Digestible Energy and Crude Protein Content

Comments

Too much protein causes very high ammonia levels that will result in concentrated urine, and increases water requirements. Make sure there is water available at all times. Also, make sure to clean the stables and open windows accordingly, or feed and keep the horses out doors.

This hay looks stemmy because it is compressed, but a closer look will show that there are no flowers and the lab results show high protein; this means this is actually hay that was cut at very young stage and that originally is not stemmy.

Because of the high energy and protein content, very little needs to be fed to the horse. This increases the risk of colic. Also, the calcium to phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) will be too high and needs to be corrected. (see results of lab test for more details)

• Click here to read tables with energy and protein requirements and expected feed consumption of various types of horses (pdf).
• More detailed information of nutrient composition of this hay and how it meets the requirements of a horse.