The Importance of Hay for Horse Nutrition

by Maribel Fernandez and Ron Genrick

Acknowledgements This project was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and Assurance Equine Feeds.

Considerations about the physical description of hay for horses

The physical characteristics of the hay available to the horse are very important, given they will determine to a large extent how much the horse will readily eat versus how much will be wasted. Soft lips and tongue of horses makes them prefer soft hay. Also, their lips are very mobile and allow them to pick through the hay and select which parts they want to eat.

Some legume hays that could easily meet the nutrient requirements of a horse, may be too rough, and the horse will pick the leaves and waste the stems, or the horse will eat the leaves first and the stems later when it is forced to. This can cause digestive problems because of shifting the diet too much. Try to offer hay that is soft and that the horse finds attractive, or chop it so that the horse can not select which part to eat. Adding some molasses or water with molasses to chopped hay will keep it clumped together to some extent, and it will also make it softer and more attractive.

Considerations about the nutritional values of hay for horses

Energy - One of the most important nutrients of hay in a horse’s diet is the amount of Equine Digestible Energy (equine DE). This parameter reflects not only how much energy the hay has, but actually how much energy the horse can digest and use. This means that because equine digestibility has been factored into the calculations, it is a more accurate value of how much energy there is available to the horse. It is very important to make sure that the report from the nutritional analysis has been calculated using equine formulas, given ruminants (cows, sheep) have a different digestive system and the same hay will provide different energy to each kind.

Digestible fiber – Reported as NDF, it is crucial for the proper functioning of the equine digestive system as well as promoting constant intake of forage. Having a constant input of digestible fiber will go a long way to help prevent colic.

Protein - Although protein is a macro nutrient essential for living, keep in mind that mature horses have rather low protein requirements which can be easily met. This is an important reason why it recommended to focus on digestible energy, rather than protein. It is important to focus on the horse eating the correct aSeptember 12, 2005 requirements. In other words, DO NOT get stuck on how much protein is in the hay (or feed for that matter), rather pay attention to energy and digestible fiber !

Reading a laboratory report - Lab results are usually reported on a Dry Matter and an As Fed or As Is basis. When comparing different hays, use the values reported as dry matter. After choosing the hay to feed your horse, use the as-fed or as-is values to calculate your horses diet.

Note: Other than the nutritional content taken from the report from the laboratory test, all comments and other information reflects only the authors’ opinion, and should not be extrapolated to all types of hays or horses. The information in these pages is for educational purposes and should be used only as a guideline