Below are example diets for mature 500 kg (1100 lb) horses with alfalfa hay included at no more than 20% of the forage. Alfalfa is also a rich source of . These factors have less of an impact on horses performing short bursts of intense exercise (i.e. But it can be expensive to feed your horse this high-quality hay, and although alfalfa has many benefits, it can also cause problems if not fed correctly or in the right amount. Benefits of Feeding your Animal US Alfalfa. The lower or glandular region of the stomach produces mucus to protect the lining. Research / Alfalfa is typically higher in energy density than grass hay, but the higher energy content does not come from non-structural carbohydrates. I have bought, sold, and broke racehorse yearlings. In addition, horses with metabolic concerns (especially those that are overweight) may not tolerate large amounts of alfalfa. According to Dr. Tania Cubitt, alfalfa is one of several legume forages and an excellent source of crude protein, extra calcium, additional calories, and vitamin A that horses need to meet their nutrient requirements. Dr. Christine Latham grew up in Florida working on local farms in exchange for the opportunity to ride. It is important to feed lactating mares an adequate diet to ensure they produce enough good quality milk to support the health of their growing foal. Most horses love this leafy, green hay. NSC (starch and sugar) content is also higher in grass hay. A proper balance of these minerals is vital for performance horses, as it helps to prevent bone-related issues and ensures skeletal strength during demanding activities. They lack long-stem fibers and cannot replace hay. [13]. Tecovas rarely discounts products, but when they do, it's a great time to buy. Madalyn. Now lets look at the nutritional values for the same amount of alfalfa hay. Protein plays a critical role in several aspects of their overall health and performance: Feeding my horses alfalfa hay, which is high in protein, ensures that they receive the necessary nutrients to support their athletic demands. Recent research shows that very high protein meals cause a high insulinemic response in horses with metabolic syndrome. Especially horses, Ive been around them most of my life but I am always learning more and enjoy sharing with others. If the alfalfa plant is harvested too late, it becomes difficult for horses to digest. However, I have friends and fellow horse owners who remain skeptical about whether alfalfas benefits justify its higher cost when compared to other hay options. [12]. Some horse owners express concerns that alfalfa hay makes their horse cough. Enteroliths are mineral-based stones that form in the intestines when a horse consumes an indigestible foreign object. What is Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) in HorseHay? Alfalfa cubes are similar to long-stem hay in digestible energy, crude protein, and calcium content (Table 1). Remember to always monitor your horses condition and adjust their diet as needed to ensure they continue to thrive. Alfalfa is also a palatable forage; horses often prefer it over grass. Alfalfa pellets can be an excellent energy and protein source for underweight horses with dental issues. Older horses with bad teeth can benefit from these enzymes even if they just mouth the hay but dont actually swallow it. Alfalfa hay is a particularly good option for lactating mares because it is nutrient-dense. Alfalfa hay offers numerous benefits for performance horses, including its high protein content for muscle development and recovery. They generally come in bags and are therefore easy to store. Increase the amount of alfalfa cubes in your horse's feed gradually over the course of 7 to 10 days. Role of Water Activity in the Spoilage of Alfalfa Hay, Impact of raking and baling patterns on alfalfa hay dry matter and quality losses, Yield, Forage Nutritive Value, and Preference of Legumes under Horse Grazing, Voluntary intake, digestibility, and subsequent selection of Matua bromegrass, coastal bermudagrass, and alfalfa hays by yearling horses, Digestibility, apparent mineral absorption, and voluntary intake by horses fed alfalfa, tall fescue, and caucasian bluestem, Effect of hay type on cecal and fecal microbiome and fermentation parameters in horses, Nitrogen Retention and Nutrient Digestibility in Geldings Fed GrassHay, Alfalfa Hay, or Alfalfa Cubes, Comparative Response of Horses and Sheep to Different Physical Forms of Alfalfa Hay, Growth and development of yearling horses fed eitheralfalfa or coastal bermudagrass: Hay and a concentrate formulatedfo, Prevalence and treatment of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred racehorses of Korea, Evaluation of diet as a cause of gastric ulcers in horses, Effects of hydrochloric, acetic, butyric, and propionic acids on pathogenesis of ulcers in the nonglandular portion of the stomach of horses, Nutritional management of elite endurance horses, The effect of soaking on carbohydrate removal and dry matter loss in orchardgrass and alfalfa hays, Voluntary intake of four hay types by horses, A review of unlikely sources of excess carbohydrate in equine diets, The effect of diet on cribbing behavior and plasma beta-endorphin in horses, Abnormal behaviour of the horses in Tehrans riding clubs, Dietary Risk Factors and Colonic pH and Mineral Concentrations in Horses with Enterolithiasis, Risk factors for enterolithiasis among horses in Texas, Evaluation of dietary and management risk factors for enterolithiasis among horses in California, Dietary Management of the Insulin Resistant Horse, Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations of Horses Grazing Alfalfa, Cool-Season Perennial Grasses, and Teff. Versatility in feeding: Alfalfa hay can be fed in various forms, such as bales, pellets, or cubes, making it an adaptable energy source for different feeding programs. By incorporating alfalfa hay into a horses diet, it is possible to provide them with a more balanced source of energy, protein, and essential nutrients while promoting better digestive health. Generally, alfalfa is a good hay to feed horses, but there are caveats: However, from a practical standpoint, its best to feed alfalfa hay mixed with grass hay. Feeding high protein hay like, As a side benefit, pellets, cubes and chopped. Feeding alfalfa benefits horses in work or breeding stock by supplying good quality protein compared to other forages without significantly increasing the level of starch associated with cereal based feeds. As a responsible horse owner, I constantly assess and adjust my horses diets to meet their individual needs and sport requirements. These pellets do not have particles big enough to stimulate the horse's digestive tract. Nutritional value. The cubes available may be 100% alfalfa, a mixture of alfalfa and grass, or a more recent product which is a mixture of alfalfa and whole corn plant. Due to its deep root structure, alfalfa is known to be drought tolerant and grows best in well-drained, loamy soil. - SPILLERS Alfalfa-Pro holds the BETA . If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, let me know by leaving a comment below. adroll_current_page = "other"; Alfalfa is known as the Queen of Forages because of its high protein and energy content, making it an important protein source for the livestock industry. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for good health, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. In this diet, Mad Barns w-3 Oil is added as a palatable fat supplement enriched with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and natural vitamin E. Alfalfa hay is a great way to add protein, energy and calcium to a mares diet while she is producing a high volume of milk. Researchers investigated the incidence of wood chewing in mature horses fed eitherlong-stem alfalfa hay or alfalfa cubes. Studies have shown that using alfalfa and oil as energy sources resulted in horses being less reactive to new situations compared to those fed cereal based feeds. Benefits of Alfalfa for Horses. For example, every racehorse Im aware of has its diet supplemented with alfalfa. In addition, alfalfa can help reduce the risk of colic and other digestives issues in horses. All Rights Reserved. Horses in the control group were fed their usual diet of free-choice grass hay and pelleted concentrate, which provided 4.5 1.5 g of starch per kilogram body weight per day. Immune function: Protein is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system in horses. This makes them a fantastic choice for horses who have breathing problems. [23] Other components of the diet fed in combination with alfalfa may impact the frequency of stereotypic behaviours. If you ask most horses they will tell you that alfalfa is a wonderful horse feed. Fiber is a crucial component of a horses diet and plays a vital role in maintaining optimal digestive health. In general, the NSC content of alfalfa is lower than grass or cereal hays. High-calorie content: Compared to other types of hay, alfalfa hay has a higher calorie content, making it a more energy-dense option. Alfalfa is a good forage source to meet young horses digestible energy and protein needs. Some of these products contain ingredients that neutralize excessive gastric acid, protecting the stomach lining by reducing acidity and providing a physical barrier due to coating properties, said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutritionist for Kentucky Equine Research. Alfalfa is not a good feed for growing horses as it will allow them to grow too rapidly and bone development can be affected by the imbalance of calcium and phosphorous. horseracingsense.com. Poor quality alfalfa may be used for pellets and any pelleting will destroy much of the whole food value of alfalfa while maintaining the high protein levels. Protein as an energy source: Although not the primary source of energy for horses, the high protein content in alfalfa hay can contribute to energy production during prolonged exercise. Alfalfa contains nearly three times as much calcium as grass, and as it is a plant, the calcium it contains is much more available to the horse than that from inorganic sources, such as limestone flour, which many supplements are based on. Some horse owners believe it should not be fed to horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome because it has NSC content. Alfalfa is rich and can cause colic in some horses. However, some horse owners hesitate to feed alfalfa due to concerns about its safety. Optimal growing conditions are average day temperatures of 25oC (77oF), 600 1200 mm annual rainfall and soil pH of 6.5 7.5. Here is a chart of the nutritional values of alfalfa hay as a percentage of dry matter: Please note that these values will vary depending on the growing conditions of the hay. Thats high when you consider a bale of Alicia hay sells for eight dollars. Alfalfa hay is rich in nutrients, but its essential to ensure that your horse receives a balanced diet to prevent nutrient imbalances. If a horse eats two percent of its body weight in alfalfa, the excessive calories are converted to fat. Alfalfa has been shown to help lower cholesterol and may also have benefits for blood sugar management and relieving symptoms of menopause. In this blog post, well explore the competitive advantage alfalfa hay provides for performance horses, delving into its nutritional perks, comparisons with alternative feed choices, and useful feeding recommendations. Overfeeding alfalfa can cause weight gain and other health issues. *Julliand, S., M. Buttet, T. Hermange, and V. Julliand. If your horse is prone to laminitis, it may be advisable to switch to grass hay if you notice increased hoof sensitivity when fed alfalfa. A:Nutrient-wise, alfalfa hay and alfalfa pellets are similar in content. This legume forage can be processed and preserved in many different ways to make it easier to incorporate into the diet. (LogOut/ Alfalfa is a staple in many horse diets and can be an excellent source of energy, protein, and minerals for horses that have higher nutritional requirements. [11]. Mature horses in light exercise may not need the higher nutrient density of alfalfa, but this forage can be incorporated into most feeding plans in small to moderate amounts as long as the diet is balanced properly. Dehydrated cubes are madefrom alfalfa that is cut at an early stage of maturity and is partially dried in the field. Grain-based feeds can exacerbate ulcers due to high non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content. Racehorse Pedigrees and Bloodlines: Unlocking the Secrets, Retired Racehorses: 7 Popular New Careers for OTTBs. Alfalfa is a perennial, a leafy green legume that is highly nutritious and a natural nitrogen source. Alfalfa cubes are made from dried, compressed alfalfa hay. Depending on growing conditions, the second cut may have a lower leaf-to-stem ratio than later cuts. Alfalfa intake appears to trigger laminitis episodes in susceptible horses. Balanced energy release: Alfalfa hay provides a combination of readily available energy from non-structural carbohydrates and slow-release energy from its fibrous content. Most lightly worked horses meet their daily nutritional requirement by grazing throughout the day. Fiber : 0.6 grams. [1], Alfalfa is a high-yielding forage crop that can produce up to 27 tons of dry matter per hectare with a higher protein yield than soybeans. In some cases, it might be necessary to consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to develop a comprehensive feeding plan that ensures your horse receives all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions. [25][26][27]. This helps to minimize the risk of injury and allows horses to recover more quickly between workouts and competitions. Adequate protein in a horses diet is essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The remaining 31 horses (39%) had severe EGUS with scores of 3 and 4. [14]. [13]. Whether or not alfalfa causes more reactive behaviour than other types of forage has not been studied closely in horses. When researching feed options for performance horses, its common to compare alfalfa hay to grass hay. They also take up less storage space and can be more convenient to handle and transport. Thats why I wrote this article to give you the information you need if youre wondering whether you should feed alfalfa to your horses. The upper or squamous region, however, is far more sensitive to sloshing acid, making it prone to ulceration. Know exactly what nutrients your horse is getting in their diet with our comprehensive equine forage testing. Also known as lucerne, the fibre in alfalfa is a great source of slow-release energy which can be used for maintenance, work or even weight gain. Alfalfa dries excess dampness in the body. This may involve consulting with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to develop a customized feeding plan that optimizes my horses performance while maintaining their overall health and well-being. High levels of certain nutrients, including protein and calcium, reportedly help neutralize acid in the stomach. Alfalfa cubes can be used in feeding programs to replace a portion or all of the forage that horse owners would feed their horses. Alfalfa is a nutritious forage that can benefit many classes of horses, including those with elevated energy, protein, or vitamin and mineral requirements. Oats and roasted soybeans are also good sources of calories. No other changes in management or training were made throughout the study period. A healthy digestive system is essential for efficient energy utilization and nutrient absorption, ensuring that performance horses have access to the energy they need to excel in their sports. Its concentrations of protein and calcium meet the nutrient needs of horses in high levels of production, such as growth and lactation, but exceed the nutrient requirements of horses in other life stages. Discover exactly why we love alfalfa below, how Dengie alfalfa differs from the alfalfa hay that is used in other countries and the potential alfalfa health benefits for your horse. One of these, butyrate, is the energy source of the colonocytes (gut cells) themselves. Vitamin E: This powerful antioxidant found in alfalfa hay helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports a strong immune system. [6]. understanding the crucial role protein plays in a performance horses health, grain-based feeds, such as oats, corn, or barley, best to feed my horses multiple smaller meals throughout the day, horses has to eat beet pulp in combination with alfalfa to maintain his weight, Alfalfa hay can be a valuable addition to your performance horses diet. Chopped alfalfa can also be fed after it has dried, although the nutrient density is lower due to leaf fracture and loss. This approach helps maintain a steady supply of energy and prevents digestive issues associated with large meals. When first incorporating alfalfa hay into a performance horses diet, its essential to understand the importance of a gradual introduction. Although the significance of colonic or hind gut ulcers is somewhat disputed, there is no doubt that increased acidity in the hind gut is detrimental to the microbiota. Timothy/Alfalfa blends). To order any of the products mentioned in this post or other products for you or your horses, please visit my online store. Growing horses require a carefully balanced diet to support healthy development. The first cut often contains weeds and other grasses, and the alfalfa may have a high stem content. I have bought, sold, and broke racehorse yearlings. Supporting gut health: As previously mentioned, alfalfa hay provides high-quality fiber that supports digestive health. Feeding diets high in fiber (at least 1.5% body weight in forage); Offering stabilized rice bran or vegetable oil rather than high-starch feedstuffs for supplemental energy; Feeding several meals per day when possible; and. [10]. Forage contains many nutrients, and the fiber provided by forage is essential for the maintenance of the horse's gastrointestinal health. [13], Pellets may also increase the risk of choke because they can be consumed very quickly with minimal chewing required. It can be seeded for pasture grazing but requires rotational grazing strategies because it is less tolerant to intensive grazing than grasses such as timothy or teff. Alfalfa in The Equine Diet.. Alfalfa provides high protein levels, which creates heat when it metabolizes, which isnt good for endurance horses. If you choose to feed alfalfa always keep in mind that a little bit goes a long and dont overfeed it. Finding the right balance in a performance horses diet is essential. Other factors such as drought, cold stress, the stage of maturity and the time of day when the hay is cut have a greater impact on the NSC content of the hay than plant species. Any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Because of the high nutrient values for energy, protein, calcium, and vitamins, alfalfa cubes are very effective in feeding programs for broodmares and young growing horses. Alfalfa is nutrient-dense and is an excellent source of energy, protein and minerals in the equine diet. With all horses, and especially the mature horse at maintenance, controlling the daily intake of alfalfa cubes is a must to prevent overfeeding. Alfalfa pellets are made from ground alfalfa hay that is formed into a pellet. Horses in light to moderate work likely do not need alfalfa hay to meet their energy requirements, but they can tolerate small amounts. Haylage and silage are commonly fed to horses in Europe and other parts of the world, where frequent rainfall makes it hard to dry properly and bale hay. By considering the unique advantages of each alfalfa hay form, I can tailor my horses feeding program to their specific needs and preferences. [22] Submitting your hay for forage analysis is recommended to determine NSC content. Is It Better to Feed a Horse Once or Twice a Day? Detoxifies the blood Horse Nutrition: Cons of alfalfa as a horse feed Too nutritious for non working horses Excess energy content and mineral imbalance not good for growing horses Enterolith formation in the intestines of some horses Nutrient-rich, highly palatable, widely available, and affordable, alfalfa can benefit a variety of horses. This legume forage can be processed and preserved in many different ways to make it easier to incorporate into the diet. Horses fed to appetite consumed 17 to 25% more cubed alfalfa than long-stem hay. Due to its low starch and sugar content, alfalfa is suitable for those prone to laminitis as well as those with muscle problems such as PSSM and ERS. Horses that are fed alfalfa cubes tend to eat all the cubes provided, whereas horses fed long-stem alfalfa hay will sort through the hay and not eat all the hay offered. [32]. The pellets typically have a smaller particle size than alfalfa cubes. Drier alfalfa hay will tend to be dustier as the leaves are more likely to shatter. Soaking also benefits horses that are insulin-resistant (sensitive to sugar) by removing the sugar or prone to heaves by decreasing dust and allergens. Microbes in the horses hindgut convert the fibre into volatile fatty acids, which are an excellent source of energy for horses. As horses train and compete, their muscles are constantly growing and adapting to new challenges. However, alfalfa cubes must be limit-fed, as voluntary intake is much greater forthe cubes than for long-stem alfalfa hay. This type of forage is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals and is an excellent source of energy. It also contains vitamin E and the B vitamins Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic acid, Biotin and Folic acid. However, most horses fed a high alfalfa diet do not develop enteroliths, so the higher risk may not be due to alfalfa consumption alone. Alfalfa aids horses with muscle weakness and reduces tying up caused by their high protein needs. Hay and pasture are the typical forage sources for horses, but when growing or harvesting conditions limit their availability, horse owners have to consider alternative forage sources. Because of its high protein and calcium content, alfalfa is effective at buffering stomach acid. Calcium and phosphorus: Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. [28]. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to gradually increase the amount of alfalfa hay over a period of 7-10 days, while simultaneously decreasing their current forage. Mad Barns Omneity vitamin and mineral supplement is added to the diet to ensure vitamin and mineral requirements are met. Also, horses that are insulin resistant cant eat many grass hays because of their high sugar content, so alfalfa is a good alternative for them. Digital Media Library, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Table 2. A healthy immune system is particularly important for performance horses, as illness can lead to decreased performance and longer recovery times. Using small-hole haynets and slow feeders to make forage last through the night until breakfast. Nutritionally balanced feeds with added vits and mins. Why is that? In a three-year study of feeding alfalfa and clover though, horses . [33], Alfalfa hay is typically higher in potassium than grass hays. It also contains vitamin E and the B vitamins Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic acid, Biotin and Folic acid. However, demand must be good even though I recently read that its popularity has declined because of its high price tag. When conventional medicine offers good research or therapy, I share this information as well. By understanding the benefits of alfalfa hay and following appropriate feeding guidelines, you can give your horse the winning edge they need to excel in their sport. This is why it is recognised as a useful feed for horses and ponies prone to Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) as it helps to regulate acidity throughout the digestive tract. People also take it because it contains antioxidants, as . For most horse owners, 100% alfalfa cubes is the product most readily available. Alfalfa can also benefit exercising horses at higher risk of gastric ulcers by helping buffer gastric acids. 2021. While these feeds can provide a concentrated source of energy, they often lack the essential fiber and balanced nutrient profile that alfalfa hay offers. Protein has historically been thought to be the cause of all evil in horses, but research has shown that this is far from the case. Research in rats shows that a high-calcium diet inhibits the production of stomach acid, resulting in a higher pH. This keeps a higher proportion of leaves intact, which ensures a high protein hay. Grazing Management Forages supply energy, crude protein, minerals, and vitamins at varying levels, depending on forage species and nutritive value. Horses who are allergic to ragweed should avoid alfalfa hay because they may have an allergic reaction. [16], Researchers have found that diets containing alfalfa hay significantly decreased the number and severity of gastric lesions in horses. In contrast, baling at a higher moisture level maintains a higher nutritional value but increases the risk of mold growth and may require applying preservatives. However, Timothy hay is higher in fiber and has a better calcium-to-phosphorous ratio than Alfalfa. [1]. Grass hay typically cant meet the increased demand for horses energy when they are worked; this is especially true for racehorses, sport horses, and endurance horses. Alfalfa originates from the Mediterranean and southwest Asia. All of these processes are important for maintaining overall health and well-being in performance horses. (1) Altering the diet may also minimize EGUS. This promotes healthy digestion and prevents issues like impaction or slow transit times, which can lead to discomfort and decreased performance. Copyright 2023 Kentucky Equine Research. However, if stored or handled incorrectly, the higher moisture content can lead to more mold and mycotoxins, which can irritate the respiratory tract. [30]. adroll_currency = "USD"; While most forms of alfalfa provide the same nutrients on a dry weight basis, some forms may have unique nutritional qualities. Adding alfalfa cubes boosts the energy supply while serving as a carrier for calorie-dense oils. If your horse is in hard work or has a high energy requirement, feeding alfalfa pellets can help them meet their protein needs. Minimal consumption waste - nutritionists agree that horses can . 5 Tips! Both are formulated and checked to ensure each batch has the correct amount of proteins, fats, and fibers, which are listed on each container. Terms & Conditions "The biggest benefit of alfalfa for horses is that it tends to be more nutrient-dense than most grasses when harvested at the same stage of maturity," says Martinson. Alfalfa is a popular type of forage that is commonly used to feed horses. Horses must consume 0.15-1.5% calcium and 0.15-0.6% phosphorus. A horse will consume alfalfa pellets much faster than baled alfalfa. Horses that require a calorie-restricted diet to maintain an optimal weight should be fed grass forage rather than alfalfa. While grass hay, such as timothy or orchard grass, is a good source of fiber and can contribute to a balanced diet, it typically has lower protein, calorie, and mineral content compared to alfalfa hay. Its also a great source of fiber that supports digestion, as well as being rich in essential vitamins and minerals for overall health. However, it is not the alfalfa hay itself but rather the dust or mold content of any hay that can aggravate respiratory conditions such as heaves. adroll_pix_id = "MSO5WTCZ6BHRXIKYE7AF4Z"; 3. These advantages make alfalfa a top choice for maintaining athletic potential.
Mls Next Schedule U17, Smallest Microorganism Virus Or Bacteria, Articles B