Types Of Hay For Horses

Types Of Hay

Seed Hay

Seed hay is taken from pasture grown especially for hay making from grass seed, has a higher nutritional value than meadow hay, and is lighter in colour.

Meadow Hay

Meadow hay is taken from permanent pasture and may contain a wider variety of grasses than seed hay as well as clover, herbs and wild flowers. Meadow hay is more easily digested than seed hay.

Alfalfa hay

Alfalfa hay, also known as Lucerne hay, is palatable and a good source of nutrients, typically higher in protein and calcium, and higher in energy than other hays although the density of nutrients varies with the time of harvest.

Alfalfa hay cut at early maturity is very palatable, leafy and high in nutrients and is suitable for horses with high nutrient requirements such as growing horses, horses with poor appetites, horses in moderate to heavy work, horses in poor condition and lactating mares. It should be fed carefully and in rations to horses with low nutrient requirements to prevent over-eating, excitability and obesity.

Alfalfa hay cut at late maturity has more stem and less leaf and has a lower nutrient value and can be used for horses at rest, in light work or in the early stages of pregnancy.

Haylage

Haylage is taken from early cut semi-wilted grass and is a lot richer than hay so should be fed more sparingly. It is compressed and wrapped in a thick plastic wrapper that is heat sealed to retain the moisture. Mild fermentation occurs that prevents fungal spores developing. Haylage should be used within 2-4 days (summer-winter) once the wrapper is opened.