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by Dr. Jim White, MFA Incorporated ruminant nutritionist
Forage selection should be based on horse needs, as there is no one forage best suited for all classes of horses. For example, providing a nutrient-dense forage such as vegetative alfalfa hay to a mature horse under limited activity would overfeed energy and protein. However, that same hay would be a good option for a performance horse with elevated nutrient requirements. With so many forages available, how do you choose the right one? As always, cost is an issue, but other differences come into play as well. You can select for superior forage traits. To head down that path, remember that differences in the nutritive quality of forages are largely determined by two factors: plant maturity and species.
Maturity
Regardless of plant species, stage of maturity significantly affects forage quality. Young, vegetative forages are very nutrient dense and contain fewer fibrous carbohydrates—in other words, younger material will have a lower concentration of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. You can follow the rule of thumb that plant maturity is usually reflected by the development of the plant’s flowers and seed heads. As a plant matures the proportion of fiber in the plant increases. To remain upright, it has to provide structural support as the it gets larger. The increased level of lignin associated with maturation interferes with the digestion of cellulose and hemicellulose by hindgut microorganisms. That reduces the digestibility of the forage. And, lower digestibility results in lower available energy to the horse. Forage in advanced maturity contain lower energy and protein levels than less mature plants. Most horses do well on mid?maturity forages. Horses with elevated nutrient requirements benefit from receiving young, less mature forages. More mature forages are be best suited for horses with lower nutrient demands.
Legumes contrasted to grasses ......
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May 2012
Today's Farmer Magazine
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