Can horses eat mowed pasture grass?

Table of Contents

Mowed pasture grass can be dangerous for horses due to the increased risk of colic, laminitis, and choking. While horses can technically eat it, significant precautions must be taken, or it’s best avoided altogether.

Introduction: The Perils of Clipped Pastures

The image of a horse peacefully grazing on a lush pasture is idyllic. However, what happens when that pasture is mowed? Can horses eat mowed pasture grass safely? The answer is complex and nuanced, depending on factors like the horse’s health, the mowing technique, and the type of grass. What seems like a convenient way to manage pasture can quickly turn into a health hazard for your equine companion. Unlike grazing on standing grass, consuming mowed grass presents unique challenges.

Why Mowed Pasture Grass is Risky

The dangers associated with feeding horses mowed grass stem from several factors related to the grass itself and the horse’s digestive system. Here’s a breakdown:

Rapid Fermentation: Mowed grass is cut into smaller pieces, allowing for quicker fermentation in the horse’s gut. This rapid fermentation can lead to a sudden release of sugars, disrupting the delicate balance of the hindgut microbiome.
Increased Sugar Intake: Mowing concentrates sugars in a smaller volume. Horses consume more sugar quickly, increasing the risk of laminitis, a painful and debilitating hoof condition.
Choke Hazard: The shorter strands of mowed grass are more difficult for horses to process and can lead to choke, an esophageal obstruction that requires veterinary intervention.
Potential for Mold and Toxins: If mowed grass isn’t consumed quickly, it can begin to mold, producing harmful toxins that can make your horse sick.

Assessing the Risks and Benefits

While the risks are significant, there might be situations where feeding mowed grass is considered, though usually, it is not advised. Here’s a balanced look:

Potential Benefits (Highly Conditional):

Weed Control: Mowing can help control weeds and promote a denser, healthier pasture over time.
Pasture Management: Proper mowing can encourage new growth and improve the overall quality of the pasture.

Risks (Typically Outweigh Benefits):

Colic: Rapid fermentation can lead to gas buildup and digestive upset, resulting in colic.
Laminitis: High sugar intake is a major risk factor for laminitis.
Choke: Short grass pieces are difficult to swallow and can cause choke.
Mold and Toxin Exposure: Spoiled mowed grass can contain dangerous toxins.

Best Practices (If You MUST Feed Mowed Grass)

If you absolutely must feed your horse mowed pasture grass (and it’s generally best not to), follow these precautions diligently:

Cut and Feed Immediately: Never allow the mowed grass to sit for any length of time. Feed it to your horse immediately after cutting to minimize the risk of fermentation and mold growth.
Limit the Quantity: Offer only small amounts of mowed grass. Consider it a treat, not a primary source of forage.
Monitor Your Horse Closely: Watch for any signs of colic, laminitis, or choke. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
Consider Horse’s Health: Healthy horses may tolerate small amounts, but those with metabolic issues (like insulin resistance) or a history of laminitis should never be fed mowed grass.
Mowing Technique: Avoid mowing too short. Leave at least 3-4 inches of grass to allow for easier chewing.

Mowing for Pasture Management (Not Feed)

Mowing pastures is important for general pasture management, promoting healthy grass growth and weed control. When managing pastures for equine health, focus on the following:

Regular Mowing: Mow pastures regularly to prevent grass from becoming overly mature and stemmy.
Appropriate Mowing Height: Maintain a mowing height of at least 3-4 inches to encourage healthy regrowth and prevent scalping.
Timing: Mow pastures after grazing to remove uneaten grasses and weeds.

Alternatives to Feeding Mowed Grass

Instead of resorting to mowed grass, consider these safer alternatives:

High-Quality Hay: Provide a constant supply of high-quality hay appropriate for your horse’s activity level and health needs.
Pasture Grazing (Managed): Allow controlled access to pasture, limiting grazing time to prevent overconsumption of sugars.
Commercial Feeds: Supplement hay with commercial feeds specifically formulated for horses, ensuring a balanced diet.

Comparing Pasture Management Techniques

Technique	Purpose	Risks	Benefits
—	—	—	—
Grazing	Natural feeding behavior	Overgrazing, potential for weeds	Promotes natural behavior, healthy grass growth
Mowing (for pasture management)	Weed control, promote new growth	None if grass not fed to horse	Denser pasture, weed control
Feeding Mowed Grass	Supplemental feeding	Colic, laminitis, choke, mold toxins	Minimal benefits, high risk

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfeeding: Giving horses too much mowed grass is the most common and dangerous mistake.
Allowing Grass to Ferment: Leaving mowed grass to sit before feeding it significantly increases the risk of colic.
Ignoring Warning Signs: Failing to recognize the early signs of colic, laminitis, or choke can lead to serious complications.
Feeding Mowed Grass to At-Risk Horses: Horses with metabolic issues or a history of laminitis should never be fed mowed grass.

Summary of Can Horses Eat Mowed Pasture Grass?

In conclusion, while technically can horses eat mowed pasture grass, the risks generally outweigh the benefits. Prioritize safe feeding practices such as providing ample access to high-quality hay and managed pasture grazing. If you must feed mowed grass, do so with extreme caution, limiting the quantity, monitoring your horse closely, and never allowing the grass to sit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can mowed grass cause colic in horses?

Yes, mowed grass can absolutely cause colic due to its rapid fermentation in the horse’s hindgut. This fermentation process produces excessive gas and can disrupt the digestive system, leading to abdominal pain and colic symptoms.

Is it safe to feed mowed grass to horses with insulin resistance?

Absolutely not. Horses with insulin resistance or a history of laminitis are highly susceptible to the negative effects of the concentrated sugars in mowed grass. Feeding mowed grass to these horses can trigger a laminitic episode.

How long does mowed grass stay safe to feed a horse?

Ideally, mowed grass should be fed to a horse immediately after cutting. Even a short delay can allow fermentation to begin, increasing the risk of digestive upset.

What are the symptoms of choke in horses?

Signs of choke include difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, coughing, nasal discharge, and anxiety. If you suspect your horse is choking, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Can I mix mowed grass with hay to make it safer?

Mixing mowed grass with hay might slightly dilute the sugar concentration, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk. It’s still best to avoid feeding mowed grass altogether.

Is all mowed grass equally dangerous for horses?

The type of grass matters. Ryegrass and other high-sugar grasses pose a greater risk than low-sugar varieties. Regardless, all mowed grass carries some level of risk.

What is the best way to manage a horse pasture?

The best pasture management practices involve regular mowing (at a height of 3-4 inches), rotational grazing, fertilization based on soil testing, and weed control.

How much hay should I feed my horse daily?

The general rule of thumb is to feed horses 1.5-2.5% of their body weight in hay per day. This amount can vary based on the horse’s activity level and individual needs.

What are the signs of laminitis in horses?

Common signs of laminitis include heat in the hooves, increased digital pulse, pain upon hoof testing, and reluctance to move.

Can I let my horse graze on a pasture immediately after mowing?

No, it’s generally not recommended. Although your horse might selectively graze the longer strands, there’s still the risk of accidentally consuming mowed grass.

What if my horse accidentally eats mowed grass?

If your horse accidentally consumes a small amount of mowed grass, monitor them closely for any signs of colic, laminitis, or choke. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Are there any benefits to mowing a horse pasture at all?

Yes! Mowing is beneficial for pasture management to control weeds, encourage uniform grass growth and eliminate mature seed heads which can be unpalatable and offer less nutritional value. It is most important to ensure the clippings are not accessible for consumption.