What Hay to Avoid for Horses?
Avoid feeding horses moldy, dusty, or toxic hay varieties like those containing blister beetles, endophyte-infected fescue, or plants poisonous to equines. Choosing the right hay is critical for your horse’s health and well-being.
Introduction: The Importance of Hay Quality
Hay is the foundation of most horses’ diets, especially during winter months or when pasture is limited. Its quality directly impacts their overall health, performance, and longevity. While good quality hay provides essential nutrients and fiber, poor quality hay can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, understanding what hay to avoid for horses is paramount. This article explores the dangers of certain types of hay and provides guidance on selecting safe and nutritious options.
Understanding Hay Types
The term “hay” encompasses a wide variety of dried forages. It is crucial to understand the different types of hay and their potential suitability for horses. Common hay types include:
- Grass hays: Timothy, orchardgrass, bromegrass, fescue
- Legume hays: Alfalfa, clover
- Mixed hays: Combinations of grasses and legumes
While most hay types can be suitable for horses when properly harvested and stored, certain factors can render them unsuitable or even dangerous.
Dangers of Moldy and Dusty Hay
Mold and dust are significant contaminants that can compromise hay quality. Horses are particularly sensitive to these contaminants.
- Moldy Hay: Mold growth can produce mycotoxins, which are toxic substances that can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, digestive upset, and even neurological damage.
- Dusty Hay: Dust particles can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to conditions like heaves (recurrent airway obstruction), also known as equine asthma.
It’s crucial to inspect hay for signs of mold (discoloration, musty odor) and excessive dust before feeding it to your horse. Soaking hay before feeding can help reduce dust, but it does not eliminate mold toxins.
Toxic Plants in Hay
One of the most important aspects of determining what hay to avoid for horses is identifying and preventing the presence of toxic plants.
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Blister Beetles: Blister beetles, especially in alfalfa hay, contain cantharidin, a potent toxin that can cause severe gastrointestinal and urinary tract damage, and even death. Crimping the hay during harvest can kill blister beetles, which remain toxic after drying.
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Endophyte-Infected Fescue: Fescue grass can be infected with an endophyte fungus, which produces ergot alkaloids. These alkaloids can cause reproductive problems in pregnant mares, including prolonged gestation, thickened placentas, and agalactia (lack of milk production).
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Other Poisonous Plants: Many other plants are toxic to horses and can be present in hay. Examples include:
- Ragwort
- Oleander
- Bracken fern
- Locoweed
- Nightshade
- Cherry Trees (wilted leaves)
Identifying Unsafe Hay
Here are some key indicators of hay that should be avoided:
- Visible mold or discoloration
- Musty or rotten smell
- Excessive dust
- Presence of blister beetles (especially in alfalfa)
- Known history of endophyte-infected fescue
- Identification of poisonous plants
Choosing Safe and Nutritious Hay
Selecting high-quality hay involves careful inspection and sourcing from reputable suppliers. Here’s how to select better options rather than focusing on what hay to avoid for horses:
- Visual Inspection: Check for a bright green color, absence of mold or dust, and a pleasant, fresh smell.
- Tactile Assessment: The hay should be pliable and not overly coarse or brittle.
- Source Reputable Suppliers: Purchase hay from reputable suppliers who understand horse hay needs and can guarantee quality.
- Hay Analysis: Consider having hay analyzed to determine its nutritional content, including protein, fiber, and mineral levels.
Storage Practices for Optimal Hay Quality
Proper hay storage is essential for preventing spoilage and maintaining nutritional value.
- Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Elevate hay bales off the ground to prevent moisture absorption.
- Protect hay from rain and snow.
- Rotate hay stock to use older bales first.
Comparison of Hay Types
| Hay Type | Protein Content | Calcium Content | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| ————– | ————— | ————— | —————————————————————————– |
| Timothy | Moderate | Low | Generally a safe choice for most horses; good fiber content. |
| Orchardgrass | Moderate | Low | Similar to Timothy; palatable and nutritious. |
| Alfalfa | High | High | High in protein and calcium; suitable for growing horses, lactating mares, etc. |
| Fescue | Moderate | Low | Avoid endophyte-infected fescue, especially for pregnant mares. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can soaking hay remove all the mold?
Soaking hay reduces dust, but it does not eliminate mycotoxins produced by mold. It is best to avoid feeding moldy hay altogether.
Is all fescue hay bad for horses?
Only fescue hay infected with endophytes poses a risk to horses. Endophyte-free varieties are available and safe.
How can I tell if my hay has blister beetles?
Blister beetles are small, slender insects, often found in alfalfa. Inspect hay carefully, especially the stems, for their presence before feeding. They may not always be easily visible.
What are the symptoms of a horse eating moldy hay?
Symptoms can range from mild digestive upset to more severe conditions such as colic, respiratory problems, and neurological issues. The severity depends on the type and amount of mycotoxins ingested.
How often should I inspect my hay?
Inspect hay regularly, at least before each feeding, for any signs of mold, dust, or foreign objects.
Can horses eat haylage or silage?
Haylage and silage are fermented forages that are not generally recommended for horses due to the risk of botulism and other digestive issues. They are typically more acidic than hay.
What is the best type of hay for horses with metabolic issues like insulin resistance?
Low-starch, low-sugar grass hays like timothy are generally recommended for horses with metabolic issues. Hay analysis is crucial to determine the NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) content.
Can horses be allergic to certain types of hay?
Yes, horses can develop allergies to certain types of hay, leading to respiratory problems or skin reactions. Orchard grass is often recommended over Timothy for allergic horses.
How do I store hay properly to prevent mold growth?
Store hay in a dry, well-ventilated area, elevated off the ground, and protected from rain and snow. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup.
Is it safe to feed hay that has been rained on?
Hay that has been rained on can be more prone to mold growth and spoilage. If the hay has been thoroughly dried and shows no signs of mold, it may be safe, but careful inspection is essential. If unsure, it is better to discard it.
How long can hay be stored before it loses its nutritional value?
Hay can retain its nutritional value for several years if stored properly. However, vitamin content may decline over time.
Should I always have my hay analyzed?
Hay analysis is highly recommended, especially if you have horses with specific dietary needs or concerns about hay quality. It provides valuable information about the nutrient content of the hay and can help you balance your horse’s diet. Knowing what hay to avoid for horses is important, but understanding what good hay looks like is equally crucial.