Winter weight loss is a common issue that arises every winter, and to some degree normal and to be expected. But how do you know what is a healthy weight range for your horse to lose and remain healthy? There is not a single weight range that’s ideal for all horses, as it will vary […]

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Written By: Krishona Martinson, PhD, U of M Storing round bales outside on the ground is a very common practice and represents the most economical method of hay storage. However, it also has the greatest potential for loss due to weather. Round bales typically have a higher storage loss than small square bales, especially when […]

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Written By: Krishona Martinson, PhD, U of M There is a growing demand for the use of certified noxious weed seed free forage as a prevention to limit the spread of noxious weeds. Noxious weeds compete against native plants, degrade ecosystems, and ultimately pose a threat to wildlife. A common characteristic of all noxious weeds […]

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Written By: Mike Murphy, DVM U of M Clover is a desirable feed source for most horses whether used in pasture or in hay because it provides useful energy and acceptable protein and fiber. Problems may rarely arise with clover, just as they can with most desirable feed sources. Clover may be “too rich” at […]

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Written By: Krishona Martinson, PhD, University of Minnesota Drought conditions have severely reduced the supply of hay and other feedstuffs, escalating the demand and driving up prices. Horse owners can reduce hay waste by using feeders and properly storing hay, especially when feeding round-bales. In a study conducted in MN, feeding round-bales to horses without […]

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Written By Marcia Hathaway, PhD, University of Minnesota It is usually the amount of carbohydrates fed at one time, not the inclusion of carbohydrates, that causes problems. Carbohydrates are a hot topic in the horse industry. Carbohydrates are essential in all horse’s diets. There are, however, different kinds of carbohydrates found in horse feeds.

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Written By:Krishona Martinson, PhD and Craig Sheaffer, PhD, University of Minnesota Wayne Coblentz, PhD, USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center Introduction Figure 1. Mature orchardgrass hay (first cutting)

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Written By: Krishona Martinson, PhD and Paul Peterson, PhD, University of Minnesota Extension There are several characteristics horse owner should use to evaluate and purchase hay for their horses. Content / Species Figure 1. An alfalfa grass hay mix

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  Written By: Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Listed below you will find some of the characteristics of hay that should be used to evaluate and select hay for horses.

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Written By: Jennifer Earing, PhD, University of Minnesota 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 like vegetative alfalfa hay to ‘easy keepers’ can create obesity issues; however, that same hay would be a good option […]

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