Forage Evaluation for Horses

Type
Publication
Date of Publication
December 15, 2023
Price
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Overview

This 4-page fact sheet provides best practices to consider when making nutritional decisions that are both beneficial to the horse and sustainable for management.

Forages should always be the foundation of the equine diet due to the design of the equine digestive system. If forage is not present in an adequate amount, the acid can start to build up, potentially leading to stomach ulcers.

Forages are important for gut health and can also contribute 100 percent of the nutrient requirements for some classes of horses. However, not all forages are created equal, and forage evaluation is an important skill for horse owners and managers to cultivate.

This fact sheet discusses the physical evaluation of forages as well as taking and submitting samples to a lab. (4 pages)

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