Introduction
Horses are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. Their digestive system is designed to digest mostly hay and roughage, such as grass or haylage. As such, it is important to provide horses with hay before grain when it comes to their daily diet. This article will discuss why hay should come before grain in a horse’s diet, and the possible consequences if a horse is fed grain before hay.
What is Hay?
Hay is a type of grass that is cut, dried and stored for consumption. It is usually used as feed for animals, such as horses, cows and sheep. It is a good source of essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of roughage, which helps keep the digestive system healthy.
What is Grain?
Grain is the edible seed of a grass species, such as wheat, barley, oats and corn. It is a concentrated source of energy and can be used to supplement a horse’s diet. It is also a good source of protein and vitamins.
Why Hay Before Grain?
There are several reasons why hay should be fed before grain. The most important reason is that hay should be the main source of nutrition for horses. It is a good source of essential vitamins, minerals and protein. It is also a good source of roughage, which helps keep the digestive system healthy.
Risk of Colic
When grain is fed before hay, horses can be at risk of colic. Colic is a common digestive problem in horses that can cause abdominal pain, distress and possible death. This is because horses are not able to digest large amounts of grain quickly. When grain is fed before hay, it can cause an overload of carbohydrates, which can lead to colic.
Increased Risk of Weight Gain
Grain is a concentrated source of energy and can be used to supplement a horse’s diet. However, if it is fed before hay, horses can be at risk of weight gain. This is because grain is digested more quickly than hay and can cause an overload of energy. This can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to other health problems.
Risk of Gastric Ulcers
Gastric ulcers are a common problem in horses and can be caused by a diet that is high in grain and low in roughage. When hay is fed before grain, it helps to provide adequate amounts of roughage, which can help prevent the development of gastric ulcers.
Types of Hay for Horses
There are several different types of hay that are suitable for horses:
- Timothy hay – This is a high-fiber hay that is ideal for horses. It is a good source of essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
- Alfalfa hay – This is a high-protein hay that is ideal for horses that need extra energy and protein. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.
- Orchard grass hay – This is a high-fiber hay that is ideal for horses. It is a good source of essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
- Meadow hay – This is a low-fiber hay that is ideal for horses. It is a good source of essential nutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Tips for Feeding Hay
- Feed hay in small amounts throughout the day. Horses should have access to hay at all times.
- Provide fresh, clean hay. Hay should be free from dust, mold and debris.
- Feed hay before grain. This will ensure that the horse receives adequate amounts of roughage and essential nutrients.
- Monitor the horse’s weight. If the horse is gaining too much weight, adjust the amount of hay and grain accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to provide horses with hay before grain. Hay is a good source of essential vitamins, minerals and protein, and it is also a good source of roughage. When grain is fed before hay, horses can be at risk of colic, weight gain and gastric ulcers. There are several different types of hay that are suitable for horses, and it is important to feed hay in small amounts throughout the day. By following these tips, you can ensure that your horse receives the right amount of nutrition and stays healthy.
References
- Elsey, J. (2020). Hay vs. Grain: What’s the Difference?. Retrieved from https://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_horses-pets_hay-vs-grain-whats-the-difference
- Gastal, E. (2020). Colic in Horses: Causes and Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/colic-in-horses-1807299
- Nelson, R. (2020). The Importance of Hay for Horses. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/the-importance-of-hay-for-horses-1807296
- University of Minnesota. (2020). Hay Feeding Tips. Retrieved from https://www.extension.umn.edu/horse/feeding/hay-feeding-tips/