Avoiding Colic as Horses Transition from Pasture to Hay: It happens every year. Horses that have been turned out in pastures all summer must transition to a diet that contains far less fresh grass and far more hay. This means that the important fiber portion of the diet will have a lower moisture content along with a significant increase in the percentage of dry matter. Read further to learn how to avoid colic as horses transition from pasture to hay.

Throughout the fall and winter months, owners should continue to allow as much turnout as possible. Any change to a horse’s diet should be made as gradually as possible in order to avoid colic and other digestive tract upsets. Fortunately for horse owners, the move from grass to hay naturally follows this pattern as pasture growth declines and plants enter a dormant stage. Horses that have access to pasture will continue to graze, but the forage they ingest will slowly drop in moisture and lose its fresh characteristics.

Water is Essential:

Providing plenty of fresh, clean water is essential in every season, but it is particularly important when hay is being fed and horses are not getting much moisture from their forage intake. Extremely cold water is less appealing than water that has been warmed to around 50° F. Water at this temperature still feels very cold on human skin, but it is readily consumed by horses.

Access to salt, either loose or in a block, is also important. Sprinkling a bit of salt on grain or dampened hay will stimulate the horse to drink more water.

Exercise and Consumption:

Throughout the fall and winter months, owners should continue to allow as much turnout as possible. According to Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., senior equine nutritionist at Kentucky Equine Research, “Exercise helps to keep ingested material moving through the horse’s digestive tract. Pastured horses cover a lot more ground than stalled horses. Especially if they are turned out with a buddy or two.” If outdoor exercise isn’t available, be sure that all horses get at least a few hours of riding, driving, longeing, or free exercise in a covered arena each day.

Monitor hay consumption while horses are in their stalls. If one horse is not consuming much hay, or if you find wads of partially chewed hay lying on the floor in this horse’s stall, he may need to have his teeth checked. Dental exams should be scheduled for all horses once or twice a year. Some horses, especially older equine, can develop problems between checkups.

Hay and Supplements:

When a new batch of hay is delivered, introduce it by feeding a small amount of the new hay mixed into the old. Increase the percentage of new hay gradually over five to seven days. This allows the microbes in the horse’s gut to adjust to the change and prevents upsets.

Inspect each bale of hay as it is opened. Discard any hay that smells musty or shows signs of mold. Most horses will refuse to eat hay that is moldy. Even if the mold is so slight that humans can’t detect it. However, extremely hungry horses may eat tainted hay. It should never be fed and should be disposed of in an area where horses can’t reach it.

Research-proven digestive supplements can help horses that are prone to colic during feed transitions. EquiShure, a supplement developed by Kentucky Equine Research, stabilizes the pH of the hindgut. Changes in feed sometimes cause the pH to fluctuate wildly, which can set the stage for colic or laminitis.

Would you like more information about hay diets and how to avoid colic as horses transition from pasture to hay? Contact us at J & J Farms by clicking here!

Article brought to you by KER.

Keeping Your Horses Healthy This Summer: Georgia summers bring soaring temperatures, intense humidity, and long days of sunshine—perfect for outdoor adventures but challenging for horse owners who want to keep their equine companions healthy and comfortable. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or a first-time horse owner, hot weather care is critical for your horse’s overall well-being.

This guide will provide expert tips on hydration, feeding, shade, exercise, and more. By the end of this post, you’ll have the tools to ensure your horse thrives under the Georgian sun while maintaining peak health and happiness.

Why Summer Care is Essential for Horses

Horses are resilient animals, but summer heat poses unique challenges. They rely on horse owners to make adjustments to their care routine to prevent common summer issues such as dehydration, heat stress, skin conditions, and other warm-weather health concerns. With proper care, your horse can stay comfortable and healthy all summer long.

Here are the most essential summer care tips tailored for horse owners in Georgia:

1. Keep Hydration a Top Priority

Georgia’s hot climate makes adequate hydration the most important factor in your horse’s summertime health. Horses can lose large amounts of water and salt through sweat, particularly during humid days.

How to Ensure Proper Hydration:

• Provide Unlimited Clean Water

Keep fresh, clean water within constant reach. Horses typically drink 5–10 gallons of water daily, but this amount can increase during extreme heat or activity.

• Add Electrolytes

Supplement your horse’s water supply with electrolytes if they’re sweating heavily. Electrolyte powders or pastes help replenish lost minerals and encourage your horse to drink more.

• Monitor Water Buckets

Regularly check water buckets or troughs for cleanliness. Algae and dirt can quickly accumulate in the heat, deterring your horse from drinking.

Pro Tip: If you notice your horse isn’t drinking enough, offer soaked hay as an additional hydration source.

2. Adjust Feeding Habits

Summer heat can affect your horse’s appetite and digestion. Providing the right nutrition while reducing unnecessary heat generation is critical.

Feeding Tips:

• Provide High-Quality Forage

Forage should make up the bulk of their diet, but consider smaller, more frequent meals during hot days to support your horse’s digestive system.

• Avoid Excess Grain

Feeding large amounts of grain can increase internal heat production. Adjust your ration to maintain proper energy levels without overloading your horse.

• Offer Salt Licks

Salt licks encourage healthy water consumption by replacing minerals lost in sweat. Place them in accessible locations around the barn or pasture.

3. Ensure Shade and Shelter

Horses exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can quickly overheat. Ensuring a shaded space for rest is a must in Georgia’s blazing sun.

Solutions for Providing Shade:

• Natural Trees or Canopies:

If your pastures have trees, they can provide excellent natural shade. Include areas of tree cover in turnout spaces.

• Stable Fans:

Install fans in your barn to promote air circulation and keep indoor temperature down.

• Portable Shelters:

Invest in a portable turnout shelter if your pasture lacks natural shade. These structures are quick to set up and provide reliable coverage.

Warning: Never confine your horse in an unventilated space in high heat—it can be more dangerous than leaving them outdoors.

4. Monitor Exercise and Activity Levels

While exercise is vital, overworking your horse during the summer can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, or worse. Plan and adjust their activity schedules carefully.

Exercise Guidelines for Summer:

• Avoid the Hottest Times of the Day

Schedule rides or training sessions early in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

• Limit Strenuous Exercise

Shorten workout sessions and allow plenty of breaks in shaded areas.

• Cool Down Gradually

After exercise, walk your horse until their breathing normalizes, then bathe them with cool water to lower their body temperature.

5. Implement Fly and Pest Control

Georgia summers not only mean heat—they also mean pesky flies, mosquitoes, and other insects that can irritate horses and spread disease.

Fly Control Tips:

• Use Fly Masks and Sheets

Protect your horse from biting insects with lightweight, breathable fly masks and sheets during turnout.

• Stable Cleanliness

Keep stalls clean and free of manure and other debris that can attract flies.

• Opt for Fly Sprays

Use a horse-safe insect repellent to minimize fly bites and discomfort.

• Install Fans

Beyond cooling benefits, fans can help deter flies within the barn by creating a breeze they can’t tolerate.

6. Protect Against Sunburn and Skin Conditions

Just like humans, horses can suffer from sunburn and summer-related skin issues like fungal infections.

Skin Care for Horses:

• Sunblock for Sensitive Areas

Apply sunscreen (made specifically for horses) to areas with pink skin or no pigment, such as the nose and muzzle, for protection against UV rays.

• Check for Fungal Growth

Summer heat and moisture create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Inspect your horse’s coat and legs for signs of irritation, such as scabs or hair loss. Treat any issues promptly with an appropriate antifungal solution.

7. Know the Signs of Heat Stress

Despite your best efforts, there’s always a risk of heat stress during hot summers. Being aware of the early warning signs can save your horse’s life.

Symptoms of Heat Stress to Watch For:

• Excessive or no sweating
• Rapid breathing or increased heart rate
• Elevated temperature (102°F or higher)
• Lethargy, stumbling, or disorientation
• Refusal to eat or drink

If you suspect heat stress, move the horse to a shaded, ventilated area immediately. Offer cool water, hose them down with cold water (primarily on the neck and legs), and call your veterinarian for guidance.

Prioritize Summer Safety for Your Horse

Georgia summers can be challenging for horses, but with these proactive measures, you can ensure your equine companion stays comfortable, healthy, and happy all season long. By prioritizing hydration, providing proper nutrition, and creating a safe, shaded environment, you’ll help your horse thrive no matter how high the mercury climbs.

If you found these tips helpful, share this guide with other horse owners in your community. Together, we can make summer safe and enjoyable for all our equine friends.

“Keeping Your Horses Healthy This Summer” article by: J&J Hay Farms

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Gastric Ulcers in Horses: Facts and Fallacies. A recent web-based survey queried horse owners on their knowledge and familiarity with equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Based on over 1,100 responses from individuals with and without direct experience with EGUS, here is a summary of what horse owners know, and perhaps more importantly, don’t know about gastric ulcers in horses.

Fact or Fallacy?

Survey respondents indicated that EGUS most commonly occurs in racehorses followed by sport horses. Leisure horses are only rarely affected.

Fact or fallacy? Both, actually. All horses are at risk of developing EGUS, but some horses may have an increased risk based on diet, water intake, lifestyle (use, training level), breed, concomitant diseases, and more.

Horse owners who have prior experience with ulcers were more aware that multiple types of ulcers exist.

Fact. EGUS is an umbrella term that collectively refers to ulcers (erosions in the lining of the stomach wall) that occur in either (1) the squamous or nonglandular region of the stomach, where ulcer presence is called equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) or (2) the glandular region, where ulcer formation is considered equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). Some horses can even suffer from EGGD and ESGD simultaneously.

Common Factors:

Low forage intake and infection are the most common factors associated with EGUS by survey respondents.

Fact and fallacy. This is based on a recently published consensus statement on EGUS. Apparently, a high-starch diet is more reliably a predictor of EGUS than low forage intake.

** Those experts wrote that “free access to fibrous feed or frequent forage feeding is widely considered to reduce the risk of gastric ulceration, although strong evidence supporting this belief is also lacking.” That said, to be on the safe side, all horses should get 1.5 to 2% of their body weight in forage daily for overall digestive health and motility. If free-choice access to forage is not suitable for certain horses or is not possible in some management scenarios, horses should go no longer than four or five hours between forage meals.

No specific mention of infection as a risk factor for EGUS was discussed in the consensus statement. Infection causing decreased feed intake, delayed gastric emptying, or stress could potentially contribute to the development of gastric ulcers. Helicobacter pylori infection does not cause ulcers in horses, as it does in humans. The latest consensus statement on EGUS clearly states that antibiotic administration is not justified.

Identifying Ulcers:

Reliable signs of gastric ulceration identified by horse owners included change in behavior when fed, aggression, anemia, low white blood cell counts, and changes in behavior when ridden. Interestingly, respondents with prior experience felt that clinical signs could effectively diagnose EGUS, whereas individuals with no direct experience felt clinical signs were only moderately effective at diagnosing the condition.

Fact. As described by the EGUS expert panel, “Gastric ulcers have been loosely associated with a range of clinical signs in adult horses, despite a paucity of strong epidemiological evidence to support these associations.”

Such clinical signs include decreased appetite, poor body condition, weight loss, chronic diarrhea, poor coat condition, grinding teeth, behavioral changes, acute or recurrent colic, and poor performance.

The best method of diagnosing EGUS by a veterinarian is gastroscopy.

Fact. The expert panel wrote that, because EGUS is poorly associated with clinical signs, “the committee therefore does not support the practice of diagnosing EGUS based on ‘characteristic’ clinical signs and recommends that EGUS be confirmed by performing gastroscopy.”

Effective Treatment?

Both groups of respondents recognized omeprazole as an effective treatment.

Fact. Omeprazole blocks the production of gastric acid (hydrogen chloride) and increases the pH of the fluid in the stomach. This is in line with human ulcer treatments where the adage “no acid, no ulcer” is widely embraced. For examole, the horse should undergo follow-up gastroscopy prior to discontinuing treatment to ensure full healing. This is particularly true for EGGD because resolution takes longer than ESGD.

Sucralfate was recognized as another effective treatment by individuals with prior experience with EGUS but was unknown by those without experience.

Fact. According to experts, sucralfate should be used in conjunction with omeprazole to treat EGUS. The recommended dose is 12 mg/kg orally twice daily for 8 weeks. Overall, the proposed mechanisms of action of sucralfate include: adhering to ulcerated mucosa to protect damaged, healing tissues; stimulating mucous secretion and prostaglandin E synthesis, both of which protect the lining of the stomach); and enhancing blood flow. In Australia, horse owners should look for the sucralfate supplement Sucralox.

In Conclusion:

“A great deal of information regarding EGUS has been uncovered in the past 20 years. Failing to quickly identify EGUS in horses or inappropriately managing horses with EGUS and without the support of their veterinarian will delay appropriate treatment and potentially culminate in adverse outcomes,” said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition advisor. “Once a veterinarian has diagnosed EGUS, omeprazole treatment should be implemented.”

Resources:

Questions about Gastric Ulcers in Horses: Facts and Fallacies? Contact J & J Hay Farms.

*Marlin, D.J., J. Williams, K. Pickles, et al. 2019. Horse owner understanding of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS). Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 76:55.

**Sykes, B.W., M. Hewetson, R.J. Hepburn, et al. 2015. European College of Equine Internal Medicine Consensus Statement—Equine gastric ulcer syndrome in adult horses. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 29(5):1288–1299.

 

 

Summer Pasture-Associated Heaves: Most horse owners have heard of heaves. It’s an asthma-like condition caused by irritation of the respiratory system when dust and mold spores are inhaled. Heaves is most often found in horses that spend a lot of time in stalls. They come in contact with fine particles contained in hay.

Combined with irritating ammonia fumes from wet bedding, these particles cause tissues in the respiratory passages to swell, making it more difficult for horses to breathe. The name “heaves” comes from the audible wheeze and contraction of the horse’s flank as it struggles to move air out of its lungs.

Horses with heaves usually have a normal body temperature and may show a thin, clear nasal discharge. Some heavey horses exhibit worse signs in winter when they are confined to the barn, improving when they are turned out in milder weather.

Summer pasture-associated heaves:

Summer pasture-associated heaves, on the other hand, affects turned-out horses that are sensitive to pollens and molds found in pastures. Signs of illness are the same between the two conditions, but the triggering factor is different. These horses may be more comfortable if they are kept indoors during the warmer seasons.

A nutritional supplement that has gained widespread attention in the fight against heaves is omega-3 fatty acids. They have well-known anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oils are direct sources of DHA and EPA. They are the most useful omega-3 fatty acids in terms of conferring health benefits. Other oils may contain ALA, which must then be converted to DHA and EPA, a complicated and inefficient process. For optimal omega-3 supplementation, use a marine-derived source such as EO-3.

Owners should contact a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment program if their horses have trouble breathing or become exercise intolerant during any season of the year.

Would you like more information about Summer Pasture-Associated Heaves? Contact us at J & J Farms by clicking here!

Article brought to you by KER.

 

The Most Profitable Summer Hay Crops in Georgia: Our warm summers and fertile soil make it an ideal location to grow a variety of hay crops. For farmers and agricultural enthusiasts, choosing the right forage during the summer can mean the difference between a good growing season and a truly profitable one. J & J Hay Farms is available for all your hay knowledge and needs!

But when it comes to hay, it’s not just about yields—it’s about safety, nutrition, and market appeal, particularly for horse owners and livestock farmers. This blog explores the top warm-season grasses that thrive in Georgia, focusing on those that are both horse-safe and highly profitable. Whether you’re already in the hay business or looking to diversify, here’s what you need to know.

Why Choose Summer Hay in Georgia

When summer arrives, warm-season grasses take center stage. These grasses are adapted to Georgia’s high-temperature conditions and offer hearty yields during the hottest months of the year. Unlike cool-season grasses that may struggle in peak summer, these varieties grow rapidly, making them a staple for farmers looking to maximize productivity through efficient crop cycles.

Additionally, with Georgia’s growing equestrian industry and a high demand for livestock feed, summer hay crops can generate significant profit when managed properly. However, not all grasses are created equal—choosing the right species matters when appealing to the horse feed market or for general livestock nutrition.

5 Types of Warm-Season Grasses Perfect for Georgia

1. Bermudagrass

The Gold Standard of Southern Hay

Bermudagrass is hands down one of the most popular and productive hay crops in Georgia. This warm-season perennial thrives in temperatures typical of the state’s summer months and is known for its durability and high yield. Types such as Coastal, Tifton 85, and Russell Bermudagrass have excellent forage quality.

Why It’s Profitable

• High Yields: Bermudagrass can produce up to 5-7 tons of hay per acre with proper fertilization.
• Market Demand: Highly sought after for horse owners and cattle farmers due to its digestibility and nutrient profile.
• Regrowth Capabilities: Once harvested, it can regrow quickly, allowing for multiple cuts within a single summer.

Considerations for Success

To get the most profit from Bermudagrass, regular soil testing and proper fertilization are essential. Overgrazing can also reduce yields, so rotational cropping practices are recommended.

2. Bahiagrass

Low Maintenance, High Return

If you’re looking for a hardy option that requires less babysitting, Bahiagrass might be your best bet. While not as nutrient-dense as Bermudagrass, it makes up for this with its exceptional drought tolerance, particularly in southern parts of Georgia where water availability varies.

Why It’s Profitable

• Low Input Costs: Bahiagrass grows well with minimal fertilization, saving money.
• Hardy Nature: It can withstand heavier grazing or less-than-ideal conditions.
• Resilient Storage: Once baled, this hay retains quality when stored for long periods, making it a safe investment for fluctuating market conditions.

For farmers targeting livestock rather than horses, Bahiagrass can generate steady income without the steep costs of high-input crops.

3. Alfalfa (Warm-Season Growth Management)

The Premium Crop

Although Alfalfa is traditionally a cool-season crop, modern agricultural practices and hybrid cultivars allow it to thrive during Georgia’s summer months. Alfalfa is revered for its protein-packed leaves, making it a favorite among horse owners who desire high-quality feed.

Why It’s Profitable

• Premium Pricing: Alfalfa hay markets command higher prices compared to Bermudagrass or Bahiagrass.
• Versatility: Ideal for horses, sheep, and goats, offering a wide customer base.
• Improved Soil Fertility: Alfalfa fixes nitrogen back into the soil, reducing future fertilizer needs for rotations.

Keep in mind that Alfalfa requires careful irrigation and pest management. But the high-value returns make the intensive care well worth it.

4. Teff Grass

The Newcomer Making Waves

Over the last few years, Teff Grass has rapidly gained popularity among Georgia farmers. This warm-season annual is fast-growing, drought-resistant, and ideal as horse-safe forage. Its fine stems and soft texture make it particularly attractive to picky eaters like horses.

Why It’s Profitable

• Fast Turnaround: Teff can be harvested just 45-50 days after planting.
• Flexible Harvesting: Ideal for farmers looking to supplement their hay inventory or diversify market offerings during peak seasons.
• Low Inputs/High Output: It thrives with minimal fertilization in well-drained soils.

Teff Grass also appeals to organic and sustainability-minded customers, adding further value to your operation’s overall branding.

5. Pearl Millet

High Tonnage Powerhouse

Pearl Millet is another warm-season annual that packs a punch in terms of both yield and resilience. Its adaptability to sandy or less fertile soils makes it particularly suited for areas across Georgia where traditional crops might underperform.

Why It’s Profitable

• Impressive Yields: Pearl Millet can generate up to 5 tons of hay per acre.
• Safe for Horses: Unlike some other crops, it does not produce prussic acid, which can be toxic to horses.
• Great for Multi-Cutting: Once harvested, it regrows quickly, offering multiple cuts in one season.

Be mindful of over-fertilization, which can lead to nitrate accumulation. Control this with soil testing.

Best Practices for Profitable Hay Production in Georgia

Regardless of the hay type you choose, following these general guidelines will ensure maximum yield and profitability.

1. Conduct Soil Testing: Understand your soil’s specific nutrient needs to avoid wasteful or excessive fertilization.
2. Invest in Proper Irrigation: While many warm-season grasses are drought-tolerant, well-timed irrigation can boost yields significantly.
3. Optimize Cutting Timing: For the highest nutritional value, time your hay cutting right before grasses flower.
4. Store Hay Properly: Use well-ventilated, waterproof storage spaces to preserve bales from mold and spoilage.

Cater to the Horse Market

Given that horses are particularly common among Georgia’s agricultural customers, focusing your hay production on horse-safe crops like Bermudagrass, Teff Grass, or Alfalfa can be a strategic decision. Consider marketing directly to local horse owners or equestrian centers in your area to secure steady, high-margin sales.

Your Next Steps

By selecting the right warm-season grasses and implementing best practices, you can set yourself up for a profitable summer and beyond. Diversifying crops with the The Most Profitable Summer Hay Crops in Georgia and catering to niche but growing markets—like equestrian enthusiasts—could further increase your success.

Selecting Forages for Horses Diagnosed with Equine Asthma: Environmental management is one of the most important aspects of treating and managing horses diagnosed with equine asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management changes to maintain respiratory function and overall health. Reducing exposure to respirable antigens, which are the inhaled molds, endotoxins, and other foreign matter that trigger immune response, can help alleviate the clinical symptoms of asthma. The most common respirable antigens in a horse’s environment come from hay, bedding, and potentially pasture.

For horses diagnosed with barn-associated asthma, full-time pasture access is generally recommended. However, this is not an option for many horse owners, and hay is often the primary source of forage. Hay is a major concern for horses with asthma, as hay will always contain some respirable antigens. To reduce the amount of potential inhalation of dust and mold spores, several options are available to the horse owner.

Harm Reduction:

1. Always ensure the hay is as clean as possible. Only use high-quality hay, as free as possible from dust and mold.
   

   RDC:

2. Research has shown that immersing, soaking, or steaming hay before feeding can significantly reduce the number of particles inhaled by the horse. Simply sprinkling the hay with water is inadequate. The hay must be completely immersed and wet throughout to reduce the respirable dust concentration (RDC). One research study found that immersing and thoroughly wetting hay more than halved the mean and maximum RDC in a horse’s breathing zone (the two-foot sphere around the horse’s nose). Other studies have evaluated soaked hay for asthmatic horses. They determined that 30-45 minutes of soaking is adequate to reduce RDC. Longer soaking provides no additional advantages. Horse owners must keep in mind that soaking hay reduces nutrient content. Steaming hay is effective at reducing respirable antigens with less potential for loss of nutrients. However, it is not a viable option for many horse owners. The choice of whether to immerse, soak, or steam hay may best be addressed by the options available to the owner and the horse’s symptoms. If immersing the hay is adequate to eliminate symptoms (usually coughing is the initial and recurring symptom), then that would be the simplest solution. Some research data indicate that feeding soaked hay or hay pellets helps improve lung function. The same study has not been performed using immersed hay.
3. Remove any uneaten immersed, soaked, or steamed hay from the horse’s reach before it has a chance to generate mold.
   

   Different Types of Asthma:

4. For horses with severe asthma, entirely replace long-stemmed hay with pelleted hay or forage replacement, or a complete feed designed to provide adequate fiber to replace dietary forage. Particularly if clinical symptoms persist. Wetting pelleted hay will further reduce respirable particles and may allow the respiratory tract inflammation to subside. However, horses will consume pelleted forages more rapidly and with less chewing than long-stemmed forage. So the best practice would be to feed smaller quantities more often throughout the day.
5. For horses diagnosed with pasture-associated asthma, the primary causes of respiratory inflammation are certain molds and pollens. They can be present in pastures during growing seasons, particularly during periods of high heat and humidity. Management in such situations includes removing affected horses from pasture during high-risk periods. Such horses usually do best when only allowed pasture access during the winter. During the periods that these horses are kept off pasture, some do require the same forage management as horses diagnosed with barn-associated asthma.

For all horses diagnosed with asthma, decreasing dust in the horse’s environment through ventilation, low-dust bedding, and careful attention to periods of high environmental dust (sweeping barn aisles, high wind, etc.), is recommended.

One additional suggestion for managing horses with equine asthma includes dietary supplementation to help control chronic inflammation. Marine-derived sources of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support immune response in horses, including mediation of inflammation.

Would you like more information about Selecting Forages for Horses Diagnosed with Equine Asthma? Contact us at J & J Farms by clicking here!

Article brought to you by KER.

Steamed Hay for Horses: Protein Content Examined. 

Benefits of Integrating Warm-Season Grasses into Pastures: Warm-season grasses help minimize the “summer slump” in pastures dominated by cool-season grasses such as tall fescue, orchardgrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Specifically, warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass and crabgrass improve pasture yield in hot, dry months. Research by Rutgers University identified two additional benefits of warm-season grasses. (1) creation of desirable forage composition for certain horses, and (2) beneficial shifts in the equine intestinal microbiome.*

For the study, researchers followed eight metabolically normal mares (i.e., no evidence of insulin dysregulation or equine metabolic syndrome) during a single grazing season. They grazed cool-season pasture in the spring and fall. Then, warm-season pasture in the summer. Fecal samples were collected throughout the grazing season after adapting to each diet.

First Benefit:

As to the first benefit, warm-season grasses are lower in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). The NSCs are composed of starch and WSCs, which are simple sugars such as glucose and fructose, among others.

Forage analysis of both warm- and cool-season grasses used in this study were similar to previous reports in that warm-season grasses had markedly lower NSCs and WSCs than cool-season grasses.

“Pastures naturally lower in nonstructural carbohydrates are particularly important for horses with insulin dysregulation because higher levels of NSCs can challenge a horse’s metabolism,” said Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., a Kentucky Equine Research nutritionist.

According to Crandell, when excess sugars and starches are consumed, they increase blood glucose (sugar) levels, triggering the release of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin prompts the body’s tissues to take up the glucose for metabolic purposes.

“With insulin dysregulation, the glucose is not responsive to insulin’s drive to push it into the cells. This causes more insulin to be released. The horse ends up with prolonged high insulin levels in the blood. These high levels of both glucose and insulin in circulation can have detrimental effects on various metabolic functions in the body. They can potentially result in hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis,” she explained.

Minimize Glucose Levels:

To help minimize the persistently elevated levels of circulating glucose after a meal, diets low in NSCs are recommended for horses diagnosed with insulin dysregulation or equine metabolic syndrome. With a lower NSC content, this makes the warm-season grasses desirable.

The cool-season grasses were higher in NSCs than the warm-season grasses. However, none of the horses participating in this study had abnormal results from an oral sugar test administered periodically throughout the study. The oral sugar test measures a horse’s insulin response to a sugar challenge. It is a key test used to diagnose insulin dysregulation. The researchers stated, however, the study may not have been long enough in duration to pick up on subtle changes in insulin sensitivity between horses fed warm- and cool-season grasses.

Second Benefit:

The second advantage includes microbiome shifts in response to feeding warm-season grasses.

According to the researchers, “Distinct shifts in equine fecal microbial community structure and composition occur as horses adapt to different forages within an integrated warm- and cool-season grass rotational pasture system.”

While several alterations in the intestinal microbiome were observed, one notable change was enrichment with Clostridium butyricum when consuming warm-season grasses. This bacterium is a well-known producer of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (volatile fatty acid).

“Butyrate promotes anti-inflammatory responses. It improves the gastrointestinal barrier to mitigate ‘leaky gut syndrome.’ It also plays a role in improving metabolic health,” Crandell explained.

“In summary, this study shows distinct benefits of feeding warm-season grasses in the summer months. For example, improved pasture yield; lower nonstructural carbohydrate levels; and enrichment in beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microbiome, specifically C. butyricum,” said Crandell.

Even with integration of warm-season grasses, all horses still benefit from a salt supplement. In addition, a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplementation to balance out the nutrients that may be low or missing in the forage.\

Resources:

Would you like more information about the Benefits of Integrating Warm-Season Grasses into Pastures? Contact us at J & J Farms by clicking here!

Article brought to you by KER.

*Weinert-Nelson, J.R., A.S. Biddle, H. Sampath, and C.A. Williams. 2023. Fecal microbiota, forage nutrients, and metabolic responses of horses grazing warm- and cool-season grass pastures. Animals (Basel) 13(5):790.

 

 

Managing Feed for Weanling and Yearling Horses: Young horses need good-quality feeds to meet their nutrient requirements for growth. In addition, free-choice exercise in large paddocks. Weanlings and yearlings have high requirements for energy, protein, amino acids and minerals in order to grow optimally. If you are using a commercial mixed feed, make sure it is formulated for the growing horse.

Energy

Oats are often the cheapest source of energy for young horses. They are best fed crushed to weanlings because their teeth are not fully developed and they will have trouble breaking open whole grains. Steam flaked maize (corn), barley and lupins are other grains that are good sources of energy for the growing horse. Lupins also have high protein levels. Adding fat is a safe way to rapidly condition your young horse. You can use oil, sunflower seeds, stabilised rice bran or a higher fat prepared feed. A general rule of thumb is to provide 1 kg of fortified grain per 100 kg of body weight, up to a maximum of 3 kg/day per weanling. Good doers such as warmbloods, quarter horses and ponies may get fat on these concentrate feed intakes! They do better on a low intake feed balancer pellet or a more concentrated breeding feed.

Protein

Weanlings need approximately 15% crude protein and yearlings need 13% crude protein in the diet along with adequate intakes of essential amino acids such as lysine to maintain optimum growth. Young green grass or clover pasture contains 15–20% crude protein. However this amount falls rapidly as the plants begin flowering and start to seed. Dry summer or winter pasture often contains very little protein, so yearlings will need supplementation. Young horses need high-quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine. Animal-derived proteins such as milk powder are of very high quality but are expensive, and soybean meal is the best-quality vegetable protein. Canola meal is also a good quality protein source. Legumes such as lucerne and clover also have a high level of good quality protein. Linseed meal is relatively low in lysine and is not a good source of protein for growing horses, although its high oil content will produce a bloom on the coat.

Vitamins and Minerals

Calcium and phosphorus are the most important minerals for growing horses. Grains are low in calcium, whereas lucerne, clover hays and high-quality pasture contain more calcium. However winter and spring pastures may unexpectedly contain ration inversions of calcium to phosphorus. Bran contains a lot of phosphorus and should not be fed in significant quantities to growing horses. Urinalysis can be used to assess the calcium status of young horses. The calcium to phosphorus balance of the ration can be analysed by an equine nutritionist.

Young horses running in a paddock can lose 30 g of salt per day in their sweat and urine, especially during hot weather, so provide a salt block or supply a salt supplement.

Trace minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium are important components in the diet for most growing horses. They need to be supplied in the right quantities and ratios in commercial feeds formulated for young horses.

Roughage

To meet the commercial growth requirements of young horses, you may have to feed them less roughage than desired for optimal digestive function. Therefore, you must use good-quality chaff or hay to maximize the utilization of the fibrous feed in meeting the energy requirements. Also decrease the amount of starch the weanling has to be fed. High-quality, early-cut hay will also minimize the pot-belly appearance caused by fibre and water in the gut, a situation often associated with mature hay with high lignin content. Lucerne or clover hay will also supply higher intakes of protein and calcium as well as fibre. They are often preferred for growing horses. As the horse gets older it eats more, so you can switch from a legume hay to a grass or oaten based hay. This is true particularly during spring when they have access to green grass.

Choice of Feed

If you have great quality pasture or are feeding breeds with a good metabolism, such as warmbloods, quarter horses, draught breeds or ponies, a feed balancer pellet or a concentrate  is often the best approach.

Remember to monitor growth, legs and body condition carefully. Adjust feed intake or choice of feed in order to maintain optimum growth for each individual weanling and yearling.

Would you like more information about Managing Feed for Weanling and Yearling Horses? Contact us at J & J Farms by clicking here!

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