As the warm summer months draw to a close, horse owners stock up on hay for the winter. The hay man has a variety of hays available, including the yellow or brown, less leafy fall hays. Although they might not be as physically attractive and green as the hay harvested earlier in the summer, there are many benefits to late-season hay for horses.

Did you know these facts about late-cut hays?

• Late-cut hays have less water-soluble carbohydrates (i.e., glucose, sucrose, fructose, and fructans) and are therefore better for obese, insulin sensitive/resistant horses, and those diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome.
• They have more structural carbohydrates that are fermented in the large intestine to provide energy in the form of volatile fatty acids (e.g., lactate, acetate).
• Late-cut hays can provide enough energy and nutrients (i.e., carbohydrate, protein, minerals, vitamins, etc.) for most horses to thrive, even if pregnant, lactating, or exercising.
• They typically contain fewer weeds than early-cut hay.
• Late-cut hays are generally less palatable, which may make colic less likely to result than when feeding tasty early-cut hays.

Regardless of what hay type is ultimately selected, follow the basic rules for selecting good-quality hay. For example, never feed moldy or dusty hay to horses. Particularly those with respiratory issues. Do not feed hay with blister beetles or a preponderance of other bugs. Be aware that not all hays and horses marry well. High-energy hay, such as most alfalfa, might be great for young, growing horses but not elderly, barren mares.

Additionally, all hays and even cuts of hay from the same field vary depending on the weather conditions in which they were grown and harvested. This means that every type and cut can vary markedly in nutritional content. This is where hay analysis can come in handy. It provides a consistent and healthy hay-based diet to your horses year-round.

Hay analysis may also benefit obese and insulin sensitive/resistant horses. If the hay is high in water-soluble carbohydrates, hay soaking can remove those excess carbohydrates.

In short, choose your hay wisely, preferably with the assistance of an equine nutritionist or veterinarian.

Would you more information about the benefits of late-season hay for horses? Contact us at J & J Farms by clicking here!

Article brought to you by KER.

Your Horse: Avoid Being Felled by Fall Founder: If you’ve been involved with horses for any length of time, you’re no stranger to the anguish caused by laminitis. You may be aware of common causes of founder. For example: grain overload, endocrine disturbances, and overloading of supporting limbs, there’s one you may overlook: fall grazing.

Spring pastures contain high levels of sugar that can induce a bout of laminitis. However, a feeding frenzy in the fall could have the same effect.

Fall Founder:

“Some rain and a late-summer heatwave, especially after a long, dry summer, can cause pastures to have a growth spurt similar to what happens in the spring. These pastures can have high water-soluble carbohydrate levels, including both sugar and fructan, that may induce laminitis,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition advisor. “Fall founder can also occur following the first frost.”

Cool-season forages such as tall fescue continue to grow late in the year, posing a risk for any horse or pony predisposed to developing laminitis. Further, cool-season grasses often experience a dramatic increase in sugar content after a frost.

“Grazing muzzles must be used for at-risk horses even in the fall to avoid pasture-associated laminitis,” Whitehouse said.

Management:

Using a research-proven buffer such as EquiShure will help minimize changes in hindgut pH, thereby stabilizing the intestinal microbiome.

Laminitis remains one of the most common reasons for euthanasia of horses. Above all, direct efforts at hoof health regardless of the season. One study* reports reasons related to euthanasia were attributed to disease stage, severity, and progression. For example, persistent lameness following a recent bout of laminitis commonly prompted owners to elect humane euthanasia.  A horse had a slow recovery from a laminitic episode. Some owners perceived their horses were at risk for future episodes and chose to euthanize.

“Owners were also more likely to elect humane euthanasia if slow recovery necessitated prolonged periods of time in a stall. Owners believed extended stall rest would negatively affect their horse’s psychological well-being and quality of life,” added Whitehouse.

Horses that have recovered from laminitis may benefit from a well-rounded hoof supplement. “Kentucky Equine Research offers high-quality products that include nutrients necessary for growth of strong, resilient hooves, such as biotin, zinc, methionine, and iodine,” shared Whitehouse.

In conclusion, do you have a specific question about your horse’s  health or diet? Contact J & J Hay Farms today at 770-887-0440!

Article Source: Kentucky Equine Research

*Pollard, D., C.E. Wylie, J.R. Newton, and K.L.P. Verheyen. 2020. Factors associated with euthanasia in horses and ponies enrolled in a laminitis cohort study in Great Britain. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 174:104833.

5 Tips for Summer Pasture Maintenance: J & J Hay Farms is here to help you with you summer pasture maintenance. Whether you keep your horse on small acreage or you have rolling hills as far as the eye can see, pastures should be managed to ensure that grass provides optimum nutrition for horses. Each farm is different, but there are some management strategies to keep in mind no matter the size or location of your farm.

Soil testing:

Soil profile, including mineral content and pH, varies greatly from farm to farm and region to region. For this reason, soil testing is recommended in order to determine if and what kind of fertilizer may be necessary. Typically, your local Cooperative Extension Service office can help you with a soil test, and supply a report with fertilizer recommendations.

Stocking rate:

Stocking rate is important if you are relying on pasture to meet the majority of your horse’s nutritional needs, and is defined as the number of acres available per animal.

For an average 1,000-lb (450-kg) horse, two acres of well-managed, established pasture is recommended during the growing season. If you have four horses, you’d need a minimum of eight acres. If stocking rate is higher, for example if you keep four horses on four acres or five horses on two acres, supplemental forage, such as hay, and possibly a grain concentrate may be necessary to meet the horse’s daily nutrient needs. Higher stocking rates stress pastures and reduce the amount of available nutrients.

Rotation:

A rotational grazing plan keeps grasses healthy. Just like horses, plants need a chance to rest and rejuvenate after stress (heavy grazing, drought, etc.).

Horses are able to graze right to the ground, and hooves can cause compression and divots in the ground. The higher the stocking rate, the more important it is to have a rotational grazing plan. Even with only two paddocks, rotation can work.

When pastures are 7-10 inches tall, turn out horses. When the pastures are grazed down to 3-4 inches, allow the pasture to rest and turn out horses in the other area. Additional pasture areas will improve results. Ideally, rotating in four- or five-week cycles is recommended but will depend on the stocking rate and amount of space available.

Sacrifice area:

A sacrifice area, also known as a drylot or animal concentration area, is a place where horses can be turned out when pastures are too wet, have not grown sufficiently to allow grazing, or when pastures are resting.

Sacrifice areas are also useful for horses who cannot be maintained on pasture, such as those with metabolic health concerns. Shelters, water sources, and sometimes feeders are often placed in sacrifice areas. Sacrifice areas should be large and comfortable enough to accommodate the number of horses on the farm. Plenty of room should be left for horses to avoid pecking-order squabbles.

Mowing and sward height:

Regular mowing helps reduce weeds. Mowing height is an important consideration. Since grasses store energy in the bottom of the plant closest to the ground, mowing too short is counterproductive. Mowing to a height of 3-4 inches is generally appropriate. Pastures can also be dragged to break up and dry manure.

Be sure to consider a quality ration balancer or vitamin and mineral supplement that will supply horses with nutrients not found in sufficient quantities in pasture. Micro-Max is a low-intake concentrated source of vitamins and minerals for mature horses and is appropriate for horses on pasture.

Keep water and salt sources clean and readily available. The effort put into pasture maintenance will yield nutritious forage for your horses year after year.

J & J Hay Farms sells only first quality hay period. You can see it, smell it and touch it in every bale we sell.

Article source: KER.

With drought conditions beginning to ease in many parts of the country, hay growers may have questions about whether to do a late fall mowing or just leave their fields alone until spring. An article in the newsletter published by the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky offered some tips.

Unless sufficient rain has fallen, mowing mixed-grass hay fields in mid-fall won’t do much to stimulate regrowth. In fact, mowing dry fields will leave the soil exposed to the sun. As a result, further decreasing soil moisture and increasing stress on root systems. If weed growth is extreme, it might help to mow with the blades set high to clip seed heads before the seeds mature.

Some growth will occur in established hay fields after rain replenishes soil moisture. If enough growth occurs to make another hay harvest possible, schedule a late mowing toward the end of October. Mowing at this time will give plants a chance to accumulate post-mowing energy reserves. This is necessary for winter survival and vigorous growth in the spring.

In some circumstances where plant growth has been minimal because of the dry summer, a late fall mowing is not a good idea. One is in areas where soils are prone to frost heave. Another is when fields are covered with seedlings from a spring planting. In these cases, mowing may lead to more damage than leaving the fields with as much cover as possible.

Soil moisture, forage cover, and degree of drought stress will vary across hay-growing regions, so it is suggested that land owners get specific recommendations from local agricultural extension agents before making plans for fall management of hay fields. J & J Hay can help to answer these questions.

Source: Kentucky Equine Research

Horse Heat Stress Management: Tips For Keeping Your Horse Cool In Summer!

Summer is finally here. Winter blankets have been packed away with care. Bundling up for barn chores and breaking the ice in your horses’ water buckets are now distant memories. As you bring your fly sheets out of storage and hang up fans, it’s time to make a plan for how to help your horse beat the heat this summer.

Understanding Your Horse’s Basic Needs for Horse Heat Stress Management

Not only do the summer months bring warmer temperatures and longer days. They also bring more opportunities to ride and compete with your horse. As temperatures rise, so do the risks of your horse experiencing a heat related stress. This includes dehydration and heat stroke. Keep an eye on your horse and modify your training and horse care program to make the most of your summer riding opportunities.

Water

The average 1000 pound horse at rest drinks 8 to 10 gallons of water a day. When temperatures rise above 70° F, horses in work can drink twice as much. Make sure they have access to clean, fresh and cool water at all times, whether your horse is turned out or in his stall. By drinking cool water, they will be able to lower their body temperature on their own. If your horse isn’t a big drinker, you can encourage water consumption by providing free choice salt blocks in your pastures and stalls.

Shade

Providing shade to your horse throughout the day is almost as important as making sure your horse has access to water. Whether you board in a barn or in a field, shade is needed. Obviously a horse in a stall is provided shade from being indoors, however they will need shade when they are turned out. Make sure your pastures offer several shade options.

If there aren’t shade-bearing trees in your field, offer an escape from the sun with a run in shed. With run-ins, the higher the roof the more air circulation and cooler the shed will be. As shade and water go together in importance, place your water troughs in shady areas.

Do you have a field that doesn’t have much shade? Alter your turnout schedule. Either turnout your horses at night, or if you have a horse that doesn’t require a lot of turnout put him in the field early in the morning. Both of these options will let your horse beat the heat and powerful rays of the sun.

Conditioning

Before the temps rise too much, learn how-to assess the body condition of your horse.

If your horse has been in regular work since the winter weather subsided, he will be more likely to be able to handle the rising temperatures. Horses that are out of shape, overweight and even thin under-muscled horses have a hard time dealing with the extra stress associated with heat.

If your horse hasn’t been in a regular exercise program, slowly build up their fitness and stamina as the heat and humidity rises. This slow and steady approach will help ensure your horse stays healthy and not overstressed this summer.

The Importance Of Equine Electrolytes

You know summer is here when your local Southern States and tack shops start expanding their section devoted to electrolytes.

So what are electrolytes and how do they help your horse in the summer? According to Dr. Marty Adams, Equine Nutritionist for Southern States, “Electrolytes are minerals in the horse’s body fluids and tissues that are involved in muscle contraction, thirst regulation, nerve function and maintenance of blood pH.”

Electrolytes can be found in your hay, pasture and Southern States horse feed. However, horses in work, (especially those who travel to compete) need additional electrolytes to maintain good health and perform at their highest level.

Like humans, horses use sweating as a way to cool off during periods of warm weather and while exercising. When a horse sweats, not only is water lost, but important electrolytes like sodium, chloride and potassium are lost. If too many electrolytes are lost serious problems like fatigue, muscle cramps and horse colic can occur.

Dr. Adams says, “When looking for an electrolyte for your horse, sodium chloride should be listed first on the ingredient list. Second, followed by potassium chloride.” There are two types of electrolytes, salt based and sugar based. While sugar based electrolytes are highly palatable, you won’t meet your horse’s daily salt requirements without feeding a lot of the sugar-based electrolyte.

Electrolytes can be given to your horse in a variety of ways. You can add water and administer via dosing syringe, add the electrolytes to your horse’s feed or add the electrolytes to their water. Each way works equally as well, just figure out what your horse prefers to ensure they are consuming the added electrolytes.

Horse Sweat Is A Good Thing

Often times you hear the phrase “no sweat” when people are referring to something that isn’t a problem. When it comes to horses, no sweat is a big problem. During a hot, muggy day it isn’t uncommon to see horses drenching in sweat when doing nothing more strenuous than simply grazing in the field. Although they may look uncomfortable, these sweaty horses are far more comfortable than their non sweating counterparts. Sweating helps regulate body temperature.

Anhydrosis in horses is the partial or total inability to sweat—and is a problem that can be potentially life threatening. When a horse is unable to sweat, he is unable to keep his internal organs and brain from overheating. Unfortunately no one knows what causes this condition and it can affect any breed, though it is most commonly seen in the Gulf Coast states including Florida and Louisiana.

Signs Of Equine Anhydrosis

• panting
• poor tolerance to exercise
• dry hair coat
• hair loss (especially around the face and a reduction of sweat)

Immediately contact your equine veterinarian if you think your horse may be experiencing anhydrosis. While there is no cure, you can manage a non sweater in a variety of ways. You can relocate your horse during the summer months, limit physical activity, install barn fans and misters or manage through supplementation. Studies have shown that non-sweaters can benefit from additional Vitamin Eand Selenium supplements. It is thought that these levels are low in horses with anhydrosis.

Adjust Your Horse Care Schedule

When we hit the beach this summer, we are often reminded to avoid the hottest part of the day. Typically is is between 11 am to 3 pm. We are told to apply ample sunscreen. This same rule should apply when trying to determine when to exercise your horse during the summer to try and avoid the heat of the day. When possible try to ride either in the morning or late evening, depending on what works best for your schedule.

In addition to changing the hours at which you ride, change the duration of your ride. A short workout in hot, humid conditions is the same as a longer workout in more pleasant weather, in terms of stress placed on the horse. Take plenty of rest breaks, to help your horse cool down during your exercise session.

After you finish exercising your horse, don’t just drop him off in his stall like a hot potato. Take your time and properly cool him off. Take him for an extended walk, hose him off and brush the water off scraping the water off to speed up the cooling process or put him in front of a fan.

Trailering Your Horse In The Heat

When competing this summer, not only do you need to think about how you will perform your best when you arrive at the show. you need to come up with a plan for how you will safely get your horse to the competition. The heat and humidity of the summer can create oven-like conditions in your trailer. So what can you do?

Tips

• If you don’t currently own a trailer, consider buying a “cool” trailer to ship your horse(s) in. Studies show that dark exterior colored trailers can be 20-30° hotter inside than trailers that are white or silver in color.
• Look for trailers that have large windows for maximum airflow and ceiling roof vents to draw air into the trailer. If possible, take a test ride in the trailer yourself to see what the airflow and temperature conditions are like when temperatures rise.
• Even when the weather is cool and humidity is low, traveling is work for a horse. Riding in a trailer can fatigue a horse. They constantly have to work to balance themselves in the moving trailer. Add in warm temperatures and you can easily have a horse that arrives to its destination dehydrated and fatigued.
• To minimize fatigue, alter your travel schedule. Transport your horse either in the evening or early in the morning, whatever is the coolest part of the day. Before putting your horse on the trailer make sure you have opened all the windows and air vents. Get cool air circulating prior to loading. If you have fans on you trailer, turn them on as well.
• To minimize the impact of heat coming up from the road, place rubber mats on your trailer floor or bed the trailer down with shavings. Heat comes from the sun beating down on the trailer. It also comes up from the black asphalt the trailer is riding on.
• Hose your horse off prior to loading, in an attempt to keep them cool. Use a fan spray hose head like the Gilmour Fan Watering Wand to make your horse happier.
  By modifying your trailering routine you will be able to ensure your horse travels as comfortable as possible regardless of the weather.

Barn Fan Safety

Each summer horse owners everywhere put fans up in their barns . This helps to cool their horses off as the temperatures rise. However, not all fans are appropriate for barn use. Most horse owners run out to their nearest hardware or discount store to stock up on box fans for their barn.

Before you follow suit, make sure you are buying a fan that is designed for agricultural use. Do not use a box fan designed to be used indoors in a residential situation. Fans (like the Ventamatic 24″ Direct Drive Yellow Tilt & Stand Fan) designed for agricultural use have motors sealed up to prevent dust and dirt from interfering with the motor and starting a fire. In addition to having unsealed motors, inexpensive box fans also have light weight cords which can eventually expose their wiring over time. Take a look at our other barn & horse fans online.

Barn Fires

Barn fires are caused every year from faulty fans and improper installation of fans. To prevent the potential for fires, in addition to only using agricultural fans in the barn, only run fans when there are people in the barn. Turn fans off at night! Most of the time barns are reasonably comfortable at night. Especially if you can open up windows and doors in the barn. Vacuum or blow off dust. Make sure it does not accumulates around the fans that are placed on or in your stalls.

When installing fans, make sure you keep the cords out of the horses’ reach. One bite to a cord can cause a short circuit and potential fire. Remember horses aren’t the only ones to potentially bite the cords, raccoons and mice can also interfere with your cords. Always unplug the fans when not in use!

Another option when it comes to cooling down your barn is to get two large agricultural use approved floor fans. Put them at either end of your barn aisle. These large high power fans do a great job of circulating air throughout the barn during the day.

Enjoy Your Summer

Summer doesn’t have to bring your equestrian activities to a halt. By changing both you and your horse’s riding routine you can both enjoy your summer while staying healthy and competitive. When in doubt whether to ride or go to the pool when temperatures are scorching, play it safe and go for a dip.

J & J Hay Farms sells only first quality hay period. You can see it, smell it and touch it in every bale we sell. We care about your horse’s health!

Horse Heat Stress Management Article source: KER.