Start Date
2-24-2005 9:50 AM
Description
Alfalfa is one of the most common hays fed to horses in Kentucky. Other hays that are often used include timothy and orchardgrass. As a legume, alfalfa has many nutritional advantages over timothy or orchardgrass. Alfalfa hay contains more protein and calcium than grass hays and thus is an excellent source of these nutrients for broodmares and growing horses. Another legume that may be useful as a hay for horses is red clover. Nutritionally, red clover has many of the same advantages as alfalfa. However, red clover has some non-nutritional characteristics which have traditionally limited its popularity with horse owners. Red clover will occasionally cause horses to slobber excessively. “Clover slobbers” is not usually harmful to horses, but it is not a pleasing sight for horse owners. Even when red clover hay does not cause slobbering, some horse owners avoid it. Red clover hay may not have a nice green color preferred by horse owners, and it may also be somewhat dusty.
Included in
Alfalfa Hay for Horses (and Horse Owners!)
Alfalfa is one of the most common hays fed to horses in Kentucky. Other hays that are often used include timothy and orchardgrass. As a legume, alfalfa has many nutritional advantages over timothy or orchardgrass. Alfalfa hay contains more protein and calcium than grass hays and thus is an excellent source of these nutrients for broodmares and growing horses. Another legume that may be useful as a hay for horses is red clover. Nutritionally, red clover has many of the same advantages as alfalfa. However, red clover has some non-nutritional characteristics which have traditionally limited its popularity with horse owners. Red clover will occasionally cause horses to slobber excessively. “Clover slobbers” is not usually harmful to horses, but it is not a pleasing sight for horse owners. Even when red clover hay does not cause slobbering, some horse owners avoid it. Red clover hay may not have a nice green color preferred by horse owners, and it may also be somewhat dusty.