Forages for Horses Flashcards
what is a forage?
edible plant part, excluding the grain, to feed to livestock that can be harvested/stored
forage may include what?
leaves, stems, and some roots
how can forage be stored?
hay, silage, balage, stockpiled
how are forages classified?
growing season, growth cycle, family
why do we care how forages are classified?
quality, meeting horses needs, avoiding issues or toxicities
perennial vs. annual?
annuals only live for a year
what about biennials?
lives for 2 years
what qualities are important?
leaf to stem ratio, CP
forage systems for horses utilize what?
pasture and hay
forage systems for horses are usually what?
overstocked and overlooked
pastures are the most important part of the ____ that are usually overlooked?
diet
what do pastures provide?
areas for exercise, low-cost method for providing nutrients, socialize time
what is the proper stocking rate?
1.5-2 acres per horse
how can we improve our pastures?
proper stocking rate to avoid overgrazing, pasture rest, drag pastures to spread manure
what is the moisture range for hay?
12-15%
hay is best for what class of horses?
non-lactating and maintenance (others may need more supplementation)
name a few misconceptions about hay?
color does not equal quality; unpleasant odors or colors, fine-stemmed hay, avoid dust
what is the main form of forage supplementation?
cubes and pellets
why is forage quality so important for horses?
they are hindgut fermenters so without forage the cecum isn’t efficient, smaller stomach=limited intake= higher quality feeds needed
nutritional needs vary based on what?
age, working class, stage of production
T/F: TDN for cattle is the same as TDN for horses?
false
hare energy requirements for horses the same as other species?
no; we use DE, Kcal, etc.
what is the rule of thumb for TDN?
horse TDN is usually 14 points lower, but no true way to convert it
crude protein in plants ____ with age?
decreases
fiber in plants ____ with age?
increases
how do we measure quality of CP?
grasses vs. legumes
how do we measure quality of fiber?
NDF and ADF
RFQ takes what into account?
fiber digestibility
how do we measure forage quality?
hay test from the same lot (know how to sample round vs. square bale)
Alabama is what temp range?
humid
upper south ulitizes what forages?
cool-season (orchardgrass, KY Bluegrass, timothy)
lower south uses what forage?
warm seasons (bermuda and bahia)
the south has plenty of rainfall which means what about the soil?
very acidic (important to soil test)
how do we manage forage availability and quality?
soil testing and grazing plants
when it comes to soil testing, hay fields require more or less than pastures?
more; pastures every 3-4 yeatrs
what is the cheapest way to improve your forage system?
lime; creates more neutral pH
what is pH critical for?
longevity and growth
what is the pH range for forages?
5.8-6.5
orchardgrass?
cool season, perennial (not grazing tolerant)
timothy
cool-season perennial (sensitive grass)
kentucky bluegrass
cool-season perennial (propagates via. rhizomes; tolerant of close grazing)
bermudagrass
warm-season perennial (spreads by stolons, sprigging)
bahiagrass
warm-season perennial (rhizomes)
tall fescue
cool-season perennial (Dr. EN Fergus 1931)
alfalfa
cool-season perennial legumes
clovers
cool seasons
what is a common issue with red clover?
slaframine=slobbers (fungus found incudes savliation_
name cool-season annuals/cereal grains?
wheat, oats, cereal rye, triticale
annual ryegrass
cool-season annual (will grow under any conditions)
what to be aware of with ryegrass and horses?
high in non-structural carbs
what forages do we avoid with horses?
warm-season annuals like sudangrass, sorghum, johnsongrass (perennial), pearl millet and endophyte infected tall fescue
Ywhy do we avoid these warm-season annuals?
susceptible to metabolite accumulation like prussic acid and nitrates
what forage is assoaciated with fescue toxicosis?
KY 31 Tall Fescue
the endophyte in KY 31 produces what fungus?
ergovaline
what does ergovaline affect?
vasoconstriction, reproduction, hair shedding (mainly cattle)
who is at risk for fescue toxicosis?
pregnant mares (abortion, prolonged pregnancy, agalactia)
how do we mitigate fescue toxicosis?
grazing non-endophyte infected varieties, use other forages
