Orchard Grass is higher in protein (10-12%), higher in calorie content and contains the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus as Timothy grass. ... This helps ensure your horses always have a high quality grass forage option to utilize.
Is orchard Grass the same as timothy?
If timothy and orchardgrass hay are cut at the same maturity and harvested under the same conditions, there is little difference in their nutrient content, although orchardgrass has a tendency to be a little higher in protein.
Is orchard Grass good for horses?
Orchardgrass is a cool-season perennial and a desirable hay and pasture grass for horses . Orchardgrass is a relatively shade-tolerant cool-season perennial that can provide high yield and forage quality under good management. It is well known as a desirable grass for horses, both for hay and pasture.
Is Timothy Hay good for horses?
Timothy hay is one of the most popular hays fed to horses . It can be quite expensive, depending on whether it has to be shipped long distances. Timothy must be harvested in the pre- or early-bloom stage to ensure a high nutrient content.
What kind of Grass hay is best for horses?
Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all examples of common grasses used for hay. Benefits: Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay — but it’s also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses.
What kind of hay is bad for horses?
Some hay types are particularly prone to high nitrate levels and should be avoided if there are options. These include: Sorghum, Sudan, Johnsongrass and Pearl Millet . High levels of simple carbohydrate (sugars, starch) are an issue for horses with insulin resistance and can occur in virtually any type of hay.
Should horses have hay all time?
For the healthiest digestive system and the happiest horse, it is best to have hay available all the times . Most horses are self-regulating, but there are many that are not. These horses will need their hay diet restricted to prevent obesity. Feeding these horses means small, more frequent portions.
Does orchard grass have a lot of sugar?
Most cool-season grasses, like orchardgrass and fescue, can have high sugar content . Timothy and crested wheatgrass tend to be medium in sugar content, as are most warm season (native) grasses.
Is orchard grass softer than Timothy hay?
Soft Orchard Grass is high in fiber and low in both protein and calcium. It is the softest type of hay we carry and makes a great alternative if you or your rabbit, guinea pig, or chinchilla are allergic to Timothy Hay.
What is better for rabbits timothy or orchard grass?
Dental Health – The reason Timothy hay is best for rabbits
These teeth are used to snip, cut and pull food into the mouth. ... Timothy hay is much courser and harder than Orchard hay, therefore better for your rabbit’s dental health. Timothy hay will keep your rabbit’s teeth worn more evenly when compared to Timothy hay.
What hay is best for older horses?
Alfalfa hay and good quality grass hays are preferable to stemmy and mature hays that have tougher fiber to ferment. The small intestine loses some function – Older horses find it harder to digest protein in the small intestine.
Why is alfalfa bad for horses?
The high calcium content of alfalfa causes an imbalanced calcium/phosphorus ratio if not corrected by other feeds or supplements. Most adult horses seem to tolerate this, but it’s not ideal for pregnant mares and growing horses.
Is timothy or alfalfa better for horses?
Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high protein diet. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so it’s generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners.
Is Timothy Hay bad for horses?
Timothy Hay: A Popular Feed for Horses
Horse owners have found that Timothy hay promotes a shiny coat, good digestion, bowel regularity, and a healthy weight. It is also excellent for colic prone , protein-sensitive, and obese horses.
Can horses with Cushings eat timothy hay?
While cool-season grasses, such as orchard grass or timothy, are typically higher in NSC. Alfalfa averages 10-15% NSC, and oat hay is very high, averaging 22%. Alfalfa can be a good option for a horse with Cushings if they are a hard time holding their weight because it is more calorie-dense than grass hay.
Do horses need salt or mineral blocks?
Horses especially need salt blocks because the high temperatures reached in the summer months cause them to lose essential minerals through sweating. They must replace the lost minerals, and salt blocks are a good source.
