Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hi Pam,
Fructan levels are at their highest during the late afternoon/early evening hours. This is because fructan is produced during the daylight hours when the plant is exposed to UV light. During the dark hours, the plant consumes the sugar for energy, so the levels are at their lowest at daybreak and early morning.
Stressed grasses, due to excessive cutting, or drought, can also be high in fructan levels. But, all grasses contain varying levels based on hours of sunlight and stress to the plant.
Thanks for writing!
Dr. Getty 