Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Dr. Getty,
My friend is opening a new stable in Koroea and I need help finding the protien and nutritinal comparison for orchard hay, rice hay and timothy hay. Also what is the best alternative for a mineral block for horse, and one more question what is the ratio to a horse mineral block to cow mineral blocks. Thank you sooooo much. In need of help, dara 
Where are you from? Las Vegas
How did you locate this forum? ask.com
Hello Dara,
I do not have data on “rice hay” per se. Perhaps you are talking about “rice hulls?” Rice hulls mainly consist of indigestible fiber that does not provide much in the way of nutrient value.
Here is some info that will help you with the other two hays:
Timothy Hay
Digestible Energy (Mcals/lb) -- .81
Crude Protein (%) (midbloom) -- 8.6
Calcium (%) -- .43
Phosphorus (%) -- .20
Magnesium (%) -- .12
Orchard Hay
Digestible Energy (Mcals/lb) -- .78
Crude Protein (%)Midbloom -- 7.6
Calcium (%)-- .24
Phosphorus (%)-- .27
Magnesium (%) -- .10
Regarding mineral blocks… I generally recommend that you use a plain, preferably iodized, salt block instead of a mineralized block. Most horses do not like mineralized blocks and depending on the diet, this type of block provide more minerals than necessary.
When purchasing a mineral block, choose one that is for horses and not for ruminants (cows, sheep, goats, etc.) There is a difference in the amount of various minerals, including iron and phosphorus.
Hope this is helpful!
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Thank you very much!!!! Have a great day. Dara Bradell
Where are you from? Las Vegas
How did you locate this forum? ask.com