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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

I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.

And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.  

 

All the best,

 Dr. Getty 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Sugar in grass

Hi Dr. Getty: We talked about keeping Troy off the pasture except after the sun goes down because sugar is produced during photosynthesis, which requires sun. Well if the grass makes sugar during the day light hours, and according to one source I read plants are highest in sugar at about 4:00 PM then where does all the sugar go after the sun goes down? Wouldn't it be sored in the grass? So much to learn about managing a laminitic horse!

Where are you from? Columbia, SC

How did you locate this forum? Google

Re: Sugar in grass

Hi Elyce,

Good question! Actually, after the sun sets, the plant relies on the sugar it has produced during the day to provide the energy it needs during the dark hours. So, by the time the sun rises again in the morning, the sugar levels are at their lowest.

So, the safest times are after dark through sunrise. In fact early morning, before dawn, is the best time of all. As the day progresses, the sugar level increases and reaches its peak during the late afternoon.

Dr. Getty