Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Dr. Getty!
With winter in full swing now this is something I've been wondering about. I know a good way to keep your horse warm at night when the temps drop is to feed additional hay. The question I have is this...is there a particular type of hay that will make a horse more warm than another? A friend told me a while back that alfalfa will keep a horse more comfortably warm at night than bermuda or other grass hays. Someone else told me that it doesn't matter what kind of hay you feed (legume or grass)it will all keep them warm. What are your thoughts on this?
Thank you!!!!!
Where are you from? California
Hi Angel,
Any type of hay will produce body heat as a result of its fermentation in the hind gut. Feeding alfalfa provides additional protein, but that is digested in the small intestine. What reaches the hind gut (large intestine and cecum) is the fibrous portion and that's what gets fermented. So, both types of hay provide fiber and lots of it.
Having said that, it's a good idea in most cases, to feed some alfalfa (either as hay, cubes, or pellets) to balance out the protein quality in the diet.
But, there is no need to offer more alfalfa in cold weather. The key is to offer grass hay at all times -- that's 24/7.
All the best,
Dr. Getty
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO