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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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Alfalfa/grass or separate bales

So glad your shoulder injury is healed and that you are feeling better. I have a question about feeding bales of combined Grass/alfalfa or is it better for the horse to have separate bales that I pull meals from. The mix would be more convinient for storage and feeding for me, but not sure if it's same nutrition for horse.

Where are you from? California

How did you locate this forum? search

Re: Alfalfa/grass or separate bales

Hi 10 Walker,

Thank you for your well wishes. I am definitely following my own advice and feeding myself "like a horse" to promote bone healing (except I'm not eating alfalfa! )

In answer to your question... I prefer to feed a grass hay, free-choice, rather than one that is mixed with alfalfa simply because mixtures offer too much alfalfa if the horse has all he wants. And, he's very likely to pick out the alfalfa from the bale and get more than he should have.

So, I know it's not as convenient, but the best thing for your horse is all the grass hay he wants (free choice) plus give him 20 - 30% alfalfa as a "condiment" where you offer it to him separately (not free choice.).

Thanks for asking!

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

10 walker
So glad your shoulder injury is healed and that you are feeling better. I have a question about feeding bales of combined Grass/alfalfa or is it better for the horse to have separate bales that I pull meals from. The mix would be more convinient for storage and feeding for me, but not sure if it's same nutrition for horse.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Re: Alfalfa/grass or separate bales

I have also heard that since moisture content is different that grass hay and alfalfa hay require different curing/baling techniques and you will often end up with moldy bales when grass is mixed with alfalfa.

Where are you from? Colorado

How did you locate this forum? internet

Re: Alfalfa/grass or separate bales

Hi Camille,

Mixing grass with alfalfa can be tricky and this is especially true with second cuttings when alfalfa tends to be a higher percentage of the hay.

So, bottom line... I like alfalfa for many reasons (in moderation) but I prefer to feed it separately in order to monitor the amount horses receive, as well as to maintain hay quality.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Camille
I have also heard that since moisture content is different that grass hay and alfalfa hay require different curing/baling techniques and you will often end up with moldy bales when grass is mixed with alfalfa.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO