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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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Re: Pasture grasses

Hi Kellie,

You're correct -- rye and fescue are not the best choices. Rye is a cereal grain and is higher in starch than grass hays and fescue harbours a fungus that is not only harmful to pregnant equines, but can cause weight loss (the wrong kind of weight loss) in all horses.

Can you obtain Bermuda, Teff, or a Bermuda mutation (such as Tifton)?

I would suggest contacting your county extension service to get the best advice for your area.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

kellie
I have 7 fat equines - 32" mini-donkeys, ponies, Arabian and a Percheron. My pastures are terrible ~ right now it is dirt and rocks, last spring covered with clover. It would love to have my pastures turned and seeded - but I do not know what to seed. What do you suggest for north Alabama? I have hard rocky red clay - old cow and cotton fields. Fescue and rye grow good, but they are not good for my horses. Any help would be appreciated! I am hoping for your book on feed your horse like a horse for Christmas - bet the answer is in there!
Thank you!!
Kellie

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Re: Pasture grasses

I went to my co-op today and of the three - Bermuda, Timothy and Buffalo - they suggest growing Bermuda due to climate and soil conditions. At least one pasture will be plowed and seeded in spring. Thank you!
Is clover not full of sugar? I typically try to kill it due to fungus and drooling horses.

Where are you from? New Market, AL

Re: Pasture grasses

Hi Kellie,

Good -- Bermuda is a good choice. Clover is not particularly high in sugar, but it is higher in protein and can have a fungus that is toxic, depending on the type of clover.

Dr. Getty

Kellie
I went to my co-op today and of the three - Bermuda, Timothy and Buffalo - they suggest growing Bermuda due to climate and soil conditions. At least one pasture will be plowed and seeded in spring. Thank you!
Is clover not full of sugar? I typically try to kill it due to fungus and drooling horses.

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO