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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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Iron in Hay Analysis

Hi Dr. Getty,

You have been a big help to me in the past and I have a question about Iron in a hay analysis. I have my IR horse's hay analyzed so I can balance it to what vitamins and minerals he needs. What is considered too much iron and is there anything that will balance it out? I do enjoy your monthly newsletter.

Thanks,
Lynn

Where are you from? New Mexico

How did you locate this forum? search

Re: Iron in Hay Analysis

Hello Lynn,

Most hay (as well as fresh pasture) has adequate iron. I generally see iron content in grass hay around 120 - 200 ppm, though it can vary beyond that.

You want the copper, zinc, and manganese levels in the hay to be balanced with iron. Typically there should be 4 to 5 times more iron than copper. And a Copper:Zinc:Manganese ratio should be from 1:3:3 to 1:5:5.

But before you supplement individual minerals, consider everything else your horse is getting from feeds and supplements. The ratios are not exact, but rather a guideline to avoid large gaps.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Lynn
Hi Dr. Getty,

You have been a big help to me in the past and I have a question about Iron in a hay analysis. I have my IR horse's hay analyzed so I can balance it to what vitamins and minerals he needs. What is considered too much iron and is there anything that will balance it out? I do enjoy your monthly newsletter.

Thanks,
Lynn

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO