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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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pasture

I live in the Pacific NW and our grass is lush, lush, lush right now. Bright green and tall. I have been very conservative at times of day and duration that the one IR, one chubby, and one pony are out on pasture. WHEN does the grass become "safer"? One pasture has gotten stemmy already and seeded out and they are not nearly so eager on that pasture as opposed to the mowed shorter (higher sugar content?) side. So I put them out on the side they are less fond of. They nibble and often I see all 3 in the loafing shed loafing. I miss watching them out all day. But................ As always, your biggest fan, Cristine

Where are you from? Sedro-Woolley, WA

How did you locate this forum? newsletter

Re: pasture

Hi Cristine,

I can certainly understand your concern and I admire your tenacity in monitoring the grass. But, we can only guess what the sugar/starch levels are -- the only way to know is to analyze your pasture. And even then, it is only a snapshot of that day and time. But, the good news is... as the summer progresses the grass tends to not store as much non-structural carbohydrates.

Testing is still the best approach. Take a sample on a sunny day, late in the afternoon (worst case scenario). Then sample the next morning, before dawn (best case scenario). Go to Equi-Analytical's website for instructions. It is easy to do.

Keep me posted.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Cristine Cameron
I live in the Pacific NW and our grass is lush, lush, lush right now. Bright green and tall. I have been very conservative at times of day and duration that the one IR, one chubby, and one pony are out on pasture. WHEN does the grass become "safer"? One pasture has gotten stemmy already and seeded out and they are not nearly so eager on that pasture as opposed to the mowed shorter (higher sugar content?) side. So I put them out on the side they are less fond of. They nibble and often I see all 3 in the loafing shed loafing. I miss watching them out all day. But................ As always, your biggest fan, Cristine

Where are you from? Waverly, Ohio