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Forages in the Horse's Diet, an Overview
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Introduction

Introduction » Horses Need Forage » What is Forage? » Pasture » Hay » By-products » Feed requirements of horses: » Approximate nutritional value of common forages: » Changing the Forage in a Horses Diet » More Info 

Any foodstuff that contains at least 18% crude fiber can be classified as a forage. Forage is an essential part of the horse's diet and can come from pasture, harvested feeds like hay, and even food byproducts like beet pulp. As a minimum two thirds of a horse's diet, by weight, should consist of forage. Some show horses get by with only one half of the diet being forage, but they are at increased risk for colic, founder, and stable vices.

Getting enough good quality forage in a horse's diet can present a problem. The season, weather, large amounts of storage space required, tooth problems, heaves (COPD), and pregnancy may all contribute to finding adequate amounts of suitable forage. This article consists of an overview of available forages, their nutritional characteristics, and how they may be used in a feeding program.
      ~Word Count: 5398 words (The average magazine page contains about 600 words);
      ~Last Updated: August 16, 2008;

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Discussions on Forages for Horses, an Overview

Subtopics Posts Updated
iconNo hay, no pasture, no alfalfa cubes, grain ONLY?Aug 13, 08
iconProblem buying hay this year27 Jul 31, 08
iconQuestion about current feeding regimenJul 15, 08
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iconHay compactedJan 17, 08
iconHay Quality/Protein and TDN %Dec 30, 07
iconLovin' the round bales!14 Aug 7, 08
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iconNC to Help with Hay Shipping CostsSep 19, 07
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iconWhat's this weed in our hay?18 Feb 7, 07
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iconChanging Feed Prior to MovingAug 29, 05
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iconPeanut hay25 Mar 3, 08
iconHelp with Nutrition and weight gain.45 Oct 25, 05
iconRye hayMay 1, 05
iconCanary hayNov 22, 04
iconSupplement to soft grassy HaySep 21, 04
iconLetting a farm field rest before planting pasture10 Jun 18, 05
iconRound Bales of Hay...OK or Not?45 Nov 17, 06
iconAlfalfa Only Diet 2?Apr 5, 04
iconAlfalfa Only Diet?Oct 10, 07
iconMixing hayJan 9, 04
iconGood pasture...hay needed?Nov 14, 03
iconOrchard Grass Hay with Wheat stalksJul 16, 03
iconCan a horse be this sensitive? 23 Jun 30, 03
iconFeeding last year's hay21 Jun 30, 03
iconWhere Is That Chart???Jun 19, 03
iconRound bale hay loose--danger?Feb 7, 03
icon2 hours of pasture to start?Nov 18, 02
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