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Muffi Delaney
Member
Username: muffi
Post Number: 337
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Sep 14, 2009 - 11:41 pm: |   |
OK we are finally moving back to AZ - in Prescott. I have heard stories of horses dying from Blister Beetle in the hay - Actually met a very nice person who lost her horse to bad hay / Blister beetle.
what is it and how can I prevent it? What should i be looking for?
I tried to find reference in the posionous plants section but could not.
any help would be appreciated. thanks guys |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 23726
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 - 7:26 am: | |
Hello Muffi,
Check out Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Colic in Horses » Blister Beetle Poisoning.
DrO |
elk
Member
Username: ekaufman
Post Number: 1075
Registered: 3-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 - 1:35 pm: | |
Hi Muffi,
I'd also recommend contacting the Agricultural Extension office nearest to your new home, and asking them about the prevalence of the problem. Our local extension was very helpful to me on this topic a couple of years ago, including how to ID the beetles, where/when they tended to be a problem, and they also knew where most of the bad hay was coming from. |
leslie645
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 986
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 - 5:48 pm: | |
Hey Muffi
K
I moved from Prescott to Ky. There are 3 places(feedstores) to get hay from.
K-barbs and Olsens Grain have always had excellent hay. I never saw blister beetles in the alfalfa. never once The hay is expensive but quality. But has always been clean and mold free. And Kbarbs delivers. I prefered the bermuda hay and have found it soooo much higher in nurtition than even the alfalfa here in KY LOL.
I also believe people are buying semi-loads out of Blythe CA but I am not sure of the quality of that hay. If you need it by semi load let me know and I will ask my peeps for refernceses
Let me know if I can answer any questions on the area
Leslie |
leslie645
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 987
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 - 5:53 pm: | |
also you can google blister beetle and see pics of them. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 23732
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 - 7:24 am: | |
leslie, we provide images of the common color pattern variations of Blister Beetles in the article on this site. You should also note that even top quality coastal bermuda will not be as nutritious as a medium quality alfalfa. That is not to say it might not be a better choice for many horses who do not need the extra energy, calcium, and protein but it is important to note the relative values when making decisions about feeding.
DrO |
leslie645
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 988
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2009 - 9:53 am: | |
I understand and agree. But ... I think its all in the way its put up...I practicaly have to feed alfala free choice here...if it isnt moldy its been put up too dry. I think the humidity has alot to do with how hard it is. Ive lived here almost 2 years and still have yet to find a consistant source of excellent quality hay. The funny thing is that Brumhalls feed and hay...the feedstore in Lexington, buys their hay from out west and ships it by the semi load...and boy does it cost. I inquire about it and its like 4 something a ton.
Perhaps Im jaded because last year was a drought and this year the farmers have been franticlly trying to cut and bale between rain drops.
Ive never understood why everyone feeds grain to horses in the winter that are just standing around...but now I do.
Cheers
Leslie |
Muffi Delaney
Member
Username: muffi
Post Number: 339
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, Sep 21, 2009 - 7:42 pm: | |
Well We are here now - I got a good quality Thimothy hay delivered to where we are keeping them till we build the barn in house.-
it's quality hay -=
I don't feed Alfalfa as it makes them too hot.
they get all giggy and stuff. I like the grass hay better - they get all they want so they just graze it slowly all day long.
I will look up that article and check those buggies out ! Thanks Dr O |
