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Discussion on Which pasture is safer in the fall
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008 - 4:38 pm:
Dr. O, I have Levi, the problem child, I don't know if we have ever really had a spring or fall founder problem as it seems to be more mechanical with his rotation, but I still am extra vigillent with his possible IR as well.
I have one pasture that is long and messy, that has not been grazed on since 2 years ago. The other pasture they have been on all summer so it is very short.
Which of these would be better for extended grazing, less fructons or whatever it is that fall grass causes, or would they both be a problem?
thanks
suz
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008 - 6:13 pm:
Susan I have been down that road too
SUPPOSEDLY the longer mature pasture is "safer", BUT they can eat way more and get fatter...tried it.
What has worked with Hank is keeping him in the short pasture, for the first couple of good frosts I don't let them graze quite as much....then back to normal short pasture grazing.
I let them in the bigger pasture in the dead of winter and they can paw up the grass, that way they don't get as much + they get exercise
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 2, 2008 - 7:08 am:
From the information provided Susan, particularly the information that your horse is not spring or fall pasture sensitive, either pasture could be acceptable. As DianeE says however with all other factors being equal the total nonstructural carbohydrates including fructans will be lower in the more mature grass but there are other daily and environmental factors that effect the NSC composition. For more on this see, Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Founder & Laminitis » Forage (Spring and Fall Pasture) Associated Founder.
DrO
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