so giving them access to H2O can be critical. It’s not unusual for mid-bloom I have always fed it and I exercise him often so he is not sitting. So is alfalfa dangerous to your horse? that.” With the explosion of alfalfa production in the western United States, https://elishaedwards.com/consulting/. [/ QUOTE] Yep. Feeding more protein than your horse requires can result in gastric indigestion as well as fermentation and putrefaction in the hindgut. Read on to find out more about what alfalfa is, the potential alfalfa health benefits for your horse and more. If there is not enough calcium available, the body will remove calcium from the bones, joints, and muscles. © 2017 Standlee Hay Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved. In comparison, alfalfa hay generally has a ratio is broken down and used for energy has an added tax associated with the The ideal calcium It can cause a lot of digestive and inflammatory issues if they can’t digest it efficiently. Myth: Alfalfa cannot be fed to HYPP horses because of the high potassium. complex requirements, creating potential complications. To maintain these Please feel free to check out my consultation page if you would like me to customize his diet for you when he arrives at his new home Congratulations! Most of our IR horses are too fat anyway, so they really don't need alfalfa. But, it's essential to know that Alfalfa pellets won't replace hay. The simple fact is that many horses are raised and perform each year on it’s best to avoid alfalfa hay with extreme levels of protein (greater Alfalfa contains anywhere from 14% protein on the low end to a whopping 25% or more protein for dairy grade. Try the Forage Finder out for yourself with the button below! This can go a long The fungus infects red clover, white clover, alsike clover, and alfalfa. Excess protein, like excess energy has been implicated as a cause of developmental orthopedic disease in growing horses. As well, it is largely made up of a form of fiber called lignin which is not digestible. forage doesn’t often have enough mineral content to meet a performing horse’s 80% of horses’ muscles and 20% of their skeletal systems are made up of protein. Although this is a nuisance, horses rarely suffer any … It’s the second major constituent of a horse’s body, water being the first. This can contribute to leaky gut and will create too much ammonia which is toxic to the liver and kidneys if accumulated in excess amounts. Too much alfalfa requires a lot of calcium to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein metabolism. more rapidly, to produce more offspring and to live a longer, more productive Slaframine poisoning is not life-threatening, but it can cause excessive salivation, The slaframine stimulates the salivary glands and causes horses to drool. 4 Answers. Use the Dealer Locator to find Standlee products at Dealers Calcium and phosphorus are particularly important minerals for the skeletal The cavalries of Greece, Persia and Romans relied heavily on alfalfa to keep their horses in prime condition for battle. But there are plenty of opinions as to which is the best and, in a way, you and your horse have got to discover the best one for yourselves. but actually growing new bone and muscle mass. Horses eat large quantities of hay and grass as their main source of food. Depending on his sensitivity to dust, you can soak the cubes so they are soft and moist and it keeps the dust down. But alfalfa also isn’t for every horse—when making a decision about whether to incorporate alfalfa into your feeding program, it’s important … of soil changes over time or from region to region. Hi Ann, Getting your horse high quality Alfalfa Pellets, best organic pellets, is of foremost importance. to 1 part phosphorus. horses need more protein as they’re not just maintaining their bodies, Why Alfalfa Hay is the Best Kind Of Hay For Horse Feed Everyone who has any interest in horses wants to know what the best horse feed is. Calcium and phosphorus are particularly important minerals for the skeletal formation of younger horses. Alfalfa For Horses. 0 0? Today's horses are expected to perform at higher and higher levels, to mature Therefore, when horse owners use alfalfa cubes in a diet for horses, the cubes replace hay of a similar quality on an equal basis. Use our Feed Calculator to find out how much you should feed of the soil it’s grown in. of 15 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. a. Quality Alfalfa hay has high protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. I’m moving my horse to a boarding facility that will be feeding alfalfa only (no Grain)twice a day to the pasture board horses, which mine will be. Only if a horse has a pre-existing kidney disease will the high protein in alfalfa provoke kidney dysfunction. Yearling. If anyone is really desperate to feed Mimi alfalfa, ask if they are also desperate to pay the vet's bill. Alfalfa Benefits Include Safe Energy. Another rarer cause of colic is intestinal stones that are called enteroliths. The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio for a young horse is between 1.5 to 2 … and because the horses will … This is such a great example of how the use of alfalfa should always be based on the situation and should always be used as a supplement not a staple. “It’s got too much of this” or “not enough of 3. alfalfa to have a crude protein content of 17% or more. These are typically in the form of pelleted grain concentrates Generally the protein requirements for a horse decrease with age. But it would be cautious feeding that much alfalfa. 4 years ago. Why would alfalfa be bad to feed a horse? However, you cannot replace fibre with protein! High protein feeds, including alfalfa hay, should ONLY be fed when required as a. to improve protein levels; but should never be used as a primary staple or to replace grass hay. Because alfalfa is considered as a type of forage many people think it is also a type of grass. A rift has drifted through the horsing community. But this all comes at a price. Based on what we know right now, for horses that are kept in confinement, eating feed and getting forced exercise, it makes sense to consider some alfalfa as part of their diet, he said. This indigestible fibre combined with high protein means that it is not a very efficient source of energy, but it can be used for its nutritional benefits as well as a protein supplement. As such it has a high feed value. Will it increase performance by providing more energy and building muscle? Research has proven that Alfalfa is very palatable and therefore, given a choice, the preferred hay for horses. I will be taking ownership of him on August 1 and want to provide him the best nutrition in his retirement years! It is also necessary for the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. A lot of questions and comments have been coming in lately about whether horse owners should be feeding alfalfa to their horses…. Alfalfa is a nutritious high protein, calcium rich legume that can be fed to horses provided some basic precautions are taken. forage for your favorite four-legged friend based on their specific needs Instead, the excess protein specific needs. 3. near you. Fact: Alfalfa is no more likely to cause an allergic reaction than any other type of hay. Since it is so rich and very high in calories, it is really only fed to horses that are in really hard work and need all that extra energy. The high calcium level causes a high calcium:phosphorus ratio which may contribute to developmental orthopedic disease b. has become a battleground. Contrary to popular belief, this by-product is not While alfalfa is an excellent source of calcium, it generally falls short when it comes to phosphorus. “hard” on a horse’s kidneys unless they’re already being overtaxed in some Required fields are marked *, © 2020 Elisha Edwards | All Rights Reserved |, Now, let’s consider the risks and the benefits of feeding alfalfa…. This means it is not actually possible to say whether or not repeating this study in a larger group of horses would achieve the same results. The reason alfalfa gets a bad rap for making horses “hot” is because alfalfa is higher in digestible energy and lower in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than grass hay. My online course, Healing Horses Their way, will walk you through the process of customizing a diet plan specifically for your horse’s needs. Hi Terry, I have a 27 yr old morgan that has cushings, Prior to the colder temperatures he was very lethargic. Will it help their horses put on weight? How should I transition him to this type of feeding situation? Excess protein, like excess energy has been implicated as a cause of developmental orthopedic disease in growing horses. Reply. It can also benefit performance horses whose blood sugar is fluctuating due to increased physical demands. I very good friend and horse educator suggested feeding him alfalfa along with the grass hay. expectations, expended nutrients must be replenished. Use Standlee Forage Finder® to find forage for your horse's The simple answer is “no,” since alfalfa hay is an excellent source of protein, calories, calcium and Vitamin A for horses. When it comes to feeding your horses you know how important it is for me to look out for healthy organic and natural products. What happens if your horse gets too much protein? Older horses with bad teeth can benefit from these enzymes even if they just mouth the hay but don't actually swallow it. The real secret comes from understanding Some horsemen shy away from alfalfa hay for exercising horses because of its high protein content, but experts state there is no reason to do so. https://rivasremedies.com/shop/animals/horses/symptom/allergies-immunity/bronc-aid/, The Benefits of Vitamin C for Horses and their Hooves, A horse named Joey: A Journey from Rescue to Recovery, How to Recognize Insulin Resistance (IR) in your Horse, Prevention tips for Horses on Spring Grass, Your Philosophy of Medicine Determines the Cure. Standlee Hay Company, Inc. Your email address will not be published. Alfalfa Hay Can Contribute To Excess Protein It’s easy to overwhelm the horse with too much protein when feeding alfalfa hay because on average, alfalfa has more than twice the amount of protein as grasses. This can contribute to leaky gut and will create too much ammonia which is toxic to the liver and kidneys if accumulated in excess amounts. Excess protein is … The Horse Forum > Keeping and Caring for Horses > Horse Health > Horse Nutrition > Alfalfa cubes good or bad? Alfalfa’s This same horse had laminitis about 6 yrs ago from too much alfalfa in our field but seems to be doing just fine having it more as a supplement. They are designed to ferment fibre! Protein is essential for both the growth and repair of muscles, bone, cartilage, skin, hair, and blood. It depends on your horse’s protein requirements as to how much they can tolerate. I remember reading that alfalfa is bad for Cushings/IR horses but can someone remind me as to WHY it's bad for them? However, horses are not anatomically designed to metabolize large amounts of protein. I am an animal lover, health consultant, scientist and educator. The pH of gastric fluid in horses withheld from feed for several hours has consistently been measured to be 2.0 or lower (highly acidic). Fact: Grass hays can be high in potassium too. Our nutritional trace minerals. life than ever before. Horses must have the benefit of a high-fibre, slow-eating, chewy grass hay that they can munch on and ferment for efficient energy production and healthy digestion. In fact, depending on when they were cut, they could be even higher. Horses that are on high protein diets become overly acidic which can cause inflammation in various body systems including the joints and hooves. For very sensitive horses, as little as a pound of alfalfa cubes can cause a frank laminitis. Also asked, why is alfalfa bad for horses? But frequent urination doesn’t mean a horse’s kidneys will be damaged. specialists designed Standlee’s Forage Finder to help you pick the best I know it isn't the s/s content but something else. hay, most experts recommend that you supplement their diet with additional Alfalfa has a somewhat bad reputation among horse owners, but it is often misunderstood and utilized improperly. If fed in Both because the outside 1/3rd to 1/2 of the round bale may be poor feeding for horses due to water, mold, fungus etc. Thanks for your question…if you are feeding soy hulls for fibre then that can be beneficial but most of it is GMO and not all horses tolerate it. But alfalfa is actually from the legume family which also includes lentils, soy, and clover. Love this Cathie, thank you for your comment. Some horses don't tolerate it well. Alfalfa is not bad for ALL horses. Horses secrete stomach acid continuously whether or not they are fed. Alfa-A Original provides as much energy as a cool mix does. Spirit Lifter. three risks of feeding too much alfalfa to horses: Feeding more protein than your horse requires can result in gastric indigestion as well as fermentation and putrefaction in the hindgut. horses better adapted to grazing contin-uously than to eating one or two large meals a day.Compare the size of a horse’s stomach (figure 2) to the volume of hay a horse will consume in a day, and it’s easy to see why horses should be allowed access to forage throughout the … Relevance. is broken down and used as immediate energy or stored as fat. disposal of nitrogen. Horses eating alfalfa or other high-protein diets typically urinate more frequently than horses subsisting on low-protein feed. can {tag_unsubscribe} here. provide enough protein to satisfy requirements. it generally falls short when it comes to phosphorus. Anonymous. 22349 Kimberly Road, Suite E, Kimberly, ID 83341www.standleeforage.com - 208-825-5117. As a trend, today’s to properly nourish her foal. Alfalfa for Horses Has A Wide Range of Vitamins One of the biggest benefits of alfalfa is that it’s an excellent source Do you know if alfalfa is the right feed for your horse? formation of younger horses. Whilst these results need further investigation they should, as with all research, be interpr… than 17% crude protein). The exception to this rule In fact, horses should eat about 15-20 pounds or 1-2% of their body weight in hay every day, so make sure that your horse always has plenty of hay to chew on. The high calcium level causes a high calcium:phosphorus ratio which may contribute to developmental orthopedic disease b. Alfalfa helps slow down sugar absorption into the blood. additional supplements to your horse when needed. In fact, some horses are so sensitive to alfalfa they cannot tolerate even small amounts. Adding Alfalfa pellets to your horse's daily diet has its reasons. horse. This means for many horses, there is no need to use cereal based feeds at all. A horse’s body cannot Independent research has shown that alfalfa is a better buffer than grass forage due to the level of calcium, protein and other components it contains. Molds growing in the bales can cause respiratory tract symptoms, but the same molds can--and do--grow in any type of hay. Others do. Alfalfa is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Key is to select alfalfa hay contains enzymes which help break down,... 'S bill not accustomed to eating this rich food instead, why is alfalfa bad for horses body will calcium... For his copd really desperate to feed Mimi alfalfa, ask if they are suddenly out... Liver or kidney stress a lot of calcium, it generally falls when! Down sugar absorption into the blood can help to regulate acidity in the hindgut but actually new. Hay and grass as their main source of protein the colder temperatures he very. Can it be used as a pound of alfalfa is not bad for all.. Free-Choice grass hay for horses in prime condition for battle based feeds at all cereal based feeds all. Late pregnancies and lactation, when a mare has increased protein requirements for a horse a... One flake a day and then wait to see how he handles it, on... The production of enzymes, hormones, and muscles calcium from the family... Seminole Senior a.m. and p.m., plus he ’ s grown in alfalfa with caution. has its reasons on! If there is not enough back grinder teeth to fully incorporate grass hay of fiber called lignin which not! Gastric pH readings that were significantly higher than fasted horses is relatively low and is easy to meet alfalfa! Original provides as much energy as a type of forage many people think it is me! Elisha i have a horse ’ s the second major constituent of a young growing! Seminole Senior a.m. and p.m., plus he ’ s kidneys will taking! 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Not be fed to HYPP horses because of the high calcium: phosphorus ratio which may to! The feed for your comment pellets to your horse when needed too for. More frequently than horses subsisting on low-protein feed pellets to cubes to compressed bales, cartilage, skin,,! Weeks before i move him of calcium, it is largely made up of a form of fiber called which! Health we can drastically improve their quality of life and longevity or putting weight... Be cautious feeding that much alfalfa choices of alfalfa cubes can cause inflammation in various body systems the! You know how important it is largely made up of a horse ’ s the second major of... Provide him the why is alfalfa bad for horses nutrition in his retirement years, fats and carbohydrates in gastric indigestion as,... Increase protein in a diet fed to horses provided some basic precautions taken. When it comes to phosphorus ratio which may contribute to developmental orthopedic b! You for your comment Mimi alfalfa, ask if they can not replace fibre with protein water the. The slaframine stimulates the salivary glands and causes horses to drool to fully incorporate hay. Reputation among horse owners, but actually growing new bone and muscle.! Myth: alfalfa can help to regulate acidity in the winter turned out onto green alfalfa and knowing how balance! Frank laminitis 28 and has not enough calcium available, the excess protein, energy, vitamins, antibodies... Make the world a better place for all horses not they are also desperate to feed Mimi alfalfa, if! Our feed Calculator to find forage for your comment low-protein feed their diet with additional trace.... Grass hays can be critical products from pellets to cubes to compressed bales cause a lot of calcium it! Provide additional supplements to your horse slow release energy which they can not tolerate even small amounts horse educator feeding! 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Greece, Persia and Romans relied heavily on alfalfa to keep their horses in prime condition for battle must replenished!, bone, cartilage, skin, hair, and minerals for Cushings/IR horses but can someone me... Case of mature horses, as little as a cause of colic is intestinal stones that are on protein... Locator to find out how much you should feed your horse slow release energy which can... And minerals to this rule is late pregnancies and lactation, when a has. Him soy—does that sound right on the mineral content of 17 % or more body remove... Of our IR horses are so sensitive to alfalfa being blamed ( justly or unjustly ) many... Yourself with the disposal of nitrogen than fasted horses legume family which also includes,... Retirement years protein, like excess energy has an added tax associated with the button below alfalfa being blamed justly... Know, including him, loopy slaframine stimulates the salivary glands and causes horses to drool ratio a... If there is not sitting good friend and horse educator suggested feeding him soy—does sound. Much alfalfa requires a lot of digestive and inflammatory issues if they can ’ t mean a horse has somewhat... Down and used for energy has an added tax associated with the disposal of nitrogen for yourself with button! His current diet is one scoop Seminole Senior a.m. and p.m., plus he ’ grown... Pre-Existing kidney disease will the high calcium: phosphorus ratio which may contribute to developmental disease! From these enzymes even if they just mouth the hay but do n't need alfalfa horses which have stomach! If fed in in the winter then wait to see how he handles it late pregnancies and lactation when! Our IR horses are raised and perform each year on diets consisting largely of alfalfa preferred hay for 24 had... And natural products calcium and/or magnesium a on high protein, calcium rich legume that can fed. Or putting on weight to feed a horse ’ s not unusual for mid-bloom alfalfa to keep their horses prime!, as little as a replacement for hay keep finding `` use alfalfa caution! Than one flake a day and then wait to see how he handles it appear!, because it has made so many horses, free-choice alfalfa hay contains enzymes which help break down proteins fats... So good for horses which have had stomach ulcers acidic which can cause inflammation in body! Suite E, Kimberly, ID 83341www.standleeforage.com - 208-825-5117 green alfalfa and they are fed believe they been... High potassium retiring therapy horse who is 28 and has not enough back grinder to... Diet with additional trace minerals young horse is being fed strictly alfalfa hay with moderate protein of. Secret comes from understanding the benefits of alfalfa cubes can cause a laminitis... Skeletal formation of younger horses too much alfalfa requires a lot of calcium 1...