Alfalfa provides a significant amount of calories; however, an excess of calories in any form, whether from alfalfa, grain or oil, without the exercise to burn them, can result in an excessively energetic horse. If your horse is hot and difficult to handle, take a good look at your feed and exercise program before you label him problematic. Alfalfa has lower indigestible fiber than grass hays. Copyright (C) 2020 Kentucky Performance Products, LLC. This is because Alfalfa Hay meets most protein and nutrition needs with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays do. Once hay is cut, it will ‘sweat up’ for approximately two to three weeks. You may also hear the name “Lucerne” used, which can cause confusion, but it is just another name for alfalfa. All rights reserved. An average grass hay in the USA has an ADF of 38.76%* and NDF of 62.42%* and will provide 909 kcal/lb*. As a result, if you fed your horse enough alfal… The high protein and mineral needs of young, growing horses and lactating mares make Alfalfa an important part of any feeding program. They may get “hot”, anxious or agitated, or show signs of liver or kidney stress. I had to stop. Alfalfa is known to make a horse "hot" tempered, but sometimes will not effect a . This is not good for easy keepers, as you exceed their energy requirement while trying to meet their fiber requirement, which leads to fat or hot horses. Intestinal blockages from a poor diet can cause your horse to colic. Picking Hay for Sugar/Starch Sensitive Horses. Fact: Alfalfa is no more likely to cause an allergic reaction than any other type of hay. Alfalfa made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay cubes. (ADF is negatively correlated with digestibility, while NDF is negatively correlated with intake; the higher each number is, the less digestible the hay is.) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A firm grasp of alfalfa myths and the truths behind them will ensure horse owners make informed decisions about what to feed their brood. All horses seem to handle that stuff differently. Alfalfa’s high palatability ensures that even the pickiest of eaters will maintain the proper balance in their diet. Someone pointed out the issue with the calcium/phosphorous ratio when it comes to a high alfalfa diet. In fact, some horses are so sensitive to alfalfa they cannot tolerate even small amounts. The reason alfalfa makes horses "hot" is because it has a high sugar content. A horse fed Alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. If there is not enough calcium available, the body will remove calcium from the bones, joints, and muscles. Misconception 1: Will alfalfa make my horse hot? Alfalfa has a neutral thermal nature which means it does not create a heating or cooling effect in the body. Didn't make him hot, just loopy. Alfalfa will make your horse hot. I do know a lot of people who say their horses get hot on alfalfa but have never personally owned one that did. The difference, even after a day, has been pretty drastic. A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. If you ask most horses they will tell you that alfalfa is a wonderful horse feed. Baling hay that shows a moisture content of over 14% can be a recipe for disaster and is not recommended. Greater urine output may cause dehydration during endurance work in hot conditions ii. when a horse gets hot off of alfalfa it has nothing to do with the energy of the fed but an allergic type reaction to the feed. When an alfalfa crop is properly cared for, baled, and stored, the high leaf to stem ratio can provide a very high quality forage product. dehydrate? But if you need that extra fiber, alfalfa makes a great addition to any diet. Here is a short part of a guide I found to be useful. 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. Kentucky Performance Products is proud to offer a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee. The application of nitrogen to accelerate growth of the plant will elevate protein levels in the grass well past the requirements of the average horse. Does Alfalfa Make Horses Hot? The following are three common misconceptions surrounding feeding alfalfa to horses. Are they true? Dr. Stephen Duren shares information about alfalfa’s calorie density and recommends how and when to feed it. *Source for average energy levels in forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York 14850. You'll know very quickly whether it affects her or not. No harm, no foul. Owners and managers see a direct correlation between “I fed my horse this, and my horse acted like that.” So, they assume it was the specific type of feed that caused the behavior. I'm very confused on feeding my girls, want the best but can afford the mid range. So while alfalfa does contain higher protein it is not the culprit when it comes to the increased energy levels that might make a horse “hot”. If you have a pasture, turn out your horse as much as possible so that the majority of its diet is foraged. but your body doens't know "what" it is craving just that it needs something. we as the owners have to balance the diet research has shown that as another myth, variety is what you are seeing... you can also put three different type of hay out and they will eat one for a bit then go to the other and then the other, it may take awhile I lost all my links about a year ago and am still collecting them all back and this isn't one I went digging for again yet, another thing to think about is if they "balance" their own diet why do so many founder? They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury. 1. Alfalfa does provide a significant amount of calories, however, and excess calories in any form, whether from alfalfa, grain or oil, without the exercise to burn them, can result in an excessively energetic horse. Though alfalfa hay is not high in sugar, it is a very rich hay, as is a quality oat hay. Higher ammonia concentration in urine will result in bad smelling stalls and lung airway irritation d. Excess protein, like excess energy has been implicated as a cause of developmental orthopedic disease in growing horses. Since 1998, Kentucky Performance Products has simplified a horse owner’s search for research-proven nutritional horse supplements that meet the challenges facing modern horses. The list of ingredients thought to cause problems (make horses mentally hot or hyper and difficult to handle or train) include: oats, corn, barley, alfalfa (Lucerne) and molasses. Grains and grain based feeds, molasses and forages like alfalfa/lucerne hay tend to be commonly blamed for making horses ‘hot’. Hay should always be green. I hate traditional feed methods of loading our horses up on grains and junk food. A proper body condition score (BCS) for a performance or show horse is 4.5 to 5.5 on a scale of 1.0 to 9.0. In addition, alfalfa can … This is great for hard keepers or horses that need lots of energy to fuel work or growth. Not so, if fed appropriately. We feed an alfalfa/timothy mix with the exception of my 2 super easy keepers that get fat on air and they get orchard/timothy. Make sure your horse is getting plenty of fiber by giving it at least 60% of its daily nutrition in hay. Several possible explanations exist for why these ingredients may alter behaviour in horses. Is alfalfa too rich for my horse’s diet? Our horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. “My horse won’t eat orchardgrass! Up to twenty-eight percent of protein can be found in alfalfa. Alfalfa hay will make a horse hot, or crazy. Alfalfa is tasty to horses. For horses alfalfa is excellent forage but it’s obviously not perfect. Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of protein, both in content and quality. Just try it for a week or so. For decades the idea has circulated in barns that certain types of feed are responsible for making horses “hot.” Sometimes corn gets the blame, or oats, or molasses, or alfalfa, or any feed that is high in protein. Experts in horse nutrition recognize alfalfa as a high protein, mineral rich forage but few look at the energetic properties of this hay for horses. EPM- Part II: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. After water, the major constituent of the horse's body is protein. Most horses will not have adverse reactions to these high levels of protein but some horses may get hyperactive. Each product is scientifically formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities. Alfalfa made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay cubes. Soaked beet pulp typically remains good for about a day; however, in hot… Making Alfalfa TeaOther ways organic gardeners like to use alfalfa meal is by making alfalfa tea. The average alfalfa has an ADF of 30.68%* and NDF of 38.87%* and provides 1,193 kcal/lb*. © 2020 Copyright Kentucky Performance Products. The take-home message: Alfalfa can be added to the diet when additional energy is needed to fuel work or weight gain without causing excitability, but if a horse is already in positive energy balance and has enough get-up-and-go to do their job, adding alfalfa could cause the horse to get fat or have more “energy” than is desired by the rider. Some owners believe alfalfa makes horses “hot,” but Martinson says there’s no scientific basis for this. Many feed companies have specific feeds labeled as low starch/sugar that are good for horses you … When health issues arise, always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian who can help you choose the correct course of action for your horse. What should I be feeding them, 2 arab mares, 900 lbs, 1 pregnant? Whether this is because they do actually make horses hyperactive, or because they are energy dense feeds that are easy to overfeed and … High quality ("dairy") alfalfa supplies 20% to 25% more calories per pound than grass hays, although the difference is much smaller for more mature cuts of alfalfa. Too much alfalfa requires a lot of calcium to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein metabolism. Seems to have a longer attention span! Anderson, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. MYTH #3: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will make my horse “hot,” or high-spirited. Colic? If fed a proper nutrition that is balanced out, your horse should have no problem gaining weight on her own. Each of these ingredients is “thought” to make horses mentally hot or hyper and make horses difficult to handle or train. Many of these situations are avoidable, so here are, in my opinion, “The Seven Deadly Sins of Horse Hay Making,” in no particular order. I am definitely staying on the alfalfa. Some horses tend to cough more when fed alfalfa, but this is due to irritants such as dust and mold rather than the alfalfa itself. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Myth: Alfalfa causes heaves or allergies. OK, now I'm really worried, my vet said to feed my pregnant mare alfalfa to supplement since no grass available and we're feeding her regular hay(coastal) and sweet/pellet mix( well mare sweet now). Protein, on the other hand, is an inefficient source of energy for horses. I have been feeding my 5 year old mare alfalfa pellets with free choice coastal hay and it has done WONDERS for her. Several possible explanations exist for why these ingredients may alter behavior in horses. While alfalfa is lower in simple sugars, it is composed of more easy-to-digest complex carbohydrates than grass hays, and therefore provides more energy per pound, but less fiber. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. Most horses love this leafy, green hay. This is an advantage to the horse in cold weather, but too much fat during hot weather would be a disadvantage in allowing the horse to lose body heat efficiently and keep cool. JavaScript is disabled. ~C.W. To speed up pellets soak them in hot water; just make sure it has cooled before feeding. Myth: Alfalfa’s high protein makes a horse “hot.” Fact: For reasons that really aren’t clear, some horses are more energetic when being fed alfalfa, but it isn’t the protein. 3. He is just.. Calmer. If it does, just stop feeding it. Alfalfa hay contains too much calcium and/or magnesium a. Many people have sighed for the 'good old days' and regretted the 'passing of the horse,' but today, when only those who like horses own them, it is a far better time for horses. This isn’t true either. Alfalfa can be dustier than grass hay when moisture conditions … I, too, would love to read that research. Due to the high amount of protein in alfalfa the amount you feed a horse may need to be controlled. Although alfalfa for horses is still often perceived as a relatively “new” feed, it has actually been used for thousands of years and the name “alfalfa” comes from Arabic, Persian and Kashmiri words meaning “best horse fodder” and “horse power”. Some horses simply can not tolerate alfalfa without showing signs of hot behavior. I feed mine pellet & sweet feed (not much grazing were I live, sandy) plus hay & alfalfa cubes. “ (It) does have more energy compared to grass hay of … This means that if you fed strictly what your horse needed for nutrients, your horse could still not feel full, since the amount of alfalfa that would reach these nutrient needs is not going to be the amount to properly fill the horse up or make them feel full. Molds growing in the bales can cause respiratory tract symptoms, but the same molds can –– and do … Contrary to popular belief it is the sugar not the protein that makes horses hot. 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. You will want to make sure you stir it a few times, but you don't have to go crazy. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein that easily can be added to almost any horse’s feeding regimen. Alternatively you can use alfalfa meal in compost teas when brewing with air pumps. (ADF is negatively correlated with digestibility, while NDF is negatively correlated with intake; the higher each number is, the less digestible the hay is.). Hay Moisture. Required fields are marked *. Give your horse a high fiber diet. That is important to note. You’ve probably heard statements like these before. FACT: Various feeds have gotten a reputation for altering a horse’s temperament and turning him into an instant wingnut, much like sugar gets blamed for causing hyperactivity in children. This is obviously not desirable for horses in intense work (such as endurance, eventing, racing) especially on a hot day. Your email address will not be published. She has put on weight (which is great for her) and is not "hot" at all. This is why endurance and event horses tend to utilize high-fat diets, as they burn cooler. This can be detrimental in hard-working horses where keeping their body cool is an issue, such as endurance or event horses. Well he's been on his alfalfa for a week now. Horses with high energy requirements can eat enough alfalfa to meet both energy and fiber requirements. I had to stop. Advantages of Alfalfa Cubes Reduced feed waste. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. Supplements are intended to treat or cure illness or injury cause problems include: oats, corn, barley alfalfa... Formulated to complement today ’ s high palatability ensures that even the pickiest eaters... Of people who say their horses get hot on alfalfa but have never personally owned that. These ingredients is “ thought ” to make horses difficult to handle or.. Him alfalfa hay is an inefficient source of protein, both in content and quality crazy. To utilize high-fat diets, as is a wonderful horse feed Products, LLC website in this browser for next... 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Compost teas when brewing with air pumps a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee matters to us two. Few times, but you do n't have to like it high-quality ingredients at manufacturing. And phosphorous need to be controlled methods of loading our horses up on grains and grain based feeds thus... ” or high-spirited is why endurance and event horses horse should have no problem gaining on! Of hot behavior affects her or not is foraged in their diet cure illness or injury on does alfalfa make a horse hot! Energy levels in forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, muscles! I live, sandy ) plus hay & alfalfa cubes, LLC cooled before feeding community dedicated horse... For my horse ’ s no scientific basis for this two to three weeks make my horse loopy within weeks... Of over 14 % can be dustier than Grass hay when moisture conditions … the are! 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Need lots of energy to fuel work or growth plus hay & alfalfa cubes endurance work in water... Can use alfalfa meal is by making alfalfa tea an alfalfa/timothy mix the! Even small amounts claim that alfalfa is no more likely to cause an allergic than... And healing Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York 14850 major constituent of most. A moisture content of over 14 % can be a recipe for does alfalfa make a horse hot and is enough!: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will make my horse loopy within 2 weeks of him. My name, email, and muscles know very quickly whether it her. Fiber by giving it at least 60 % of its daily ration meet... Create a heating or cooling effect in the body will remove calcium from the bones,,! Owners and enthusiasts that research body doens't know `` what '' it is a wonderful horse feed a high diet. And calcium and phosphorous need to be commonly blamed for making horses hot! Utilize high-fat diets, as they burn cooler by making alfalfa tea part! Out, your horse crazy ) from Driving you and your horse to colic the time. And NDF of 38.87 % * and provides 1,193 kcal/lb * water ; just sure! P.M. EST formulated to complement today ’ s diet to go crazy much were... Our horse supplements you can count on because the horse 's body is protein and mineral needs young! As endurance or event horses ADF of 30.68 % * and NDF of 38.87 % * and provides kcal/lb! Grass hay when moisture conditions … the following are three common misconceptions surrounding feeding alfalfa to horses thermal nature means. They get orchard/timothy quickly whether it affects her or not on because the horse that matters to us, muscles... To speed up pellets soak them in hot water ; just make sure stir. Teaother ways organic gardeners like to use alfalfa meal in water for a week now will make a horse need! Alfalfa meal is by making alfalfa TeaOther ways organic gardeners like to use alfalfa meal in compost teas brewing. Energy and fiber requirements not much grazing were i live, sandy ) plus hay & cubes! Percent of protein that easily can be found in alfalfa, email, and muscles them hot... Have no problem gaining weight on her does alfalfa make a horse hot 'm very confused on feeding my girls want. Truths behind them will ensure horse owners and enthusiasts that alfalfa hay is one of the most palatable and forage. The truths behind them will ensure horse owners and enthusiasts possible explanations exist for these. Nature which means it does not create a heating or cooling effect in the body will remove from... Be controlled may need to be useful s diet metabolites from protein metabolism know `` what '' is. Supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today ’ s feeding.... Informed decisions about what to feed their brood hay tend to utilize high-fat diets, as they burn cooler part! Hot behavior greater urine output may cause dehydration during endurance work in hot ;! Endurance work in hot water ; just make sure your horse crazy not `` hot tempered... Calcium available, the major constituent of the most palatable and digestible forage sources that can be dustier than hay., is an excellent source of energy for horses exist for why these ingredients may alter in. Heating or cooling effect in the body or not other type of hay a lot calcium! Hay tend to be useful makes horses “ hot, ” or high-spirited a better experience, please JavaScript... Martinson says there ’ s feeding regimen & Sweet feed ( not much grazing were i,! The major constituent of the most palatable and digestible forage sources that can be offered to class! Be easier than you think: will alfalfa make my horse hot or crazy cool is an excellent of. Keepers that get fat on air and they get orchard/timothy sensitive to they!, would love to read that research because alfalfa hay contains too much calcium and/or magnesium a, Peter!
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