Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Hay question

> supply of a hybrid grass hay at a good price. The growers tell me that it
is
> 16% protein, but since it is grass hay, a different protein than what is
in
> alfalfa. Is this a true statement?

Hmmm.  The only "different" i can think of is that the amino acid profile
might very well be different, and that can be either a good thing or a bad
thing.  Two, 16% grass hay...that's pretty high, but not unheard of
depending on what species are involved.  I'd personally get an analysis
done, just for grins.

But I am
> concerned about the protein level - is is too high? During the winter, it
> comes down to feeding alfalfa, or a horrible grain hay or not feeding hay.

Given your choices, I'd go for the grass hay you described.  It's not that
horses will drop dead with 16% hay, and during the winter it can even be a
nice advantage, as the extra protein keeps the metabolic fires burning a wee
bit hotter and thus helps maintain body heat.  It's just that you really
don't want to go overboard with it or think more-must-be-better.  For most
horses competing in hot weather, 16% isn't a problem, especially if the 16%
is getting "diluted" some with beet pulp (8% protein) and/or grain (also
8-10% protein) and/or some added fats (0% protein). I would start to pay
more attention to exact protein levels with FEI horses, horses in hot, humid
weather, heavy-muscled horses, horses carrying heavyweight riders; and in
general, horses where heat dissipation is more of an issue.

Good luck, :-)

Susan G



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