Success StoryHay Testing and Equine Health



Hay Testing and Equine Health

Author: Brittany Brewer

Planning Unit: Scott County CES

Major Program: Hay testing

Plan of Work: Commodity Production and Instruction

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Hay and horses are two of the most common agricultural products in Scott County. Both products work hand in hand, however, they also have their own set of challenges. I got to see these challenges on a first-hand basis in March when a horse owner called wanting her hay tested. The owner was concerned about the nutritional value of the hay they had just purchased because they have metabolic horses. I scheduled a farm visit with the owner and explained the need and importance of a hay test. After conducting a farm visit and sending out the sample, I got the results a week later. The analysis showed that the hay was substantial in the starch percentage and water-soluble carbohydrates. It was well over the limit for what is recommended for horses with metabolic issues. I concluded that this hay was unfit for horses with metabolic issues. I reached out to equine specialist Dr. Bob Coleman to get his opinion. He expressed the same opinion. I contacted the horse owner. I shared their results with them, explaining how the hay was unsuitable for metabolic horses. I also further elaborated with publications from the University explaining the hay analysis. The owner expressed their gratitude, saying that they would look for different hay to feed and reach back out to me when they got more hay so they could get it tested again. This farm visit greatly portrays the importance of hay testing and how educating farmers about options available to them through Extension will help them keep their animals healthy. 






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