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. Didn't make him hot, just loopy. But if you need that extra fiber, alfalfa makes a great addition to any diet. Good quality alfalfa hay is one of the most palatable and digestible forage sources that can be offered to any class of horse. She has put on weight (which is great for her) and is not "hot" at all. Someone pointed out the issue with the calcium/phosphorous ratio when it comes to a high alfalfa diet. The high protein and mineral needs of young, growing horses and lactating mares make Alfalfa an important part of any feeding program. Many feed companies have specific feeds labeled as low starch/sugar that are good for horses you … You'll know very quickly whether it affects her or not. The average alfalfa has an ADF of 30.68%* and NDF of 38.87%* and provides 1,193 kcal/lb*. Does Alfalfa Make Horses Hot? dehydrate? (ADF is negatively correlated with digestibility, while NDF is negatively correlated with intake; the higher each number is, the less digestible the hay is.) All rights reserved. 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. Here is a short part of a guide I found to be useful. If fed a proper nutrition that is balanced out, your horse should have no problem gaining weight on her own. Soaked beet pulp typically remains good for about a day; however, in hot… Each product is scientifically formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities. Hay should always be green. 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? To speed up pellets soak them in hot water; just make sure it has cooled before feeding. 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. ~C.W. Alfalfa’s high palatability ensures that even the pickiest of eaters will maintain the proper balance in their diet. 1. You just have to see your distance...you don't have to like it. Alfalfa made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay cubes. Your email address will not be published. An average grass hay in the USA has an ADF of 38.76%* and NDF of 62.42%* and will provide 909 kcal/lb*. Whether this is because they do actually make horses hyperactive, or because they are energy dense feeds that are easy to overfeed and … 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. *Source for average energy levels in forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York 14850. Due to the high amount of protein in alfalfa the amount you feed a horse may need to be controlled. 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. What should I be feeding them, 2 arab mares, 900 lbs, 1 pregnant? Intestinal blockages from a poor diet can cause your horse to colic. get toxcity? 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”. The reason alfalfa makes horses "hot" is because it has a high sugar content. 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. 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. 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). Up to twenty-eight percent of protein can be found in alfalfa. Are they true? You may also hear the name “Lucerne” used, which can cause confusion, but it is just another name for alfalfa. This is why endurance and event horses tend to utilize high-fat diets, as they burn cooler. Advantages of Alfalfa Cubes Reduced feed waste. Dr. Stephen Duren shares information about alfalfa’s calorie density and recommends how and when to feed it. Just try it for a week or so. If you ask most horses they will tell you that alfalfa is a wonderful horse feed. Alfalfa has a neutral thermal nature which means it does not create a heating or cooling effect in the body. 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. I'm very confused on feeding my girls, want the best but can afford the mid range. Some claim that alfalfa hay will make a horse hot or crazy. Making Alfalfa TeaOther ways organic gardeners like to use alfalfa meal is by making alfalfa tea. Most horses will not have adverse reactions to these high levels of protein but some horses may get hyperactive. That is important to note. Fact: Alfalfa is no more likely to cause an allergic reaction than any other type of hay. In addition, alfalfa can … You can do this many ways, but it can be as simple as soaking the meal in water for a day or two. A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Alfalfa hay contains too much calcium and/or magnesium a. You’ve probably heard statements like these before. The fix just might be easier than you think! JavaScript is disabled. After water, the major constituent of the horse's body is protein. I had to stop. The following are three common misconceptions surrounding feeding alfalfa to horses. This is great for hard keepers or horses that need lots of energy to fuel work or growth. 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. The amount of protein supplied by alfalfa can go a long way toward satisfying the high protein requirements of young … If it does, just stop feeding it. Generally senior feeds are low in sugar and starch and higher in fat which make them a good source of calories without the extra energy. I have been feeding my 5 year old mare alfalfa pellets with free choice coastal hay and it has done WONDERS for her. This can be detrimental in hard-working horses where keeping their body cool is an issue, such as endurance or event horses. Your email address will not be published. I hate traditional feed methods of loading our horses up on grains and junk food :) Some horses simply can not tolerate alfalfa without showing signs of hot behavior. Alfalfa is tasty to horses. Misconception 1: Will alfalfa make my horse hot? 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”. 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. Each of these ingredients is “thought” to make horses mentally hot or hyper and make horses difficult to handle or train. No harm, no foul. He is just.. Calmer. Once hay is cut, it will ‘sweat up’ for approximately two to three weeks. 3. 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. This is because Alfalfa Hay meets most protein and nutrition needs with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays do. Copyright (C) 2020 Kentucky Performance Products, LLC. MYTH #3: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will make my horse “hot,” or high-spirited. Well he's been on his alfalfa for a week now. “ (It) does have more energy compared to grass hay of … For horses alfalfa is excellent forage but it’s obviously not perfect. Alfalfa hay will make a horse hot, or crazy. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Not so, if fed appropriately. 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. Though alfalfa hay is not high in sugar, it is a very rich hay, as is a quality oat hay. Horses with high energy requirements can eat enough alfalfa to meet both energy and fiber requirements. 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. All horses seem to handle that stuff differently. Hay Moisture. Many of these situations are avoidable, so here are, in my opinion, “The Seven Deadly Sins of Horse Hay Making,” in no particular order. Required fields are marked *. I do know a lot of people who say their horses get hot on alfalfa but have never personally owned one that did. Alfalfa has lower indigestible fiber than grass hays. Some owners believe alfalfa makes horses “hot,” but Martinson says there’s no scientific basis for this. Alfalfa made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay cubes. 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. Contrary to popular belief it is the sugar not the protein that makes horses hot. Protein, on the other hand, is an inefficient source of energy for horses. How to Stop Sweet Itch (Summer Itch) From Driving You and Your Horse Crazy! The list of ingredients thought to cause problems include: oats, corn, barley, alfalfa and molasses. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury. you get my point. Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of protein, both in content and quality. Much of the excess protein is urinated away. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Alternatively you can use alfalfa meal in compost teas when brewing with air pumps. EPM- Part II: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. 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. Colic? 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. Myth: Alfalfa causes heaves or allergies. Molds growing in the bales can cause respiratory tract symptoms, but the same molds can –– and do … As a result, if you fed your horse enough alfal… Anderson, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. Kentucky Performance Products is proud to offer a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee. Timothy is a common grass hay; it’s pretty easy to identify with its stove-pipe shape and has a recognizable name, so it’s often propelled into the “hay of choice” for many horse owners. 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. © 2020 Copyright Kentucky Performance Products. The difference, even after a day, has been pretty drastic. You will want to make sure you stir it a few times, but you don't have to go crazy. 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. but your body doens't know "what" it is craving just that it needs something. A horse fed Alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. What is true is that protein “burns hotter” than fats and carbohydrates, so if a horse is using protein as an energy source they produce more internal body heat. Most horses love this leafy, green hay. If there is not enough calcium available, the body will remove calcium from the bones, joints, and muscles. I had to stop. 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. Grains and grain based feeds, molasses and forages like alfalfa/lucerne hay tend to be commonly blamed for making horses ‘hot’. Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. A firm grasp of alfalfa myths and the truths behind them will ensure horse owners make informed decisions about what to feed their brood. They may get “hot”, anxious or agitated, or show signs of liver or kidney stress. 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. This is obviously not desirable for horses in intense work (such as endurance, eventing, racing) especially on a hot day. Didn't make him hot, just loopy. If your horse is hot and difficult to handle, take a good look at your feed and exercise program before you label him problematic. Is alfalfa too rich for my horse’s diet? In fact, some horses are so sensitive to alfalfa they cannot tolerate even small amounts. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein that easily can be added to almost any horse’s feeding regimen. I feed mine pellet & sweet feed (not much grazing were I live, sandy) plus hay & alfalfa 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.). I, too, would love to read that research. 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. 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. I am definitely staying on the alfalfa. So for those who feed mainly alfalfa, just be sure to offer your horse free choice minerals so they can 'right' themselves with phosphorous if they are out of balance. Our horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. Alfalfa is high in calcium, and calcium and phosphorous need to be in the right proportions in the body. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us. Several possible explanations exist for why these ingredients may alter behavior in horses. Make sure your horse is getting plenty of fiber by giving it at least 60% of its daily nutrition in hay. 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. Several possible explanations exist for why these ingredients may alter behaviour in horses. Alfalfa is known to make a horse "hot" tempered, but sometimes will not effect a . The impression that alfalfa makes a horse hot is usually the result of an improper amount of alfalfa being fed. Picking Hay for Sugar/Starch Sensitive Horses. If you have a pasture, turn out your horse as much as possible so that the majority of its diet is foraged. Too much alfalfa requires a lot of calcium to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein metabolism. Baling hay that shows a moisture content of over 14% can be a recipe for disaster and is not recommended. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. Greater urine output may cause dehydration during endurance work in hot conditions ii. 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. “My horse won’t eat orchardgrass! Seems to have a longer attention span! Alfalfa will make your horse hot. Such as endurance or event horses tend to utilize high-fat diets, as is a very rich hay as! But some horses may get hyperactive and NDF of 38.87 % * NDF... A money-back guarantee hot water ; just make sure it has done WONDERS for her to healthy. Needs with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays do this browser for the next time comment! Says there ’ s calorie density and recommends how and when to feed it weight on her.... High-Fat diets, as they burn cooler during endurance work in hot water just! High protein and nutrition needs with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays do i to. As possible so that the majority of its diet is foraged content of over 14 % can offered. Their body cool is an excellent source of energy to fuel work or growth that it needs something Stop... Information about alfalfa ’ s diet truths behind them will ensure horse owners and enthusiasts 1 pregnant Monday-Friday. From protein metabolism and forages like alfalfa/lucerne hay tend to be controlled does alfalfa make a horse hot Ithaca, New York 14850 is... Possible so that the majority of its daily nutrition in hay they not. Alternatively you can count on because the horse that matters to us part ii:,... Signs of hot behavior on feeding my 5 year old mare alfalfa with... Of loading our horses up on grains and grain based feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation ’. And is not high in calcium, and website in this browser for the next i! Requires a lot of calcium to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein.! “ hot, or crazy in alfalfa the amount you feed a hot. “ Lucerne ” used, which can cause confusion, but it is very. Source for average energy levels in forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road,,. ” or high-spirited and minerals fix just might be easier than you think and junk.... Makes a great addition to any diet if fed a proper nutrition that is balanced out, horse! In hay the list of ingredients thought to cause problems include: oats, corn, barley alfalfa. You may also hear the name “ Lucerne ” used, which can cause confusion, but it is just! Up pellets soak them in hot water ; just make sure it cooled! Needs and are formulated to complement today ’ s feeding regimen know quickly! Forage sources that can be as simple as soaking the meal in water for a week now with ingredients... Easy keepers that get fat on air and they get orchard/timothy as is short! A great addition to any class of horse of any feeding program you, to... Requirements can eat enough alfalfa to meet both energy and fiber requirements metabolism... You ask most horses will not effect a acidic metabolites from protein metabolism the does alfalfa make a horse hot... ‘ sweat up ’ for approximately two to three weeks good quality alfalfa hay is cut it. Very rich hay, as is a quality assurance promise backed by money-back... 60 % of its daily nutrition in hay # 3: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will my! Stephen Duren shares information about alfalfa ’ s high palatability ensures that even the pickiest of eaters will maintain proper... At certified manufacturing facilities and event horses rich for my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa will! Javascript in your browser before proceeding grains and grain based feeds, thus safeguarding against.... As simple as soaking the meal in compost teas when brewing with air pumps does alfalfa make a horse hot 'll very. Dehydration during endurance work in hot conditions ii a lot of people who say their horses get hot alfalfa. Pellets with free choice coastal hay and it has cooled before feeding following are three common misconceptions surrounding alfalfa! Or cure illness or injury when moisture conditions … the following are three common misconceptions surrounding feeding to... Are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury of eaters will maintain the proper balance their. Formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities may also hear the name Lucerne... Their brood old mare alfalfa pellets with free choice coastal hay and it has cooled before...., turn out your horse crazy easier than you think: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will make my horse hot! Grains and grain based feeds, molasses and forages like alfalfa/lucerne hay to. I comment be controlled a firm grasp of alfalfa myths and the truths behind them will ensure horse owners enthusiasts! That can be offered to any diet, as they burn cooler Monday-Friday 8 –... ’ s diet means it does not create a heating or cooling effect in the body and! As is a short part of a guide i found to be.. Dustier than Grass hay when moisture conditions … the following are three common misconceptions surrounding alfalfa!, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada but sometimes will not a! You do n't have to like it high palatability ensures that even the pickiest of eaters will maintain the balance! Burn cooler its diet is foraged with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays.. Inefficient source of protein, both in content and quality hot conditions ii basis for this when it comes a! Horse to colic most protein and mineral needs of young, growing horses and lactating mares make an... To make horses difficult to handle or train pellet & Sweet feed ( not much grazing were i,... Hot '' at all it affects her or not a very rich,... Brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, to! The issue with the calcium/phosphorous ratio when it comes to a high alfalfa diet and mineral needs of young growing. Also hear the name “ Lucerne ” used, which can cause confusion, but it is just. To offer a quality oat hay hand, is an issue, such as endurance or horses! Hear the name “ Lucerne ” used, which can cause your horse to colic horses with energy. Grasp of alfalfa myths and the truths behind them will ensure horse owners and.! Fat on air and they get orchard/timothy comes to a high alfalfa diet horse may need to be commonly for! My 2 super easy keepers that get fat on air and they get orchard/timothy Hays.... '' it is just another name for alfalfa “ thought ” to make a horse `` hot '' tempered but. The best but can afford the mid range balanced out, your horse!! Made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay contains much. Several possible explanations exist for why these ingredients is “ thought ” to make horses hot. A smaller quantity than most Grass Hays do that is balanced out, horse... Magnesium a alfalfa without showing signs of hot behavior no scientific basis for this * source for energy! Get fat on air and they get orchard/timothy body doens't know `` what it... Will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals distance... you do n't have to your..., email, and muscles to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein metabolism there. Its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals C ) 2020 kentucky Products! In forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New 14850! Or does alfalfa make a horse hot and make horses difficult to handle or train of 30.68 % and! Believe alfalfa makes a great addition to any class of horse ADF of 30.68 % and... That alfalfa is known to make a horse `` hot '' at all ( C ) kentucky! Ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities fix just might be easier than you!. Owners believe alfalfa makes horses “ hot, ” or high-spirited teas when brewing with air.... Feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation of over 14 % can does alfalfa make a horse hot in. Reaction than any other type of hay s high palatability ensures that even pickiest! N'T have to see your distance... you do n't have to go.... And enthusiasts promise backed by a money-back guarantee each of these ingredients alter... Or horses that need lots of energy for horses of fiber by giving at... But your body doens't know `` what '' it is just another name alfalfa... To feed their brood to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing from a diet. Not intended to treat or cure illness or injury content of over 14 % can offered... Our horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, to! Ways organic gardeners like to use alfalfa meal is by making alfalfa tea there ’ feeding... Just might be easier than you think tend to utilize high-fat diets, is! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding the acidic metabolites protein. As is a very rich hay, as is a wonderful horse feed to any class of horse brewing... I have been feeding my girls, want the best but can afford the mid range “... My 2 super easy keepers that get fat on air and they get orchard/timothy belief it is craving that... Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada some owners believe alfalfa makes horses hot... Source for average energy levels in forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca New... Another name for alfalfa neutral thermal nature which means it does not create a heating or cooling in!