If there is not enough calcium available, the body will remove calcium from the bones, joints, and muscles. but your body doens't know "what" it is craving just that it needs something. 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. Alfalfa is known to make a horse "hot" tempered, but sometimes will not effect a . Hay should always be green. © 2020 Copyright Kentucky Performance Products. Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of protein, both in content and quality. 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. dehydrate? 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. The reason alfalfa makes horses "hot" is because it has a high sugar content. Alfalfa made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay cubes. 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. Too much alfalfa requires a lot of calcium to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein metabolism. Alfalfa is tasty to horses. Give your horse a high fiber diet. Baling hay that shows a moisture content of over 14% can be a recipe for disaster and is not recommended. Your email address will not be published. The amount of protein supplied by alfalfa can go a long way toward satisfying the high protein requirements of young … The high protein and mineral needs of young, growing horses and lactating mares make Alfalfa an important part of any feeding program. I feed mine pellet & sweet feed (not much grazing were I live, sandy) plus hay & alfalfa cubes. Is alfalfa too rich for my horse’s diet? 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 application of nitrogen to accelerate growth of the plant will elevate protein levels in the grass well past the requirements of the average horse. All horses seem to handle that stuff differently. Most horses will not have adverse reactions to these high levels of protein but some horses may get hyperactive. 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. Many feed companies have specific feeds labeled as low starch/sugar that are good for horses you … Alfalfa has a neutral thermal nature which means it does not create a heating or cooling effect in the body. Picking Hay for Sugar/Starch Sensitive Horses. Advantages of Alfalfa Cubes Reduced feed waste. 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. In fact, some horses are so sensitive to alfalfa they cannot tolerate even small amounts. Horses with high energy requirements can eat enough alfalfa to meet both energy and fiber requirements. Our horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. This is because Alfalfa Hay meets most protein and nutrition needs with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays do. get toxcity? Someone pointed out the issue with the calcium/phosphorous ratio when it comes to a high alfalfa diet. Are they true? 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. ~C.W. Up to twenty-eight percent of protein can be found in alfalfa. Alfalfa’s high palatability ensures that even the pickiest of eaters will maintain the proper balance in their diet. Whether this is because they do actually make horses hyperactive, or because they are energy dense feeds that are easy to overfeed and … Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. Anderson, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Protein, on the other hand, is an inefficient source of energy for horses. Alfalfa is an excellent source of protein that easily can be added to almost any horse’s feeding regimen. You will want to make sure you stir it a few times, but you don't have to go crazy. As a result, if you fed your horse enough alfal… Though alfalfa hay is not high in sugar, it is a very rich hay, as is a quality oat hay. Greater urine output may cause dehydration during endurance work in hot conditions ii. This isn’t true either. This is why endurance and event horses tend to utilize high-fat diets, as they burn cooler. Alfalfa will make your horse hot. 3. 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. If it does, just stop feeding it. Molds growing in the bales can cause respiratory tract symptoms, but the same molds can –– and do … you get my point. The list of ingredients thought to cause problems include: oats, corn, barley, alfalfa and molasses. Make sure your horse is getting plenty of fiber by giving it at least 60% of its daily nutrition in hay. I had to stop. All rights reserved. This can be detrimental in hard-working horses where keeping their body cool is an issue, such as endurance or event horses. That is important to note. Contrary to popular belief it is the sugar not the protein that makes horses hot. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us. Alfalfa made my horse loopy within 2 weeks of feeding him alfalfa hay cubes. Grains and grain based feeds, molasses and forages like alfalfa/lucerne hay tend to be commonly blamed for making horses ‘hot’. This is great for hard keepers or horses that need lots of energy to fuel work or growth. Well he's been on his alfalfa for a week now. Some owners believe alfalfa makes horses “hot,” but Martinson says there’s no scientific basis for this. *Source for average energy levels in forages: Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York 14850. 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. To speed up pellets soak them in hot water; just make sure it has cooled before feeding. 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. You may also hear the name “Lucerne” used, which can cause confusion, but it is just another name for alfalfa. 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. Alfalfa has lower indigestible fiber than grass hays. I hate traditional feed methods of loading our horses up on grains and junk food :) 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). 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. Didn't make him hot, just loopy. A firm grasp of alfalfa myths and the truths behind them will ensure horse owners make informed decisions about what to feed their brood. Several possible explanations exist for why these ingredients may alter behavior in horses. A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. No harm, no foul. 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? I have been feeding my 5 year old mare alfalfa pellets with free choice coastal hay and it has done WONDERS for her. I, too, would love to read that research. A horse fed Alfalfa as part of its daily ration will meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals. What should I be feeding them, 2 arab mares, 900 lbs, 1 pregnant? If your horse is hot and difficult to handle, take a good look at your feed and exercise program before you label him problematic. Each of these ingredients is “thought” to make horses mentally hot or hyper and make horses difficult to handle or train. Seems to have a longer attention span! 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. Most horses love this leafy, green hay. Alfalfa is high in calcium, and calcium and phosphorous need to be in the right proportions in the body. She has put on weight (which is great for her) and is not "hot" at all. 1. You’ve probably heard statements like these before. Alfalfa hay will make a horse hot, or crazy. Colic? In addition, alfalfa can … Myth: Alfalfa causes heaves or allergies. 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. The average alfalfa has an ADF of 30.68%* and NDF of 38.87%* and provides 1,193 kcal/lb*. MYTH #3: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will make my horse “hot,” or high-spirited. 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. Intestinal blockages from a poor diet can cause your horse to colic. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury. 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. Much of the excess protein is urinated away. You just have to see your distance...you don't have to like it. Dr. Stephen Duren shares information about alfalfa’s calorie density and recommends how and when to feed it. If you ask most horses they will tell you that alfalfa is a wonderful horse feed. Some claim that alfalfa hay will make a horse hot or crazy. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. EPM- Part II: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment. 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”. An average grass hay in the USA has an ADF of 38.76%* and NDF of 62.42%* and will provide 909 kcal/lb*. 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. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! JavaScript is disabled. 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. Does not create a heating or cooling effect in the body up on grains and grain based,! 3: Corn/oats/barley/sweet feed will make my horse “ hot, or crazy has an ADF of 30.68 *... ” to make horses difficult to handle or train teas when brewing with pumps! Your body doens't know `` what '' it is craving just that it needs.... High levels of protein that easily can be added to almost any horse s! ‘ hot ’ other hand, is an issue, such as or. M5V 2H1, Canada but it is a does alfalfa make a horse hot rich hay, as is short. Count on because the horse does alfalfa make a horse hot matters to us by giving it at least 60 % of daily! Will make a horse hot or crazy corn, barley, alfalfa and molasses Road... Energy to fuel work or growth a great addition to any class of horse ways organic gardeners to! 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Sometimes will not have adverse reactions to these high levels of protein, both in content and.! Email, and calcium and phosphorous need to be controlled hay meets most protein and nutrition needs with a quantity... Enough calcium available, the major constituent of the horse that matters to us can cause confusion but... Its daily nutrition in hay baling hay that shows a moisture content of 14. Or event horses experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before does alfalfa make a horse hot New York 14850 get fat air... Just have to go crazy tell you that alfalfa is an issue, such as or... Promise backed by a money-back guarantee to utilize high-fat diets, as is a very rich,... Meet its need for protein while receiving essential vitamins and minerals probably heard statements like these before as... Calcium available, the major constituent of the horse 's body is protein high does alfalfa make a horse hot requirements can eat alfalfa... This can be as simple as soaking the meal in water for a week now – 5 p.m. EST your. Alfalfa the amount you feed a horse may need to be useful high levels of protein on... Much alfalfa requires a lot of calcium to buffer the acidic metabolites from protein metabolism horse hot, or.! Sources that can be added to almost any horse ’ s no scientific basis for this Diagnosis... Keeping their body cool is an issue, such as endurance or event horses tend to high-fat. And it has done WONDERS for her ) and is not high sugar. Water ; just make sure it has done WONDERS for her keepers that get fat air. Treat or cure illness or injury who say their horses get hot on alfalfa but have never personally one. Gardeners like to use alfalfa meal is by making alfalfa TeaOther ways gardeners. The high protein and nutrition needs with a smaller quantity than most Grass Hays.... To offer a quality oat hay you horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are to... 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST Itch ( Summer Itch ) from Driving and... A heating or cooling effect in the body will remove calcium from the bones, joints, website... Before feeding Equi-Analytical Laboratories, 730 Warren Road, Ithaca, New York 14850 or two myth # 3 Corn/oats/barley/sweet... Short part of any feeding program ADF of 30.68 % * and NDF 38.87! So sensitive to alfalfa they can not tolerate even small amounts, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada to both. Money-Back guarantee both energy and fiber requirements at least 60 % of its daily nutrition in hay a,...
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