DECIPHER THAT HAY ANALYSIS
By Amy Star detergent fiber (NDF) and relative feed ity, greater intake, higher digestibility and
Hay is a valuable, and expensive, ele- value (RFV) may also be included. fewer concentrates needed to supplement
ment of your horse’s diet. It’s important Dry matter (DM) measures the the diet. When buying horse hay, RFV
to match the hay you buy and feed to amount of water in a sample and is should be a prime consideration. Good
equine dietary needs. The more closely subtracted from 100. Typically, grass hays quality grass hays typically have an RFV
the nutrient composition of the hay match- will be about 90 percent-95 percent DM, of 90-150. Alfalfa hay RFV is usually in
es the requirements of the horse being fed, while alfalfa hays range from 80 percent- the 130-200 range.
the fewer supplements needed and the 92 percent DM. A dry matter content Good Hay Means Good Nutrition
more economical the total ration becomes. lower than 80 percent runs a risk of mold- Meeting the horse’s daily nutritional
The value of hay should be determined by ing or self combustion. requirements and maintaining the horse’s
testing the composition of nutrients in the Crude protein (CP) indicates only the health as economically as possible are the
hay. There are different methods of forage level of amino acids and total nitrogen in primary objectives on which horse feeding
testing, but a hay analysis is the best way the forage. It is not a good predictor of programs should be based. Good hay meets
to accurately determine hay’s nutrient energy availability in the hay. Grass hay the majority of nutritional needs of most
value. Here we’ll tell you the different can range in CP from 4 per- horses and good horsemen are keenly aware
ways to test hay and give you the basics of cent-16 percent and alfalfa is often 14 per- that horses are healthier when fed predomi-
how to read a hay analysis report. cent-25 percent CP. Mature horses typical- nantly forage. A wise horse caretaker knows
Methods of Forage Testing ly require 11 percent protein in their diets. the nutritional value of all equine foodstuffs
Methods of estimating or analytically Levels of calcium (Ca) and phos- fed to the animals.
determining nutrient content of forages phorus (P) in the forage can vary greatly, For more details about getting your hay
include visual appraisal, chemical analy- field to field; levels in the forage should tested, call the National Forage Testing
sis, and Near Infrared Reflectance determine the minerals needed in the con- Association at (402) 333-7485, or view the
Spectroscopy. Each method has strengths centrate mixture. The ratio of Ca:P is most recent 2009 updates on certified labs
and weaknesses for use in selecting hay important because the body stores and and testing availability at http://www.for-
for horses. metabolizes these minerals in a complex
agetesting.org/files/2009/2009_Certified_L
Visual appraisal combination. There is considerable abs.pdf
Visual appraisal is the oldest and controversy on what is ideal Ca:P ratio. Amy Star is an Extension Agent for
most common method of selecting hay. Problems related to Ca:P seem to occur Colorado State University, longtime lover of
Forage appearance is evaluated by color, when the ratio is greater than 8:1 or lower Andalusian horses, and is serving as an IALHA
leafiness, maturity and the presence of than 1:2.
Director for Region 4.
foreign material (insects, weeds and dust.) Acid detergent fiber (ADF) is com-
For more information, contact her at
Visual appraisal includes feel and smell as posed of cellulose, ligni and other poorly
(303) 637-8116 or
astar@co.adams.co.us
well as sight, and is very subjective; no digested compo-
two people will evaluate the same hay nents. The lower the
exactly the same way. Even though visual ADF value, the
appraisal is quick and inexpensive, color, more digestible the
texture and odor do not necessarily relate nutrients in the hay.
to nutrient composition. Levels above 45
‘Wet’ Chemical Analysis percent are of little
This method is the most accurate, but nutritional value; as
it’s expensive, takes two weeks, and fewer a comparison, sam-
labs offer this test. Often horse owners ples with less than
need to know the levels of trace minerals 31 percent ADF are
or vitamins as well; only a chemical excellent nutrition-
analysis provides that information. ally. The higher the
‘Dry’ Chemical Analysis percent NDF, the
This test, also called Near Infrared less the horses will
Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS), is a consume. NDF lev-
faster and less expensive method to deter- els below 40 are
mine the major chemical constituents in excellent, but those
forages. above 65 will likely
The type of analysis you choose will not be very palat-
vary depending on what specific nutrient able to most
compositions are needed. Often horse horses. Hays with
managers need to know the levels of trace high ADF and neu-
minerals or vitamins present in hay; tral detergent fiber
remember, only a chemical analysis (NDF) are typically
provides that information. Most of the more mature and
time, a NIRS analysis will be the most coarser. It’s diffi-
practical. cult for a horse to
Interpreting the Analysis Report eat enough of a high
Your analysis report will include the ADF/NDF to get
levels of several factors comprising the the nutrients it
hay. Factors including dry matter (DM), needs.
crude protein (CP), and mineral levels A high relative
including calcium (Ca) and phosphorus feed value (RFV)
(P). Acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral reflects higher qual-
ANDALUSIAN Issue 2, 2009 9
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