Grasses
What type of grass is known for its high protein content, leafy consistency, and is commonly fed to growing horses?
What is Alfalfa?
The ideal moisture content for storing hay to prevent mold?
What is 15% or lower?
What essential nutrient found in alfalfa supports muscle development in horses?
What is protein?
What visual cue indicates that hay is of high quality?
What is bright green color?
True or False: All types of hay are equal in nutritional value for horses.
False.
Which grass variety is known for its sweet smell and soft texture, and Long Cylindrical seed head?
What is timothy grass?
Name one method to protect stored hay from weather damage.
What is storing it off the ground, under a tarp, and/or in a barn?
Which nutrient is abundant in timothy grass and helps maintain digestive health?
What is fiber?
How can the smell of hay indicate its quality?
Fresh hay has a sweet, pleasant smell, while musty or sour odors suggest spoilage.
True or False: Horses can safely eat moldy hay if it is mixed with good quality hay.
False.
A grass that is particularly drought-resistant, and is known for it's low sugar content.
What is teff grass?
Why is it important to store hay off the ground?
What is prevention of moisture absorption and mold growth?
What vitamin is particularly high in green, fresh grasses like alfalfa?
What is vitamin A, D, E and K
Name one way to assess the texture of hay.
Check for softness and the presence of fine stems versus coarse and brittle stems.
Teff grass is only suitable for warm climates.
False; while teff thrives in warm conditions, it can be grown in various climates.
Very high quality, commonly known for it's light green color and smooth texture.
What is Orchard?
Describe the best way to ventilate hay storage areas.
Ensure airflow by stacking bales loosely and allowing space between bales and walls.
How does the calcium content in alfalfa compare to that of orchard grass?
Alfalfa has a higher calcium content than orchard grass.
What does it mean if hay is overly dusty?
It may indicate poor quality or spoilage, potentially affecting a horse's respiratory health.
True or False: Cutting hay at the wrong time can affect its nutritional content.
True
Explain how the growing conditions of alfalfa grass differ from those of orchard grass.
Alfalfa grass requires more water and typically needs more well drained soil, While orchard can tolerate a wide range of soil types and doesn't require as much water
What are the consequences of improperly stored hay?
Increased risk of mold, spoilage, and reduced nutritional quality.
Explain how the balance of carbohydrates and protein affects a horse's energy levels.
Horses need a balance to maintain energy without risking obesity; too much protein can lead to excess energy.
Describe how to test for mold in hay.
look for visible mold spots and feel for dampness or excessive dust when handling.
True or False: All horses require the same type of grass for optimal health.
False; different horses have different nutritional needs based on their age, workload, and health status.