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 Your email address will not be published.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