Like most horse owners, Kathleen Crandell, Ph.D., has opened hundreds of bales of hay during her lifetime of owning and caring for horses. Rhodes grass Rhodes grass. However, both switchgrass and little bluestem are consumed well as hay if they are planted in mixtures with other grasses and harvested before seedheads emerge. But, both switchgrass and little bluestem are consumed well as hay if they are planted in mixtures with other grasses and harvested before seedheads emerge. So they can be used for horse hay even if they make poor horse pasture. So, when planting new pastures, select grasses that horses prefer. Benefits: Grass hay is lower in protein and energy than legume hay — but it’s also higher in fiber, which can make it a good choice for many horses. quality hay. 1. It is very palatable and desirable and grows well in poor fertility soils. This is not an issue with the other four species of NWSG. https://stablemanagement.com/articles/types-of-hay-for-horses-what-to-avoid Dec 01, 2020. ut, both switchgrass and little bluestem are consumed well as hay if they are planted in mixtures with other grasses and harvested before seedheads emerge. Big Four Native Grass Mix is a blend of Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Switchgrass are the legendary "Four Horsemen" of the Tallgrass Prairie. Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and timothy are all examples of common grasses used for hay. Good Horse Grass Crested Dog’s Tail. Fig. These species are the nucleus of the prairiegrass ecosystem that once covered most of the central plains of North America. Description:Kleingrass is a perennial with narrow blades and looks similar to coastal grass (the hay of choice in Texas). While the lower relative nutrition level of grass hay makes it a good filler, it does have relatively more carbohydrates. Mixed hay is usually defined as a blend of grass and legume plants, though some hay producers and horse owners may define it as a combination of several grasses. Kleingrass . This is a very common grass especially in dry areas and is great for horses. Switchgrass stands that are designated as wildlife habitat will require the manager to periodically maintain the stand. So they can be used for horse hay even if they make poor horse pasture. 6 Trending Headlines: Tips for winter herd management. It should be noted though, that switchgrass hay should not be fed to horses because of a potential for phytotoxicity and liver damage. While grass hay is lower in protein and calcium it is still a great source of feed for most horses. Horses do not graze these grasses very well. Palatability and nutrient levels drop after seed heads form so it … Eastern gamagrass and switchgrass are more productive early in the season, while Switchgrass – a perennial native grass that is a bunchgrass. This means that grass hay, not alfalfa hay, is a more dangerous food for an obese horse, or a horse with laminitis concerns. Therefore, at this time, switchgrass is not recommended as hay for horses. (See Johnsongrass.) Related. NWSG forage production varies over the season. If feeding sorghum hay to horses, be sure it's made from cyanide-free varieties of sorghum. "With a horse who has been laminitic or has acute metabolic problems associated with glucose intolerance, I try keeping NSC below 10 percent until the horse is stabilized," says Watts. Maintenance of Switchgrass Stands for Wildlife. Avoid switchgrass and little bluestern for horse pastures. Rhodes grass is a good horse pasture for Australian conditions and is easy to find from most seed stockists. They can be used for horse hay even if they make poor horse pasture. Panicum coloratum-Poaceae, Grass Family Similar species:Panicum vitgarum. Grass Hay for Horses. Horses do not graze these grasses very well. 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