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It also has the same balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus. Plus, it's excellent at keeping soil erosion under control. Proper storage is crucial to preserve the quality of Bahia hay. What's great about bahiagrass is that it can grow in all sorts of soil types, and it doesn't mind if there's a drought or if the soil isn't super fertile. 1 That is 1.5% to 3% of its body weight, if it weighs about 1,000 pounds (450 kg). As a result, it may not be an appropriate feed source for horses in these regions, and it may be necessary to supplement with hay or other sources of forage during the winter months. Digestible energy (DE) - This is a measure of the digestible energy in the hay. Maybe you could try a bale before you make a deal. Another type of hay is legumes, which are rich in protein and calcium. The soluble carbohydrates and protein of bermudagrass herbage are low and unlikely to cause nutritional problems in horses. Proper fertilization is essential for promoting healthy growth and maximizing hay production. Bahia hay contains Alsike clover, which can be toxic to horses. While it offers high fiber content beneficial for digestion, its protein levels may be lower compared to other hay types. Horses have sensitive digestive systems, and sudden changes in their diet can lead to digestive upset. For starters, orchard grass is easier to digest. The fiber in Bahia hay is primarily in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Bahia grass prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is a fast-growing grass popular in dairy pastures. In conclusion, Bahia hay is a highly beneficial forage choice for horses due to its nutritional value, low sugar content, digestive health benefits, and environmental sustainability. Known for its exceptional nutritional value, Bahia hay is rich in essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and minerals, making it an excellent source of high-quality forage for horses. Home Horse Is Bahia And Bermuda Hay Good For Horses? Look for any mold, dust, or other contaminants. Red clover can cause excessive salivation in horses. Good quality hay should have a fresh cut smell and appearance. One of the reasons why Bahia hay is popular among horse owners is its nutritional profile. Timothy hay has higher fiber content and a better ratio of calcium to phosphorous. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different hay types offer varying nutritional profiles and benefits. The long strands of fiber in the hay stimulate chewing, which aids in the production of saliva. The ideal hay for horses is one that meets their specific needs and provides essential nutrients for optimal health and performance. The most common method of establishment is broadcasting grass seed onto a well-prepared soil surface, followed by rolling or packing the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Roundup Ready alfalfas been on the market for 10 years. Alternative Feeds for Horses during Hay Shortages - Horses However, its essential to be aware of potential limitations, such as lower protein content and palatability issues in some horses. Visual testing may indicate moldy hay, but it cannot provide accurate information. Some bale types are also easier to handle than others. Fine pieces of shaft that are dusty and leave a pile that the horses don't touch. If you want to avoid feeding your horse too much of either, you may want to use a combination of both. Additionally, be cautious when using herbicides near Bahia grass to avoid damaging the crop. A hay analysis will tell you whether the hay contains vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. Bahia grass is great for general-purpose pastures and can withstand more grazing pressure than other pasture grasses. Bahiagrass forms tall, unsightly seed heads throughout the spring, summer, and fall months that many find objectionable. Crude Fiber - 28%. It should not smell moldy or smell like its been sitting out in the sun too long. Its moderate protein content, high fiber content, and essential vitamins and minerals make it a suitable forage option for many horses. Bahia hay has a lower moisture content compared to other types of forages, which helps in shelf life and storage. While it is easy to grow in many areas, Argentine bahia hay should be avoided by laminitic horses. In addition, they are less expensive. Haye. If the hay is hard or crumbly, it was probably baled too soon and may contain mold or fungi. said my hay gave her horses colic. Understanding Sugar Levels in Horses Hay, Fact Sheet: Understanding Hives in Horses, Special Report | Equine Vaccination Cheat Sheet, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Case Study: Equine Protozoal Myeloencphalitis. While any variety of Bahia grass will do, Bahias are particularly good as hays, as their leafy nature makes it ideal for this purpose. A warm-season perennial grass, Bahiagrass can tolerate more grazing pressure than other fescues. Choosing high-quality Bahia grass seed is vital for a successful harvest. It is a hardy grass that can withstand the hot summers and cold winters. However, it is crucial to introduce it gradually, monitor their intake, consider the nutrient content, provide clean and fresh hay, and supplement if necessary. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the nutritional profile of Bahia hay, its advantages and potential limitations, and whether it's a suitable choice for your equine companions. The next question is how much P & K fertilizer do you need for your bahiagrass pastures? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its harvested February through November in the Imperial Valley. And oat hay is a cereal hay that horses like. Some types of legume hay are even banned in some countries. When choosing a hay for your horse, make sure to choose a quality one that is free of mould or insect infestation. The quality of Bahia grass hay tends to be lower than the quality of Bermuda grass or mixed warm-season grass hay (Table 4). In summary, following these best practices will help you grow and harvest high-quality Bahia hay for your horses. By providing horses with high-quality Bahia hay, horse owners can contribute to their overall digestive well-being. While hays moisture content plays a significant role in its quality, slow curing can lead to diseased leaves and low vitamin A levels. If the internal hay is bleached out, brown, black, or yellow inside the bales, the hay has most likely lost its nutritional value and may be moldy or rotted. But if you want your horse to grow strong, it will be beneficial to use a mixture of legumes and orchard grass to meet the nutritional requirements. Its commonly found in southern regions and coastal areas. About Akita Wolves: The Intelligent and Treasured Canine Companions. Lime or dolomite are utilized interchangeably to raise the soil pH. // }, 0); // half Second Posted by University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment | Apr 22, 2016 | Article, Pasture & Forage Management, Pasture and Forages. Is Bahia And Bermuda Hay Good For Horses? - Great American Adventures Urea, for example, is only 46% elemental nitrogen, so it takes 109 pounds of urea to provide 50 lbs.N/acre. Nitrogen (N), and to some degree potassium (K), move with water in the soil profile. There are a few factors to consider when selecting bahia hay for your horse. These bacteria play a vital role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall digestive health. TifQuik provides the highest total tonnage, followed by Tifton9, Argentine Bahia (in certain soil types) and then Pensacola Bahia. Several varieties of Bahia grass are used for hay production, including Pensacola, Argentine, and Tifton 9. Comparison to Bermuda Grass Bahiagrass and bermudagrass are two widely cultivated warm-season perennial grasses in the southeastern United States, known for their adaptability and suitability as forage for horses and other livestock. Warm Season Grasses Cool-season grasses (CSG; i.e. No. However, you should avoid feeding dry hay to your horse if youre unsure of its health benefits. Mow the grass to a height of 3 to 4 inches to leave some stubble that helps with regrowth. Every employee is committed to customer service and consumer education to provide the best results possible for you and your horse. As a general guideline, a horse should consume 1.5% to 2% of its body weight in hay each day. If you notice a decrease in their hay intake, consider consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist for guidance. The color of the hay is another helpful indicator of its nutritional value. It is used to make some wall and fine arts paintbrushes. However, it is important to consider individual horses requirements and consult with experts to ensure a balanced diet for optimal equine health. This is because hay loses its green color after exposure to the sun. A digestible energy level of more than 20.5 Mcal/kg is ideal for light-working horses. Is bahia hay good for horse? - Answers For instance, Bahia hay is higher in protein and fewer carbohydrates than Bermuda grass. The recommended planting time for Bahia grass is during late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are consistently above 65F. Green hay usually indicates that it was harvested at the right stage, while light yellow hay is typically sun bleached and has little or no carotene and vitamin A. If your horse gets bored, they may chew on stalls, fences, trees, and their manes. Bahia grass grows well even in sandy soil while Bermuda requires a carefully fertilized soil with excellent drainage. You can store hay indefinitely if the stack is managed correctly; although, in humid climates, using hay within three years of harvest is ideal. Invest in your most productive pastures first, and then rotate to other pastures in future years. Furthermore, Bahia hay is drought-tolerant and resilient, allowing it to thrive in various climates and soil conditions. Those two types are similar to oat hay, but are lower in protein and potassium than their counterparts. When it comes to cultivation tactics, bahiagrass can be established through seeding or vegetative propagation. May 21, 2023 There are a few different types of grass that can be used for pasture, but some are better than others. Fencing off wooded areas is the best preventative measure, while preventing toxicity by using cathartic supplements or activated charcoal is recommended. A good rule of thumb is to avoid baling hay with more than 20% moisture content. But is Bahia hay good for horses? Horses are more likely to consume hay that is free from contaminants, ensuring that they receive the necessary nutrients from the Bahia hay. This fibrous content aids in proper digestion and helps prevent digestive issues such as colic. However, due to its high fiber content, Bahia hay may not be suitable for horses with specific dietary needs, such as those with metabolic disorders. Disadvantages. Best Answer Copy Bahia hay, provided it is free of weeds and not too stemmy is an excellent grass hay for horses. I've always fed coastal hay but the coastal always has dust in it. If you dont have the funds to invest $52/acre for all of your pasture acreage, then consider applying only of 50 lbs.N/acre in the spring. These are not necessary for all horses, however; rations low in carbohydrates are best for those with metabolic issues, or for those with polysaccharide storage myopathy. Always make sure that it is not overly warm or too heavy. It is best to consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the precise amount for your horse. Contents hide 1 What is Bahia Hay? The fiber in Bahia hay also acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria. Because the grass is predominantly low growth and thickly grown its a very good plant to grow. This is especially true for horses with high energy requirements or those with specific dietary needs. While alfalfa hay is the most commonly used horse feed, you can also find it in a variety of other types of grain. When the quality of Bahia grass is adequate for making good quality hay, the grass seems too short to cut. Bahia hay, a type of warm-season grass, is a popular choice for horse owners due to its nutritional benefits and palatability. Look for certified seeds that have been tested for purity and germination rates. 5. It is a type of grass hay that offers several nutritional benefits for equines. Thread starter slb714; Start date Feb 1, 2007; Help Support CattleToday: S. . Bahia hay is a popular choice among horse owners and farmers for feeding horses. Horses can survive without long-stem forage, but they can do just fine on hay alone. While legume hay is higher in protein than other types of hay, it can also be prone to fungus. There is a grazing restriction if you apply MSMA. Monitor your horse for any allergic reactions or health issues that may arise from consuming Bahia hay. Oat hay tends to be higher in nitrates and also high in sugar (NSC), so this hay is not an option for insulin resistant horses. Sugar? Additionally, Bahia hay provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which are necessary for various bodily functions in horses. Coastal Bermuda is the most common hay fed to horses in Texas. Problem really was the horses hadn't had any fiber and . Bermuda grass also becomes harder to digest as it matures. Webcast | Degenerative Joint Disease in Horses and Adequan i.m. However, it may not be suitable for all horses, especially those with specific dietary requirements or palatability issues. Alot of us down south would have mud eatin cattle if it wasn't any good. Quality hay should smell fresh and have little seed heads. If your horse develops laminitis during this time, you need to consider limiting your supply of Bahia hay to prevent your horse from developing it. Depending on your horses diet, you might want to choose a more nutrient-dense grass. As long as you are not trying to starve them to death, Bahia hay will be sufficient for their needs. To maintain the quality of hay, it should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help determine the appropriate amount of Bahia hay to feed a horse.