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Speaking of hay testing

Posted by ScoobyDoo on 8/30/2011, 1:45 pm
76.248.169.227

I visited my grower this morning. Getting ready to get my winter load in.
We discussed sugar/carb content and he told me first cuttings (of his feild) are higher in grains. The later cuttings are higher in clover and without the grain hays so much.
His hay is 90% grass mixes, 5% alfalfa and the remiander clover hay. I've been buying the hay for about 4 years from him. They recently had it tested, and I can call his wife to get the info. How do I know what numbers are good?
"I got nuthin." ~Me

Re: Speaking of hay testing

Posted by Sally on 8/30/2011, 2:08 pm, in reply to "Speaking of hay testing"
67.142.130.13

Just post it here or send it to Dr. Thunes.

What numbers are "good" depends on what kinds of horses you are feeding. Example: a pregnant broodmare that is nursing a foal has far different needs than a mature horse at maintenance. High level performance horses also have specific requirements. What would be perfect for my easy keepers would not be good someone's 3 day eventer

One way to start is to look up the nutrient requirements for your horse's weight, age, and activity level. Compare that with the hay analysis and how many pounds of hay you are going to feed of it. One of the first considerations is if that hay supplies enough calories(digestible energy) and protein for your horse, then look at sugar (wsc and esc), starch, fiber content (ADF and NDF) through major and trace minerals. Not every hay analysis will contain that much information - some growers only test for digestible energy, protein, and some major minerals. You want as much information as possible.

Re: Speaking of hay testing

Posted by Martha on 8/30/2011, 6:38 pm, in reply to "Re: Speaking of hay testing"
166.205.137.161

We have testing for mountain meadow grass that is supposed to be emailed to me this week. (If the sample didn't get wet in Hurricane Irene!) I will post the results here as soon as I get them and people can look at them and comment on them for a practice case. This hay was grown in Oregon, but I do not know exactly where in Oregon.
Martha
DreamPower Horsemanship
www.dreampowerhorsemanship.com
Gilroy, CA

Martha, is this the stuff from Gary

Posted by FriesianMom on 8/30/2011, 6:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Speaking of hay testing"
207.200.116.7

and you split with Elaine? I would be interested in the results as well.
Grown in SE OR if it is the same stuff. Our horses love it.
Friesian Breeder and Haflinger Rider
Back Creek Farm (Specializing in Retirement and Mares & Foals)
Sebastopol, CA

Yes

Posted by Martha on 8/30/2011, 6:54 pm, in reply to "Martha, is this the stuff from Gary"

Yes, we split this load with Elaine and Bettina. I mailed the sample in on Friday. Our horses love it, too! I'm planning on getting more of it!

Martha
DreamPower Horsemanship
www.dreampowerhorsemanship.com
Gilroy, CA

So glad that it worked out

Posted by FriesianMom on 8/30/2011, 9:12 pm, in reply to "Yes"

Sure hope it comes back with glowing reports since Gary is super to work with, love the quality and horses are thrilled. Please keep me posted. Would appreciate it you could email to me personally as I will be off line and might not catch it on the board when I get back. Thanks again.

Friesian Breeder and Haflinger Rider
Back Creek Farm (Specializing in Retirement and Mares & Foals)
Sebastopol, CA

haven't heard anything yet

Posted by ScoobyDoo on 8/30/2011, 9:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Speaking of hay testing"
76.248.169.227

hope I get a call back. But great point, different horses have different needs. Hope it fits our needs, Scooby is doing MUCH better.
"I got nuthin." ~Me

How did the cost on that hay work out?

Posted by Tauna on 8/31/2011, 8:52 am, in reply to "Re: Speaking of hay testing"
74.220.77.71

Are you taking a whole TT load next time, or need anyone to split it with? I'm still working on our hay for the winter. If yours tests low NSC and there's a decent amount left for us to take (or get our own load shipped down), I'd be interested in hearing more. It did look like good hay!
Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond
http://ironfreehrs.com/

Tauna - we are getting more, but it can only be delivered to one place (Gilroy)

Posted by Fancy That on 8/31/2011, 12:19 pm, in reply to "How did the cost on that hay work out?"
144.49.131.1

Tauna - we are so happy with this load. I split it with Martha and Bettina (Strangers in Paradise) but the only catch was that it was MOST ECONOMICAL to have it delivered (FULL LOAD 480 bales) to ONE PLACE.

That place happened to be at Marthas, and since I live right down the street, I picked up my hay myself.

So the hay is AMAZING, the price is AMAZING, but there is less convenience, since we have to get it from CA Stables in Gilroy.

Lesley-Ann (Friesian Mom) THANK YOU AGAIN for the referral!

Tauna - we are ordering again in October and that full-load is already split up amongst South County Peeps - however, we are getting more of course (to last through winter)

Would you want to come get it in Gilroy or is that a PITA?
Equine & Pet Portrait Artist
http://www.elainehickman.com
***Morgans Do It All***
Gilroy, CA
============================

I don't know how I could do it...

Posted by Tauna on 8/31/2011, 12:43 pm, in reply to "Tauna - we are getting more, but it can only be delivered to one place (Gilroy)"
74.220.77.71

I don't have a truck myself anymore, and only have 1/2 tons that are easy to borrow. We go through at least 30 bales per month; more if more horses come in like they might. Kind of a PITA with that quantity! Only way I can see doing is if I found a bigger truck to borrow and a flatbed trailer. My horse trailer only fits about 26 bales - a lot of effort to not even feed them for a month!

How great is the price? You can pm or email me if you'd prefer. If it's really great, and tests really good, maybe I could figure something out. Does the grower have enough that if I found others to take some around here, could I set up my own shipment to BL? Our road and tree limbs have been cleared, so now I think it's possible to get a squeeze in.

Thanks!
Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond
http://ironfreehrs.com/

Yes, you can try to organize a Santa Cruz County load..

Posted by Fancy That on 8/31/2011, 12:49 pm, in reply to "I don't know how I could do it..."
144.49.131.1

I hear ya Why don't you see what the NSC results are (Martha got it tested) and go from there if you like what you see.

For all I know, it may be too high in sugar for your needs (Mine should be on low NSC too, but I think the quality and price override that for me)
Equine & Pet Portrait Artist
http://www.elainehickman.com
***Morgans Do It All***
Gilroy, CA
============================

As long as it's under 12%...

Posted by Tauna on 8/31/2011, 12:55 pm, in reply to "Yes, you can try to organize a Santa Cruz County load.."
74.220.77.71

I think we're good. Should've had that all along for Sweetpea (and a muzzle!). Under 10% would be ideal, but we don't have anyone in laminitis-zone. Just a couple of young fatties! Exercise would work just as well, but you know how the best laid plans go.

Can I have the contact info? I'd like to give him a call and see what our costs would add up to. Then I'll ask around to find others to share. I was at CA Stables yesterday for Chief...saw the hay and I really like the look of it!
Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond
http://ironfreehrs.com/

sent you email....

Posted by Fancy That on 8/31/2011, 1:13 pm, in reply to "As long as it's under 12%..."
144.49.131.1

Sent info via email.

BTW, poor Tanya cannot get Sweet Pea to slim down...she is FAT FAT FAT!

That mare can literally live off of air alone. She's such a great pony though

Equine & Pet Portrait Artist
http://www.elainehickman.com
***Morgans Do It All***
Gilroy, CA
============================

Thanks!

Posted by Tauna on 8/31/2011, 1:24 pm, in reply to "sent you email...."
74.220.77.71

Argh - I was hoping she found a magic bullet! Ponying her off of Ginger was the only thing that brought her weight down a little. If I had kept up with it and took them out 2-3 times/week, I think that alone would've kept her at a reasonable weight. Just like us...I don't think dieting works. I also tried magnesium & vitamin E, but didn't notice a difference with those.
Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond
http://ironfreehrs.com/

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