Protein in Hay and Pasture
The protein levels in hay and pasture vary greatly depending on species of plant, stage of growth, and time of year. It is always best to get your hay and pasture tested so you can determine exactly how much protein it is providing. However, there are some general rules you can use to give you an estimation of protein content.
Legume hays (alfalfa and clover) contain 12% to 20% protein
Grass hays contain 6% to 10% protein
Fresh spring pasture contains 23% to 28% protein
Fall pastures contain 14% to 18% protein
Unsure where to get your forages tested? Contact your local cooperative extension or visit Equi-analytical Laboratories: Forage and feed testing services at www.equi-analytical.com.
Article written by KPP staff.
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2 Comments
Please, help with a daily diet. 32yo 1/2Arab1/2Qt. Vet estimates 50% kidney function (from symptoms). Skin and bones – ribs very prominent, as are hip bones. Free choice salt block. Yakima, WA grass hay with est. 25% red clover. Feeding 8
7-8” flakes of hay every 24 hrs. Has Big tub of fresh water. 2# of rolled oats daily + Senior Weight accelerator 2 times daily. 15.2 hands. Estimated weight 600#s🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️. Vet put him on something for this condition (is not Bute). I haven’t owned him for 7yrs. Was a normal to easy keeper then. He has a goat in his very large paddock with him. He LOVES the goat! He stands a lot. Very calm temperament and very easy going. No riding. Is eating well, I’m told. I’m told he gets alfalfa in winter months and then grass hay the other 6 months. Up until 10 days ago, he was getting 1# coffee cans of rolled oats every other day + 1 7” flake of grass hay morning and night. I have no idea how long he has been getting this small amount of food. His paddock is just dirt. Wormed last week with Ivermectin.
Tolerated it well. Blood testing for his condition is
$500. So they have chosen to work with diet through the winter. If he makes it😔. I advised (7yrs ago), 1 flake alfalfa + 2 flakes local grass hay morning and night + one 1# coffee can of dry cob 1x daily. I had him from birth until he was 24hr old. He always stayed in proper condition.
Please contact me with ANYTHING YOU CAN HELP ME WITH! I’d be so very grateful !
Hi Marlena, we’re sorry to hear this horse is struggling. We’re glad to hear he’s under veterinary care. We’d advise the owner of the horse to continue working with their veterinarian on his diet and kidney issues. From your comment, it sounds as though his diet has been upgraded. While it can take time to see improvement in his weight, we’re glad to hear he’s on the right track. If you’re interested in adding a supplement to support his weight gain and overall health, we’d suggest EndurExtra, with his veterinarian’s approval. This high-fat supplement provides a combination of ingredients that support several critical systems in your horse: his digestive tract, immune system, and neuromuscular system. EndurExtra 1) contains 50% fat from several sources, such as stabilized rice bran, soybean oil, and flaxseed; 2) includes a proprietary blend of direct-fed microbials maintains normal digestive function and a hearty appetite; 3) rich in natural vitamin E, EndurExtra supports healthy muscles and nerves and a robust immune system. You can learn more about this supplement here: https://kppusa.com/product/endurextra/ – Veronica, Kentucky Performance Products