In this episode, Dr. Chris Mortensen shares a personal story to illustrate the importance of nutrients in hay for horses. He explains the critical need to test hay to ensure it meets the nutritional requirements of horses, emphasizing that visual appraisal alone is insufficient.
Dr. Mortensen discusses the methodology of hay sampling, the role of different nutrients, and the implications of soil nutrient content from various locations. He provides an overview of essential measurements in hay tests, such as dry matter, crude protein, fiber content, non-structural carbohydrates, and minerals. Lastly, he stresses the role of equine nutritionists and the necessity of supplementation to fill nutrient gaps in a horse's diet, advocating for regular hay testing and balanced nutrition for optimal horse health.
Podcast Timeline
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
03:01 The Importance of Hay Quality
04:06 Nutrient Gaps in Forage
05:13 Regional Differences in Hay Nutrients
08:35 The Necessity of Hay Testing
21:15 How to Take a Hay Sample
25:52 Understanding Hay Test Results
45:11 Conclusion and Resources
Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.
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