Does Bermuda Hay Cause Colic In Horses?

Bermuda grass is associated with ileocecal colic, a type of colic that is not common in horses. However, it is hard to treat if it develops. The most common trigger for this colic is dehydration.

What hay causes colic in horses?

A change in the type of hay may cause colic for many reasons. Hay of poor quality is often less digestible, predisposing to impaction. Changing types of hay as in alfalfa and bermuda, may be related to colonic pH changes resulting from calcium differences in the two hays.

Is Bermuda hay good for horses?

Bermuda hay is good for horses; it’s high in fiber which helps horses ingest food and absorb nutrients in their diet. However, a diet solely of Bermuda hay wouldn’t provide the necessary amount of protein or all the essential minerals and vitamins horses require.

Can a horse colic from too much hay?

Horses that had hay added to their diet in the previous two weeks were at higher risk, as were horses starting into a new batch or a different type of hay. Orchard grass hay was linked with colic more frequently than alfalfa, coastal, or Bermudahay. Hay from round bales was associated with an increased colic risk.

Can switching hay cause colic?

A sudden change in diet, including grain, hay and pasture, can lead to colic. When making dietary changes, they must be made gradually to ensure the microbial population in your horse’s hindgut has sufficient time to adjust.

Why does Bermuda hay cause colic?

Research has shown that there is a correlation between high NDF values in hay and colic in horses. NDF, or neutral detergent fiber, is the indigestible portion of forage. This factor is more likely that this is the source of digestive upset, rather than a specific forage species.

What should I feed my horse prone to colic?

Suggested feed programme for horse prone to colic

1. Feed a high-fibre, low-energy ration, which includes cooked soya.
2. Alternatively, feed 2kg of high-fibre cubes and add up to 2kg of a conditioning ration, preferably cubes, which tend to contain less starch than mixes.
3. Continue with unmolassed chaff.

Is Bermuda hay better than alfalfa?

Clearly, alfalfa is higher in energy content and protein value as compared to Bermuda grass. Further, alfalfa is higher in calcium and quite similar in phosphorus content as Bermuda grass.

Is Bermuda grass toxic to horses?

The soluble carbohydrates and protein of bermudagrass herbage are low and unlikely to cause nutritional problems in horses. There are no alkaloids or other harmful mycotoxins normally present in bermudagrass in Kentucky.

Is Bermuda or timothy hay better for horses?

For all of these reasons, timothy hay is an excellent choice for horse owners who are looking for nutritious and healthy hay for their animals. Bermudagrass hay is typically the cheapest grass hay for horses, so it’s a good option for horse owners on a budget.

Should a colicky horse eat hay?

I recommend clients offer small handfuls of hay every 2 hours for 2 days after a colic and no grain for 2 days. Gradually start the grain back at one-quarter ration and increase slowly over a 7-day period.

Should you give a Colicing horse hay?

Horses recovering from impaction colic should first be allowed grass or hay, with grain being added only after gastrointestinal transit time has returned to normal. If a horse shows signs of colic, the owner is advised to contact a veterinarian who can diagnose and treat the condition.

How do you stop colic in horses?

Feeding to Prevent Colic

1. Feed your horse only what he needs.
2. Stick with your feeding program.
3. With grain, think small and often.
4. Keep him moving.
5. Get sand out of the ration.
6. Remove manure from paddocks and fields.
7. Use dewormers effectively.
8. Don’t miss out!

What are the first signs of colic in a horse?

Signs of colic in your horse

• Frequently looking at their side.
• Biting or kicking their flank or belly.
• Lying down and/or rolling.
• Little or no passing of manure.
• Fecal balls smaller than usual.
• Passing dry or mucus (slime)-covered manure.
• Poor eating behavior, may not eat all their grain or hay.

Is alfalfa or Bermuda better for horses?

Alfalfa hay is leafy, significantly higher in protein, depending on the hay maturity usually lower in fiber, and more easily digested than Bermuda grass hay.

Does Bermuda hay make horses hot?

This particular ratio means horses feel full with a more reasonable amount of hay, compared to alfalfa, which can satisfy a horse’s nutritional needs without filling them up. As a result, horses can eat a lot of this hay without getting “hot” from an excess of energy.

What is the best hay for horses?

Alfalfa, white clover, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil are common types of legumes, with alfalfa being the most popular choice. Benefits: Legumes are higher in protein and calcium than grass hay, and may also provide more energy and a higher level of total digestible nutrients, such as vitamin A.

How do you treat colic in horses naturally?

Feed a forage-based diet (based on hay or grass) and limit the amount of grain you feed. Make sure your horse always has fresh, clean water available. Provide salt in both block and loose form to encourage drinking, especially in winter. Allow your horse to get plenty of daily exercise with turnout and/or riding.

Which grass hay is not recommended for horses?

Hoffman said there are a few grasses to avoid in hay or forage if you are feeding horses. They include: Perennial ryegrass and rye.

What is Bermuda hay good for?

Bermuda And Teff Grass Hay and Livestock
So rather than the higher protein levels found in alfalfa hay, bermuda hay offers lower protein and higher fiber levels, promoting healthy digestion and making for a great base fodder for less active animals, or animals that have a tendency to be overweight.

Is Bermuda hay high in sugar?

Warm-season Bermuda grass:
NSC range: 9% to 17% (average 13%) ESC (simple sugars): average 6%