Is Timothy Chaff Good For Horses?

Timothy Chaff is great for horses who have problems with endophytes as Timothy grass has low levels. Timothy is high in fibre, being 56.9 – 77% (total fibre as NDF) compared to other forages.

Which chaff is best for horses?

Youngstock and horses in hard work may benefit from alfalfa chaffs due to the higher protein, energy and mineral levels whereas overweight horses or those in light work would be better suited to lower energy hay/straw chaff mixes. Horses in hard work could be fed high oil chaffs to help provide extra energy.

Is chaff as good as hay?

The benefit of increasing chewing time is that concentrate then enters the digestive tract more slowly and in smaller amounts, this allows the simple carbohydrates to be fully absorbed in the small intestine. Chaff is also easier to digest than hay and so it is great for young and older horses.

What is timothy chaff?

Timothy Chaff is a nutritious source of protein and fibre. Containing low Endophyte timothy grass harvested in the fertile Canterbury plains and made available at your nearest local feed store nationwide in convenient 20kg sacks.

Is timothy or alfalfa better for horses?

Alfalfa hay is typically higher in protein and essential nutrients than timothy hay, making Alfalfa a better option for more active animals that need a high-protein diet. Alfalfa also has more calories per pound than timothy, so it’s generally the preferred choice of sport horse owners.

Can chaff cause colic in horses?

Another consideration is that chaff is mainly short fibre compared to the long fibre in hay and there is a higher risk of colic in horses fed all their fibre as short cut chaff.

Can I just feed my horse chaff?

Chaff or chopped straw is commonly fed to horses and ponies to bulk out their concentrate feed and to prevent them eating too quickly. Chaff is dried forage that has been cut into small pieces, in contrast to the long grass stems in hay and haylage.

How much chaff do you feed a horse per day?

For optimum digestive health horses must receive at least 1.5% of their body weight each day in roughage (grass, hay, chaff and other fibre sources) which would equal 7.5kg for a 500kg horse.

Can I feed chaff before riding?

Feeding a scoop of chaff 30 minutes before riding. This will help to soak up any excess stomach acid, reducing the risk of this splashing during exercise and causing ulcers.

Should you add water to chaff?

Measures must be taken to avoid a horse bolting food; hard feed should include long fibre such as chaff to increase chewing time and the ration should be dampened down with water.

What chaff is best for horses with ulcers?

alfalfa chaff
Any unmolassed chaff is suitable to be fed, however, an alfalfa chaff is often recommended for horses with EGUS. Alfalfa is naturally high in protein and calcium which is thought to help neutralise the stomach acid and thus lessen the risk of ulcers developing.

How much Chaffhaye should I feed my horse?

Feeding Guidelines
Horses 1.5 to 2 lbs of Chaffhaye per hundred weight of animal per day. Ruminants 2.0 to 2.5 lbs of Chaffhaye per hundred weight of animal per day Deer and Exotics Feeding…

What chaff is best for Laminitic horses?

Hygain® Micrbeet® – a micronized beet pulp being a high fibre, low starch formula makes it an ideal chaff replacement for horses/ponies prone to metabolic related issues. High starch feeds should be avoided, including treats such as carrots and apples.

Can horses eat straight timothy?

Timothy Grass is the traditional favorite among horse owners. Much of this tradition is due to the fact that Timothy was one of the first grasses cultivated for horse hay. Therefore, feeding Timothy Grass has a well-established comfort level with horse people.

What is the healthiest 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.

Why is timothy good for horses?

Benefits for Horses
Horse owners have found that Timothy hay promotes a shiny coat, good digestion, bowel regularity, and a healthy weight. It is also excellent for colic prone, protein-sensitive, and obese horses.

Does chaff give horses Energy?

The blend of grass, straw and alfalfa makes this horse chaff high in fibre, supporting digestive health. The high oil content in Cool, Condition & Shine helps to build and maintain condition, provide slow-release energy and also helps to promote healthy skin and coat shine.

What foods give horses colic?

High starch, low forage diets. Inadequate water intake or failure to drink. Poor teeth or lack of dental care.

What can I feed my horse to prevent colic?

Mad Barn founder Scott Cieslar refers to salt as the best anti-colic supplement you can give your horse. Feeding your horse adequate salt as a source of sodium will help to increase water intake, prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of colic. Most equine diets are deficient in the electrolyte sodium.

What are the benefits of chaff?

Chaffs are considered as a high fibre feed which is incredibly important for a horse’s digestive system and immune function. As horses are predominantly fibre digesters or hindgut fermenters, fibre is not just a ‘filler’, it is vital for their energy levels.

How long does chaff last once opened?

By opening the bag, the forage becomes exposed to oxygen and begins to lose its freshness. As a guide, Chaffhaye will remain fresh 7 to 14 days after opening, depending on weather conditions.