What Is The Best Cutting Of Alfalfa For Horses?

First cutting of hay is the one harvested first in the year from the field before it blooms. This cutting is good for horses. There is a lot of fiber, so it is nutritious, plus it is easy to eat because the stems are flexible and thin.

Which cutting of hay is best for horses?

The first cutting usually has a higher weed content, and quality decreases after the second cutting, so the second cutting is usually the best to feed.

Is second or third cut hay better?

IT MIGHT BE ABOUT THE CUT
Hay is often cut three or more times each season. The first cutting in any cut will have thicker stems, perhaps have flowers (usually called tassel), and is the highest in fiber of any cut. The second cutting is softer, greener, has a higher protein but lower fiber than first cutting.

Is first cutting alfalfa good?

In the vast majority of years, the first cutting of alfalfa offers the opportunity to harvest the highest concentration of digestible fiber of any remaining summer cutting. If the current cool spring continues, fiber digestibility should be well above average with a timely harvest.

Which cut of Lucerne is best?

The first cutting of Lucerne has the highest yield and quality. The most important factor in determining the quality of Lucerne is its maturity at the time of harvest. When Lucerne matures, its fiber content goes up and its fiber and DM (dry matter) digestibility decrease.

What cut of alfalfa is best?

The lowest sections of the alfalfa plant are typically higher in fiber and have fewer high quality leaves present. If growers raise their cutting height to leave these high-fiber basal stem sections in the field, they may increase forage quality.

How tall should alfalfa be when you cut it?

Current recommendations regarding cutting height of alfalfa are designed to maximize yield while maintaining high quality forages and stand longevity. Forage growers frequently cut forages at a height of 3-inches or more.

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.

How many bales of hay should a horse have a day?

A horse can eat anywhere from 15-25 pounds of hay a day, which generally equates to a half of a 45/50-pound square bale of hay per day (~15-30 bales per month).

Which cut of hay has the most nutrients?

Legume hays (alfalfa) are richer in nutrients and energy while grass hays are high in fibre for a healthy digestive tract. Therefore, if choosing between the two, alfalfa hays are preferred for those who require more energy. Seniors, mature non-working horses and easy keepers are apt to do better on a grass hay diet.

Is 3rd cutting alfalfa good for horses?

Hay of the third cutting is thick, green, and very nutritious, containing more legumes and high protein and fat content. It is also leafy and soft, so the horses will find it appealing.

Can horses eat first cut alfalfa?

From a nutritional standpoint, all cuttings can result in prime horse hay. With alfalfa, there will be some variation in protein content between cuttings. First cut alfalfa hay has the reputation of having large tough stems, but this is only true if the hay was too mature when cut.

When should you not cut alfalfa?

Late Alfalfa Cuttings
In more northern regions especially, alfalfa should not be cut or grazed during the period of 4 to 6 weeks before the first killing frost, or approximately between the first week of September and mid-October.

Can horses have too much lucerne?

With performance horses, as with growing horses and pregnant mares, Lucerne must be fed in moderation. Unlike the above classes of animals, excess protein in the diet of working horses, particularly those that are stabled, can be detrimental to their health and performance.

What is the difference between alfalfa and lucerne?

Lucerne is considered an insectary plant, which means that insects are bred here. Alfalfa accommodates insects that are parasitic and rapacious. By providing shelter to them, Lucerne can protect other plant species and crops. Also, alfalfa seeds require pollinators, once the fields are blooming.

What’s the difference between lucerne and lucerne?

Luzern and Lucerne are simply different spellings for the same Swiss city. Luzern is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. So, the standard spelling at the train station, street signs, or on public buildings is Luzern.

Is chopped alfalfa good for horses?

Alfalfa hay can be an excellent source of calories for horses who need help in gaining weight, or whose exercise demands require additional energy sources. It’s especially helpful for a hard keeper because of its high palatability—horses love to eat it.

Is alfalfa hay or cubes better for horses?

There is no nutritional difference between alfalfa pellets and cubes, so the choice between the two is based on which type your horses prefer and which you prefer to feed and store. Alfalfa pellets, cubes, and hay provide the same essential nutrients per pound.

Can you feed horses straight alfalfa?

Alfalfa hay is an excellent source of energy, protein, calcium and some other nutrients for horses. Its concentrations of protein and calcium meet the nutrient needs of horses in high levels of production, such as growth and lactation, but exceed the nutrient requirements of horses in other life stages.

What is the best time of day to cut alfalfa?

The preference for late afternoon cutting is compelling and originated from a number of studies that were done in the western United States. Not only was the PM-cut forage (both alfalfa and grasses) of higher quality, but the researchers also had convincing evidence that animals preferred it to AM-cut hay.

What happens if you cut alfalfa too early?

Realize that if you are cutting alfalfa earlier there will be a yield reduction and possibly a reduction in stand longevity. First cutting alfalfa changes rapidly at this time, and weather delays will decrease forage quality.