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Identify gaps in your horse's nutrition program to optimize their well-being.
Pasture - Feed Database
Discover detailed nutrition information for different types of pasture for horses in the Mad Barn Equine Feed Database. Compare grasses such as timothy, orchardgrass, Bermuda grass, and ryegrass, along with mixed pasture species, to better understand their nutrient profiles and how they contribute to your horse’s diet.
Feeds, Supplements & Products
Clover Pasture
Fiber
Forage
Protein
ToplineClover pasture is common in North America. This legume plant is high in protein and is a suitable forage source for growing, lactating, or performance horses to meet protein and energy requirements.
Guineagrass Pasture Honduras Over Grazed
Digestion
EnergyFiberForageGuinea grass pasture should not be grazed below 35 cm, as overgrazed pasture will have limited nutritious leaves and consist mainly of fibrous stems.
Guineagrass Pasture Honduras Well Managed
DigestionEnergyFiberForageGuineagrass pasture that is well-managed with adequate rest periods for regrowth has superior nutritional quality with more abundant leaves compared to unmanaged guineagrass pasture.
Kikuyu Pasture
FiberForage
Gut Health
NutritionKikuyu is a grass native to Eastern Africa that also grows in other tropical regions. It is a palatable forage for cattle and resistant to heavy grazing.
Pangola Grass Pasture Hay Honduras Long
FiberForageNutritionProteinPangola hay is a tropical and subtropical perennial grass that requires adequate rainfall. It is a high quality forage source for ruminants and can be used to provide supplemental protein.
Pangola Grass Pasture Honduras Over Grazed
FiberForage
HindgutNutritionPangola grass is a tropical and subtropical perennial pasture grass that requires adequate rain fall. It is a high-quality pasture source for grazing animals.
Pangola Grass Pasture Honduras Well Managed
FiberForageHindgutNutritionPangola grass is a tropical and subtropical perennial pasture grass that requires humid growing conditions. As pasture, it provides high quality forage for grazing animals.
Pasture – Avg (Central US)
FiberForage
Health
NutrientsAverage mixed legume/grass pastures in Central, US provide 20% crude protein and 37% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper, and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture – Avg (NE US)
FiberForageHealthNutrientsAverage mixed legume/grass pastures in Northeastern, US provide 20% crude protein and 37% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture – Avg (SE US)
FiberForageHealthNutrientsAverage mixed legume/grass pastures in Southeastern, US provide 20% crude protein and 37% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture – Avg (Western US)
FiberForageHealthNutrientsAverage mixed legume/grass pastures in Western, US provide 20% crude protein and 37% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture (Ontario Average)
FiberGut HealthHealthNutrientsAverage mixed legume/grass pastures in Ontario, Canada provide 20% crude protein and 37% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Alfalfa – 17% CP 43% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa is a legume pasture that is generally higher in protein and energy than grass pasture. Alfalfa pasture may be a suitable option for performance and growing horses with higher protein and calorie requirements.
Pasture Alfalfa – 17% CP 46% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinAlfalfa, also known as lucerne, is generally higher in protein than grass pasture. Full bloom alfalfa pasture has relatively lower protein and higher fibre content than at other growth stages of this legume pasture.
Pasture Alfalfa – 20% CP 37% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinSingle-species alfalfa pasture of alfalfa is generally higher in protein than grass pasture. Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a suitable forage source for gestating, lactating and growing horses to meet their calcium, protein and energy requirements.
Pasture Alfalfa – 20% CP 40% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinMid-quality alfalfa pasture that is partly in bloom contains approximately 20% crude protein and 40% NDF. Horses with high protein and calcium requirements benefit from grazing on alfalfa pasture.
Pasture Alfalfa – 25% CP 32% NDF
FiberGut HealthNutrientsProteinHigh-quality, pre-bud alfalfa pasture is relatively high in protein and low in fibre. Grazing on single-species alfalfa pasture with 25% crude protein is appropriate for gestating, lactating or growing horses.
Pasture Alfalfa – 25% CP 35% NDF
FiberGut HealthNutrientsProteinNutrient-dense alfalfa pasture is a rich source of calcium and protein. Gestating or lactating mares and growing horses benefit from the higher nutrient content of this legume pasture.
Pasture Grass – 16% CP 55% NDF
FiberForageNutritionProteinMature pasture grass made up of species such as timothy or bromegrass will provide approximately 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Sugar content varies depending on environmental factors.
Pasture Grass – 21% CP 48% NDF
FiberForageNutritionProteinModerate-quality pasture grass will contain approximately 21% crude protein and 48% NDF. Grass at this stage of growth should be consumed in moderation.
Pasture Grass – 24% CP 40% NDF
FiberForageGut HealthProteinYoung lush pasture grass is typically high in protein and low in fibre (24% crude protein; 40% NDF). This may be appropriate for horses with high calorie and protein demands, such as growing horses or horses in heavy exercise.
Pasture Grass (AB Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Alberta, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (BC Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in British Columbia, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (Central US)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in the central United States provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (Eastern US)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in the eastern United States provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (MB Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Manitoba, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (NB Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in New Brunswick, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (NL Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (NS Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Nova Scotia, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (ON Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Ontario, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (PEI Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Prince Edward Island, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (QC Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Quebec, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (SK Avg)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in Saskatchewan, Canada provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Grass (Western US)
FiberForageNutritionProteinAverage grass pastures in the western United States provide 16% crude protein and 55% NDF. Horses grazing on pasture with this mineral composition will require supplementation of selenium, zinc, copper and other nutrients to avoid deficiency.
Pasture Legume – 24% CP 38% NDF
FiberForageHealthProteinPasture consisting mainly of legumes such as alfalfa and clover is high in protein and low in fibre. This type of pasture may be suitable for lactating, gestating and growing horses.
Pasture Legume – 28% CP 33% NDF
FiberForageHealthProteinPasture comprised of legume plants such as alfalfa and clover is high in protein, energy, and calcium. Access to pure legume pasture should be limited to horses with increased protein requirements.
Pasture Mixed – 20% CP 41% NDF
FiberForageHealthProteinMixed pasture containing both legume and grass species is typical in the Northern US and Canada. This type of pasture is high in protein and energy.
Pasture Mixed – 26% CP 35% NDF
FiberForageHealthProteinMixed pasture contains both legume species such as alfalfa and clover as well as grass species such as timothy. This type of pasture is common in North America.
Pasture Rye Grass – Italian
EnergyForageProtein
Weight IssuesAnnual (Italian) ryegrass is a common pasture forage in warm climate regions such as the southeastern US. Ryegrass is a high-NSC forage that may not be suitable for horses with metabolic concerns.
Pasture Rye Grass – Perennial
EnergyForageNutritionProteinPerennial ryegrass is a common pasture forage adapted to mild temperate climates such as the Pacific Northwest. This pasture is more commonly used for grazing cattle and sheep. Ryegrass forage tends to have high NSC content and may not be suitable for horses with metabolic concerns.
Pasture Sorghum Sudan – 17% CP 55% NDF
EnergyFiberForageNutritionSorghum sudan grass is a drought-tolerant forage common to the Southwestern US. Horses should not graze on this forage for extended periods as they are susceptible to sudan grass toxicity, which can be life-threatening.
Ryegrass Pasture Autumn NZ
FiberForageNutritionProteinRyegrass pasture has higher protein content in the autumn compared to summer. It is commonly grazed by cattle and horses.
Ryegrass Pasture Drought NZ
FiberForageNutritionProteinUnder drought conditions ryegrass pasture will have lower protein and higher sugar content. High sugar content forages should be limited for horses with metabolic concerns.
Ryegrass Pasture Spring NZ
FiberForageNutritionProteinRyegrass pasture is a common feed for cattle and horses. In the springtime, it is relatively high in protein, sugar and energy and may be unsuitable for easy keepers or horses with metabolic concerns.
Ryegrass Pasture Summer NZ
FiberForageNutritionProteinRyegrass pasture is commonly grazed by cattle and horses. In the summer months it has lower protein, sugar and energy content than in the spring.
Tall Fescue Pasture
FiberForageGut HealthNutritionTall Fescue is a common pasture grass in North America. Breeding horses should not be grazed on tall fescue pasture as endophyte-infected plants can cause reproductive issues.
