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Ryegrass - Feed Ingredient

Ryegrass refers to several species of cool-season grasses commonly used as pasture, hay, or silage in equine and livestock feeding systems. The most widely cultivated types include perennial and annual (or Italian) ryegrass. Ryegrass is appreciated for its rapid growth, palatability, and high forage yield.

In equine nutrition, ryegrass is primarily used as a forage source, either grazed or fed as hay. It provides a good level of digestible energy, moderate protein, and a relatively low fiber content compared to more mature hays. However, nutrient composition can vary significantly depending on species, stage of maturity, and environmental conditions.

The following equine feeds, supplements and products contain Ryegrass as an ingredient.

Feeds, Supplements & Products
Gentle Balance (LMF Horse Feeds)
Grain FreeGrain Free
Low NSC FeedsLow NSC Feeds
NutrientsNutrients
YeastYeast
Gentle Balance is a pelleted feed for horses that contains energy, vitamins, minerals, and yeast but does not contain grain or molasses. It is a low sugar feed that is meant for horses in light to moderate exercise.
Get Go (Elk Grove Milling) [Discontinued]
Bone HealthBone Health
BroodmareBroodmare
FoalFoal
GrowthGrowth
Get Go by Elk Grove Milling is a pelleted complete feed intended for broodmares, foals and weanlings up to 18 months.
Hay Rye Grass – 12% CP 60% NDF
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Gut HealthGut Health
ProteinProtein
Rye grass is typically used as pasture or silage for cattle. When cut for hay, protein and fibre content varies depending on the stage of harvest. Rye grass hay can have high fructan content and should not be fed to horses prone to laminitis. The seedheads can contain endophyte fungus that can cause equine neurological symptoms known as rye grass staggers.
High Fibre (HorseHage)
FiberFiber
ForageForage
Low NSC FeedsLow NSC Feeds
NutritionNutrition
High Fibre from HorseHage contains a mixture of mature ryegrasses, high fiber, and low protein. This feed is ideal for all riding horses, native ponies, veterans, and those in recovery.
Pasture Rye Grass – Italian
EnergyEnergy
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Annual (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
EnergyEnergy
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Perennial 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.
Rye Grass Silage – 15% CP 58% NDF
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Ryegrass silage is commonly fed to cattle and can be used in equine diets to replace hay when necessary. Ryegrass silage with 15% protein is appropriate for horses with higher protein and energy demands.
Rye Grass Silage – 21% CP 50% NDF
EnergyEnergy
FiberFiber
ForageForage
ProteinProtein
Ryegrass silage is common as a ruminant feed in North America. Limited quantities of silage can be used in equine diets as an alternative to hay.
Rye Grass Silage – 9% CP 65% NDF
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Ryegrass silage is a common feed for cattle. Silage can be used in equine diets if hay supply is limited. Late maturity harvests of ryegrass will have lower protein and higher fibre content.
Ryegrass (HorseHage)
ForageForage
IngredientIngredient
NutritionNutrition
Weight IssuesWeight Issues
Ryegrass from HorseHage is ideal for hunters, heavy horses, young stock, and breeding stock. This feed contains 32% fiber, 6% NSC, and 9% protein, improving weight and condition.
Ryegrass Pasture Autumn NZ
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Ryegrass pasture has higher protein content in the autumn compared to summer. It is commonly grazed by cattle and horses.
Ryegrass Pasture Drought NZ
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Under 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
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Ryegrass 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
FiberFiber
ForageForage
NutritionNutrition
ProteinProtein
Ryegrass pasture is commonly grazed by cattle and horses. In the summer months it has lower protein, sugar and energy content than in the spring.
Senior Stable Mix (Elk Grove Milling)
Complete FeedComplete Feed
HealthHealth
NutritionNutrition
SeniorSenior
Elk Grove Milling's Senior Stable Mix is a pelleted formula intended for mature and senior horses. It is high in fibre and it can be used as a forage replacement for horses with dental or digestion issues.
Senior Stable Mix GC (Elk Grove Milling)
Complete FeedComplete Feed
JointsJoints
NutrientsNutrients
SeniorSenior
Senior Stable Mix GC by Elk Grove Milling is a complete feed containing glucosamine and chondroitin. It is intended for senior horses showing signs of arthritis.
Sport Horse Mix (Elk Grove Milling)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
FiberFiber
NutrientsNutrients
PerformancePerformance
Sport Horse Mix by Elk Grove Milling is a complete feed containing copra meal to provide cool energy. It is intended for horses in moderate work.
Stable Mix (Elk Grove Milling)
Caloric EnergyCaloric Energy
Complete FeedComplete Feed
FiberFiber
Gut HealthGut Health
Stable Mix by Elk Grove Milling is a complete pelleted formula intended for all horses. This feed is high in fiber (30%) and can be used to replace forage in a horse's diet.
Stable Mix Futurity (Elk Grove Milling)
GrowthGrowth
PerformancePerformance
PrebioticPrebiotic
ProbioticProbiotic
Stable Mix Futurity by Elk Grove Milling is a pelleted feed intended for young horses in training.
Stable Mix GC (Elk Grove Milling)
Complete FeedComplete Feed
HealthHealth
JointsJoints
NutrientsNutrients
Stable Mix GC by Elk Grove Milling is a complete pelleted feed containing glucosamine and chondroitin. It is intended for horses that show signs of arthritis.
Whole Crop Rye Silage 36% DM 46% NDF
FiberFiber
GrainsGrains
Gut HealthGut Health
NutritionNutrition
Rye silage is a high-energy feedstuff primarily fed to ruminants. It is lower in starch and higher in fibre than corn silage.

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