A comparison between the nutritive value of short-cutting cycle, high temperature-dried alfalfa and timothy hay for horses.

This study evaluates the nutritional value of alfalfa dried in a high-heat, rapid method, compared to that of timothy hay for horses. It found that where considered on its own, or mixed with timothy hay, alfalfa has a significantly higher digestibility of organic matter, energy, and crude protein than hay, making it more nutritious for Thoroughbred horses.

Methodology

• The research employed a 4 x 4 Latin Square digestibility trial involving four Thoroughbred horses (including one three-quarter Thoroughbred) with an average weight of 531 kg.
• The horses were subjected to four different dietary treatments. These were:
  • 0AA, where the horses were fed timothy hay exclusively,
  • 33AA, a mix of 0.33 alfalfa and 0.67 timothy hay,
  • 67AA, where the ratio of feed was 0.67 alfalfa and 0.33 timothy hay, and
  • 100AA featuring only alfalfa in the diet.

Results

• The experiment made use of acid-insoluble ash to estimate the apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients.
• The passage rate of the different feedstuff was determined by using chromium-mordanted hay.
• In addition, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were also assessed.
• The results show that the alfalfa’s digestibility coefficients – the measures of how well a horse can utilize the feed for energy and growth – for organic matter (0.63), energy (0.57), and crude protein (0.74) were significantly higher than those for hay (0.45, 0.43, and 0.36 respectively).

Conclusion

• While the fiber components of both alfalfa and hay were digested to the same extent, the alfalfa’s ether extract was less digestible.
• The study also found that saponins, naturally occurring compounds in alfalfa, had inconsistent effects on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride values. They may contribute to the decreased digestibility of alfalfa’s ether extract.
• The research concludes that when fed to Thoroughbred horses, short-cutting cycle, high temperature-dried (SCCHTD) alfalfa has a significantly higher nutritional value than timothy hay.

Cite This Article

APA Copy Citation
Cí·¯ord D, Woodhead A, Muirhead R. (1992). A comparison between the nutritive value of short-cutting cycle, high temperature-dried alfalfa and timothy hay for horses. Equine Vet J, 24(2), 84-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1992.tb02788.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Pages: 84-89

Researcher Affiliations

Cí·¯ord, D
• Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Midlothian, UK.
Woodhead, A
Muirhead, R

MeSH Terms

• Animal Feed / analysis
• Animal Feed / standards
• Animals
• Cholesterol / blood
• Chromium / analysis
• Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
• Dietary Fiber / metabolism
• Digestion
• Feces / chemistry
• Gastrointestinal Transit
• Horses / physiology
• Male
• Medicago sativa
• Nutritive Value
• Poaceae
• Triglycerides / blood

Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.


1. Vasco ACCM, Brinkley-Bissinger KJ, Bobel JM, Dubeux JCB, Warren LK, Wickens CL. Digestibility and nitrogen and water balance in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay. J Anim Sci 2021 Nov 1;99(11).
   doi: 10.1093/jas/skab284pubmed: 34634110google scholar: lookup
2. Hodgson E, Thirouin M, Narayanan P, Romano TR, Wise J, Bond S. A novel placement method of a calibration-free pH capsule for continuous wireless measurement of intragastric pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Jan-Feb;39(1):e17273.
   doi: 10.1111/jvim.17273pubmed: 39715411google scholar: lookup
3. Köninger M, von Velsen-Zerweck A, Eiberger C, Löffler C, Töpper A, Visscher C, Reckels B, Vervuert I. Nutrient Composition and Feed Hygiene of Alfalfa, Comparison of Feed Intake and Selected Metabolic Parameters in Horses Fed Alfalfa Haylage, Alfalfa Hay or Meadow Hay. Animals (Basel) 2024 Mar 13;14(6).
   doi: 10.3390/ani14060889pubmed: 38539987google scholar: lookup