Effect of hay nets on horse bodyweight, body condition score, hay usage, and dental health in mature adult horses.

This research article focuses on the use of hay nets in managing horse health. It pinpoints that while hay nets do not cause negative impacts on dental health of horses, the study finds that hay nets can control the quantity of hay usage, as well as maintain body weight and body condition scores of the horses.

Methodology of the Research

• In this study, 13 adult horses were monitored over a two-year period from September 2021 to September 2023.
• The horses were selected based on body weight and then grouped into two treatment groups — those fed with hay nets (NET) and those without (CON). After the first year, the groups switched treatments.
• The horses lived in dry lots adjacent to each other, with access to shelter, free-choice water, and round bales of hay — either with or without the use of hay nets. The round bales were weighed before being fed to calculate hay usage.
• The health conditions of the horses, concerning their dental health, body weight, and body condition score, was recorded by a blinded investigator. Incisor length and dental abnormalities were also recorded at the start of each year in the trial.
• To document the dental health, digital images were taken monthly to determine what researchers referred to as rostral oral cavity scores (ROCS).

Findings and Conclusion

• The research revealed that horses that were not fed with hay nets showed more hay usage and had higher body weight and body condition scores.
• However, the use of hay nets or the lack of one made no observable difference to the horses’ dental health, as evidenced by the lack of discrepancies in the horses’ incisor measurements, the presence of incisor bevels, ROCS, or the instances of dental abnormalities and conditions.
• The study concluded that hay nets, while not causing any negative impacts on the horses’ dental health, can potentially control the amount of hay consumed by the horse and thus assist in maintaining body weight and body condition scores.

This research offers significant information for horse managers on how they can use hay nets to control horse body weight and body condition scores, without negative effects on dental health.