The Feeding of Horses.

This research report conducted by the Agricultural Experiment Station of Utah presents results of feeding trials on horses. Key findings suggest that horses maintain better weight when hay and grain are fed separately rather than mixed. The report also finds that horses fed with cut clover performed better than those fed whole hay.

Experiment Details

• The experiment conducted by J. W. Sanborn consisted of two trials. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of feeding horses hay and grain mixed together versus separately, and comparing the benefits of whole hay to cut hay.
• The horses were divided into two groups and fed differently for nearly three months. After this period, the groups’ food was swapped and observed for further two months.

Feeding Hay and Grain Separately vs. Mixed

• Sanborn found that feeding hay and grain separately to horses produced better results, contrary to the common belief that it may lead to digestive issues when fed separately.
• Horses fed with mixed grain and hay did not maintain their weight as well. This was attributed to potential irritation and overeating. When hay and grain were moist, they were more palatable and eaten more quickly.

Feeding Cut Hay vs. Whole Hay

• The trial was conducted over two periods, reversing the hay type with each set. This helped confirm whether the weight change of the horses was due to individual variances or feeding style data.
• Decisively, the trial found cut clover hay advantageous. Clover and lucerne, unlike timothy hay, do not have sharp, solid cutting edges, making it easier for the horse to eat and digest.

General Observations

• It was noticed that horses had feeding habits similar to high fed cattle, consuming nearly an equal amount of food. This piece of information led the author to suggest that charging more for pasturing horses is perhaps unreliable, especially where grooming isn’t included.
• The study also showed that lesser food was consumed during hot months compared to cooler months, especially noticed in grain intake.
• Sanborn concluded that larger rations of grains seem to be an economical feeding choice for work-horses.