Feeding horses through the drought

 by Nicole Pearce, President, Horses in Drought Incorporated

 17.01.2007 

With the continuation of drought throughout Australia, and with increasing feed prices, Horses in Drought Incorporated would like to share a few tips on feed alternatives and some practical hints on keeping your feed bills down.

Many horse owners across Australia will be feeling the pinch on their pockets in the next few months.  With feed prices on the increase and hay and other feed stuffs becoming increasingly difficult to purchase, we need to start to look at alternatives to traditional feeds.  Putting drought management and feeding strategies in place now will assist you and your horses to cope with the ongoing drought.

What is the reason behind increasing feed prices?

It is pretty simple and comes down to supply v’s demand.  Without rain, growers cannot produce hay.  The supply chain decreases, and demand increases.  For the growers that are able to produce hay, costs for water allocations often mean that the cost to produce the hay will be increased, especially if irrigation is not supplemented by good rainfall.  Where user pays irrigation is the only available source of producing crops, more often than not, crop yields will not meet their full capacity, therefore reducing the amount of hay or feed that is produced.  Add to this the cost to bale and transport feed and you get the picture.

Unless we receive some significant rainfall in the next couple of months, feed shortages and prices will continue to increase.  The Australian Fodder Industry Association have warned that we could be facing prices reaching up to $1100 per tonne for grain unless significant rainfall is received by May this year.

 How do you sustain your horse’s weight through the drought?

Horses require no less that 1% of their body weight in roughage (minimum 18 % crude fibre per kg) per day to maintain digestive processes. To give you an idea, a 400 kg horse would require no less than 4kg of roughage per day and 50% of the horses ration.  Although not always practical, it is recommended that feed intervals should be no less than a maximum of 12 hours apart to ensure proper feed digestion. 

To maintain body weight, horses should be fed the equivalent of 3-5% of their body weight per day (depending on the individual).  Horses should be maintained at a body condition score of 2 to ensure ongoing health.  Increasing body weight can be achieved by providing a high protein, high energy diet.

The most important consideration when feeding horses during drought is the amount of fibre that is being consumed.  Grazing and hay provide the main sources of fibre in your horse’s diets.  When grass and hay are no longer available you will need to look at alternatives for providing fibre rich feeds to horses.  During drought, consideration of nutritional value of feeds although important, is not as essential as providing enough bulk to ensure proper functioning of the digestive system.  You should however keep in mind Calcium / Phosphorus levels ( at a ratio of 1:1.5 ) when considering your feeding regime.

It is important to check horse’s teeth on a regular basis and also to ensure that a regular worming routine is carried out to ensure that your horse is maximising its digestive efficiency and obtaining all the nutrients provided in their feeds.

What type of alternative feeds are available?

This information is for use as a guide only.  Before considering feeding any alternative feeds to drought effected horses, please consult with your veterinarian.  Any feed changes should be introduced gradually and with caution.   

As a traditional feed, lucerne hay provides between 16 – 18 % of protein per kg (depending on cut) and contains more energy than grass or cereal hay and chaffs.  Protein is essential for a horse’s well being, without a sufficient amount of protein you will reduce the effectiveness of processing of fibre in the horses hind gut. 

It is inevitable that with the decrease of lucerne and other high protein feeds, horse’s weights will also decrease unless we supplement with an alternative.  Remembering that horses also need a high fibre content in their diet to enable proper digestion, there are a number of alternatives to traditional feeding that are currently available.

Cereal Hay, in the form of Oaten hay, Grass hay, Barley hay, Meadow hay and straw, are all appropriate feeds for horses.  They are high in fibre, and have most have between 6 and 10% protein, depending on cut.  Nutritionists do not recommend the use of silage, sorghum, lupin hay and vetch hay products as they are not suitable for horses.

Please remember when choosing hay to check that it is not mouldy, or has any mice or rat damage.  Mould in hay can cause colic and respiratory problems in horses.  Mice or rats in hay can cause botulism in horses.  It is a good idea to feed hay in large feed troughs and wet hay down to reduce dust and wastage.  It is recommended that when purchasing hay, look for hay that is soft.  Coarse sharp stalks in hay can cause lacerations in the horse’s mouth; however, soaking hay in water can reduce instances of this occurring.

Although it has been around for a long time, Rice Bran (more commonly known as Pollard) is a good supplementary feed (it should not be fed on its own).  It is high in fat and protein and readily available.  Some manufacturers advise that Rice Bran can be fed up to a maximum of 30% of a horse’s daily feed intake. 

Soybean hulls are high in fibre and protein and can be fed up to a maximum of 50% of the horse’s daily ration.  Soybean hulls are very easily digested and horses generally like the taste of them. 

Linseed meal is an excellent source of Protein.  Linseed fed in its raw state (uncooked) is highly toxic to horses. 

Sunflower and lupin hulls are yet another good source of high fibre, alternative feed supplements.  They should be fed dampened down.

One feed that is new to the Australian market and should not be discounted as a good alternative high fibre feed source is Sugar Beet Pulp.  This product needs to be soaked in water prior to feeding and can be used in conjunction with your normal feeding regime to increase body weight, or as a chaff replacement to sustain your horse’s weight (it is not recommended that you feed it on its own).  It has also proven to go a lot further than chaff and is therefore a financially viable alternative.

Bread can be fed to horses in small quantities as long as it is fed dry / stale.  Bread contains a high amount of fat and carbohydrates that are good for energy.

Cardboard (unprinted and finely chopped) has been fed to horses in the past.  It has very little nutritive value, and should only be fed if you are desperate and there is absolutely no other means of feed available.

This information is for use as a guide only.  Before considering feeding any alternative feeds to drought effected horses, please consult with your veterinarian.  Any feed changes should be introduced gradually and with caution.   

Buying in bulk may cost you more for the initial outlay; however you will usually find that if you purchase your stock feeds in bulk, (contact the wholesaler direct) discounts usually apply.  Talk to your neighbours, or riding club groups to organise bulk deliveries to help you save money. 

It is a good idea to feed out a bale of sample hay to make sure your horses actually like it before you purchase a truck load that could go to waste. 

Where can I find more information?

There are a number of very good publications available to assist you in managing your horses through the drought.  Some of the articles that we recommend are as follows;

• Drought Feeding & Management for Horses" by David Nash, Published by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

• Drought Management by Dr John Kohnke – Konkhe’s Own Website www.kohnkesown.com

• Feeding Horses in Australia by Dr John Kohnke (available from Tuxedo on-line bookstore www.tuxedo.com.au )

• Pastures for Horses : A wining resource by Angela Avery (available from Tuxedo on-line bookstore www.tuxedo.com.au )

 Your local veterinarian is able to provide you with drought feeding information and should be your first point of contact.  For information on Pasture management, contact your local Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB).  You can also contact the local RSPCA or any other Horse rescue / welfare organisation. 

The most important thing!! 

During times of drought, often the last thing you need is to have to part with your best friend, your horse.  Please, remember that not feeding your horse is not an option.  If you cannot afford to feed your horses, consider other alternatives that may be available to you.

Your horse’s welfare is your responsibility.