As part of our harvesting process, Local Hay Farms has our hay analyzed for quality assurance.
Interpreting hay analysis made easier
We believe the lower hay value ie. Low 1 versus Low 2 will have the least impact on a metabolically compromised horse. There are other factors that come into play such as protein content, palatability and DE value.
Please note this is our opinion, for better certainty please verify with a vet.
Low
| Low 1 | Low 2 |
| Low 3 | Low 4 |
| Low 5 | Low 6 |
Med
| Mid 1 | Mid 2 | Mid 3 |
| Mid 4 | Mid 5 | Mid 6 |
| Mid 7 | Mid 8 | Mid 9 |
| Mid 10 |
High
| Hi 1 | Hi 2 |
There a few important factors that you may find useful when reviewing our hay analysis:
-
- The dry sample column has the most accurate reading
- ADF is ideally at 30-35%
- NDG is ideally at 40-50%
- %WSC and % starch is ideally less than 12% for metabolic horses
- % ESC and % starch is ideally less than 10 %
- DE is what the horse actually gets from it however cattle DE calculations are different
- RFQ averages 100 but the higher the better
- CA to P ratio 1:1 to 3:1. If for instance a ratio is 5:1 you can add grain or rice bran as it has a high P content. Be careful not reverse the ratio to less than 1:1
Resources for your Hay Education
Calcium and Phosphorus in a Horse’s Diet
Providing Dietary Calcium and Phosphorus to Horses
Copper in Horse Diets: What Does it Do?
Horse Nutrition
Taking a Hay Sample and Understanding the Analysis