Horse Forage Welfare - Hay Alternatives

Welfare benefits and challenges of hay alternatives for horses, including haylage, silage, dried grass, and chaff.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to spend 14-16 hours daily foraging; restriction of forage time causes gastric ulcers and stereotypies
Haylage (wilted grass silage) has higher moisture content than hay and is more digestible, suiting poor doers
High sugar content in haylage can exacerbate equine metabolic syndrome requiring analysis before use
Hay replacers including straw chaff should be provided ad libitum to maintain gut motility and reduce ulcer risk
Slow feeder nets and hay balls extend forage consumption time, reducing periods without forage access

Welfare Considerations

This topic carries significant welfare implications for the animals involved. Evidence-based management approaches and appropriate veterinary care can substantially improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult your veterinarian or a specialist for guidance specific to your situation
Follow evidence-based management protocols and best practice guidelines
Monitor animals closely and intervene promptly when welfare concerns arise
Stay updated with current research, legislation, and industry standards
Share knowledge with others to improve welfare outcomes across the sector