I don’t need to tell you that hay is scarce this year. Farmers who usually get two cuts were often only able to get one, and that was sometimes a bit on the thin side. With the grass drying up in the summer for many of us, an early start was made on this seasons hay. We rely on hay (or haylage) to replace grazing for our horses through the winter. But there are alternatives and of course Simple System can help out! One you may not have considered is LucieFibre Cubes. These are lower calorie, higher fibre lucerne and can be a useful partial hay replacer and may even work out more economical than some types of haylage. When doing your costings, bear in mind that haylage is usually around 60 – 65% dry matter, the rest being water. LucieFibre Cubes are 90% dry matter, so you are not having to buy water! You just add plenty of it before feeding to rehydrate the cubes ready to feed, adding at the same time a lot of bulk to help slow down eating rate. Our Feed Line is always happy to help with suggestions for feeding your horses so if you are needing a chat or would like some suggestions, do get in touch.
Rain fall can trigger growth akin to a spring flush, especially if temperatures are high. Even whilst true spring may be in the past, the risk for those prone to laminitis will rise.
For the second consecutive Sunday, presenter Adam Henson has discussed the use of sainfoin during Countryfile.
''Feed the mare to feed the foal'' - wise words from many an experienced breeder. With little grass due to the dry weather, grazing can be topped up in the feed bowl.