Equine Feed and Welfare Resources
January 15, 2013
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EmailThe following resources are aimed at helping horse owners find winter feed due to shortages caused by drought:
- Stretching hay supplies for horses in a drought year - Michigan horse owners can develop strategies to stretch their hay supplies through the winter and early spring using forage substitutes.
- Horse owners may be able to save money by using large round bales - Selecting the right round bale feeder can reduce costs for horse owners.
- Feeding soyhulls as a fiber source
- Beef cattle farmers – Save a horse by feeding cornstalk bales to cattle - Beef farms with ample hay supplies can profit from feeding cornstalks and selling some hay to horse owners desperately in need.
Hay prices and availability
- Hay prices high as 2012 drought has wreacked havoc on supplies (suggestions on finding hay) - This year the hay market is a seller's market regardless of feed quality.
- Will hay prices fall in 2013? - Fewer acres and an excessive drought drove hay prices up in 2012. Will they come back down in 2013?
Hay and pasture
- Cost of revovating hay or pature fields in northern Michigan - Figure out costs and risks before working up old hay fields or pastures.
Equine welfare and body condition scoring
- A learning lesson for evaluating Equine Body Condition
- Unwanted Horse Coalition partners with industry groups, educating on ownership - This resource, and others, works to supply comprehensive information to equine owners and enthusiasts.
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Watch horses for hypothermia when temperatures drop - This week's extreme weather changes could be dangerous for horses. Take steps to avoid hypothermia and other cold-weather issues.
