by L.K. Warren and P.D. Siciliano1

Drought conditions result in poor hay and pasture production and rising feed costs. Often, horse owners are forced to find alternative feed sources to either “stretch” their limited hay supply, or completely replace it. Horses should be fed between 1.5 percent and 3.0 percent of their body weight per day in total feed. The amount of feed should be adjusted based on the quality of the roughage, the addition of grain to the diet, the horse’s physiological state (e.g., growth, lactation, level of work), and the desired level of body condition (Table 1).

Roughages, including hay and pasture, are the most important component of your horse’s diet. Roughages provide essential sources of digestible energy, protein, and some vitamins and minerals. Roughages also supply dietary fiber required for the normal function of the horse’s digestive system. Ideally, horses should receive 1.5 to 2.0 percent of their body weight per day as roughage. A minimum of 1 percent of body weight as roughage is needed to maintain gut health.

Roughages, by definition, are feeds that are high in fiber (minimum 18 percent crude fiber). In addition to hay and pasture, there are many other high fiber feeds that can be used to totally replace or partially replace the roughage portion of your horse’s diet. Table 2 lists some alternative
roughage sources, along with their replacement value relative to grass or alfalfa hay.

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