Test Your Horse Hay Knowledge

Hay is the bulk of the horse’s diet. Recognizing and purchasing good quality hay that’s of high nutritive value is of the utmost importance to horse owners. Test your knowledge of hay with the following quiz.

1. Horses are more susceptible to mould and certain weeds than ruminants. 

True. When purchasing hay it is important that the supplier knows it is intended for horses, and the horse owner should be knowledgeable enough to identify good quality hay visually and by its odour and texture.

2. Salting hay is a good way to preserve it. 

False. To be effective for preserving wet or green hay the level of application required would make the hay unpalatable.

3. Propionic, acetic, and formic acids should not be used on hay for horses. 

False. Preservatives containing propionic and acetic acid are produced naturally in the hindgut of the horse as the microbial population digest fibrous feed. These organic acids are potent mould inhibitors and are particularly useful at drying hay during a wet season. Do not store treated hay beside dry hay or it will absorb moisture from the treated hay and create mould.