What Is Teff Hay for Horses?

its sensitivity to frost and being an annual crop planting cannot commence until the threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach 12 degrees Celsius. Additionally weed control presents a challenge when growing this forage as broadleaf weeds can be controlled but annual grass weeds can negatively impact the crop since there are no herbicides available to control them.
The climate that the forage is grown in will determine how early in the season it can be planted. Teff is easily established and when growing conditions are ideal first cut can take place as soon as 40 days after planting. With optimal management teff crops can be cut three or even four times in a growing season to produce an annual yield of about four to seven tonnes per acre depending on the growing conditions of the season.
With teff being a warmseason grass species that is adapted to a variety of growing conditions it continues to gain popularity in Canada and across North America. Teff is typically lower in NSCs and digestible energy which makes it soughtafter for many easykeepers metabolic horses and horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy PSSM.
Hay for Horses with Metabolic Issues 
Managing easykeepers and horses with metabolic issues is an ongoing challenge across the industry. Sourcing safe forage for them is a critical aspect of management. For horses that are overweight finding hay that is lower in digestible energy is crucial to a healthy and sustainable weight loss. It is recommended that their forage does not exceed about 1 90 Mcalkg on a dry matter basis.
The energy that a horse requires to maintain a healthy body condition will differ between individuals. For many easykeepers forage must be restricted to ensure they do not become obese. Despite this the digestible energy content of the forage they are consuming is commonly overlooked. To highlight the importance of knowing the digestible energy content if you have an easykeeper that is on a forage with 2 2 Mcalkg it is going to be nexttoimpossible to restrict that hay enough to elicit weight loss without causing health issues such as gastrointestinal upset or stereotypical behaviours due to inadequate fibre consumption and chew time. On the other hand if you are able to find a forage that is 1 6 Mcalkg they will be able to consume more of it without gaining weight as it provides significantly less calories to them.
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