Finding a pure alfalfa chaff

[Fruitcake]

Thanks, Indy.

I did think it would be too simplistic! We tend to cut our hay late as we have natives. (Including a lami-prone pony and a horse with ulcers). I like them to have ad-lib hay so it's better if it's not cut at its best. It sounds as if the Lucerne would be ready ages before this. Thanks though. I really like the idea of growing Lucerne hay as it's supposed to be really good for ulcer prone horses. Maybe I need to talk OH in to buying some more land!

 

[Indy]

My friend has a horse who has been diagnosed with grade 3/4 ulcers and the only thing that gets him comfortable is gastroguard - she has tried everything for him. A couple of months ago she came to the farm to pay for some hay and straw and she had a look at my boys and I mentioned the Lucerne to her. Anyway she took a bale and she reckons the difference it has made to her horse is amazing. He still has little niggles but nowhere near as bad as she said he was before he was on it so in her case its definitely helping more than hindering.

 

[Fruitcake]

My friend has a horse who has been diagnosed with grade 3/4 ulcers and the only thing that gets him comfortable is gastroguard - she has tried everything for him. A couple of months ago she came to the farm to pay for some hay and straw and she had a look at my boys and I mentioned the Lucerne to her. Anyway she took a bale and she reckons the difference it has made to her horse is amazing. He still has little niggles but nowhere near as bad as she said he was before he was on it so in her case its definitely helping more than hindering.

That's really interesting. I do feed a small amount of Lucerne as chaff but, from what I've read, to get the amount needed to make a difference, it really has to be the main forage: that's why I thought about it as hay. My brain is now ticking trying to work out ways to grow some with the few acres we have spare for hay!

 

[Groom Mum]

I was wondering why one poster said "if you have to feed them it". Is it bad ? I feed mine alfalfa A. I would like to know if it's good or bad.

 

[TGM]

I was wondering why one poster said "if you have to feed them it". Is it bad ? I feed mine alfalfa A. I would like to know if it's good or bad.

Some people feel that feeding alfalfa can affect hoof quality and cause footiness in some animals. There are also some horses and ponies who seem to be rather intolerant to it and get itchy or have skin problems whilst on it. Haven't had any problems feeding it personally, but always good to be aware of potential issues.