Forage percentages!

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There have been a few post recently asking what percentage of forage is required according to bodyweight - the answers have varied from 2%, to 2.5%, to 3% - do these figures include grass and hard feed, or just haylage alone?

Also I am currently working out how much winter haylage to order for 2 x 15hh cobs that weigh approx 500kgs each. They will be out on reasonable grass from approx 7am - 4pm. They will both be in full work as hunt weekly, which will be reflected in their hard feed.

I don't like ad lib as find it wasteful and un-economical, so am looking for an idea on how much haylage they should be given on a daily basis to ensure I order enough.

Thanks in advance!!
 
I feed 3% of bodyweight of haylage in the winter to all of my horses except for two (who are really good doers). That is an average of 16kg (of very dry haylage), plus hard feed per horse in the winter. However, they are turned out in the all weather and do not go out on the grass unless it's extremely dry in the winter. I find they need 3% to maintain their weight during the winter. Any less, and they would lose condition. I do not feed ad lib as I find too much is wasted and trodden into their beds. I feed the haylage split into 5 portions split evenly throughout the day and evening.
 
Ideally you should feed your horse 2 1/2 % of his bodyweight. This includes ALL feed. If he is over weight you can reduce the percentage but should NEVER, unless advised by the vet, feed less then 1 % of his bodyweight. Hope this helps a little :):):)

Also feed the percentage of the ideal bodyweight. So you need to work out what he should weigh. No good feeding a fat horse too much food!
 
I think you need to feed more than this in the winter as horses use up more energy to keep warm, even when rugged. But it is true that 2.5% is the recommended amount. All horses are different though and some may need more, some less.

If I fed only 2.5% total feed to my horses in winter, then 5 out of 7 of them would lose condition and lack energy.
 
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So if I ensure they have a minimum of 2.5% forage per day (grass/hard feed/haylage), that would mean they require approx 15 kgs each per day, (sorry my maths is not very good.....)?

Wagtail - I totally aggree that every horse varies and am just using this as a guide. Fortunately they are good doers and weigh them regularily.

Thanks
 
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Mine are on grass 24/7. In Winter I use the 2.5% rule and find it works well. They are both extremely good do-oers though.

I would start with 2.5%, see how they go, monitor weight and condition and then add or takeaway food as relevant.
 
Sidney said:
So if I ensure they have a minimum of 2.5% forage per day (grass/hard feed/haylage), that would mean they require 15 kgs per day, (sorry my maths is not very good.....)?
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Depends how much they weigh (or should weigh). Also, some may not need that much, others might need more. It is an average only and intended as aguide. Personally, I find it a little on the mean side from personal experience.
 
Wagtail - they both weigh between 470kg - 500kg, so would base it on the higher to be on the generous side.

I will be ordering extra haylage so that if my calculations are on the 'mean' side, I have plenty in reserve.

Thanks again and has helped clarify my thought!
 
I've had some fab advice on here about feed percentages for my fatty but am wondering how you know how much grass they are eating? xx
 
I was always told to practically discount any grazing they might get in the winter, as they are only turned out for a few hours and the quality of grazing is minimal in most places.

A good tip is to look at your grass and imagine how long it would take you to cut a kilo with a pair of scissors. If it would take all day, then no need to take grazing into account when working out how much feed to give, but if it would only take half an hour, then they are probably getting quite a bit from the grazing still.

It is still low in nutrition in the winter regardless, so no hard and fast rules, have to use good old fashioned common sense!
 
That's a good idea!! I have way too much good grass (sorry if I'm moaning about it!!) & am trying to keep weight from going up at the mo xx
 
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