Ibd / ulcers hay versus haylage

[racebuddy]

Hi


My horse has had previous history of ulcers / irritable bowel stayed completely clear for 2 yesrs no medocations just managed on grass hay and no xeral fees

Just wamderinf wheather people prefer to
Feed hay or haylage with there ulcers / ibd

 

[JoannaC]

I was told that haylage is worse for ulcers but that was just in casual conversation with someone so don't know it for a fact but I can imagine that hay would be better for both conditions.

 

[sputnik]

Hi


My horse has had previous history of ulcers / irritable bowel stayed completely clear for 2 yesrs no medocations just managed on grass hay and no xeral fees

Just wamderinf wheather people prefer to
Feed hay or haylage with there ulcers / ibd

My mare had ulcers and been treated for them in the past. She is on haylage and is/has been perfectly fine. I'm no expert, but haylage tends to be lower in sugar, but higher in protein than hay. It all depends on the type of grass used, when it was cut etc. If you can, buy a haylage that has been analysed so that you can check the sugar and starch content. Timothy hay or haylage is supposed to be better for the ulcer prone, or a meadow mix, but try and avoid rye if you can. As I have said, I'm not an expert, but have found this out by taking advice and from trial and error. Have a look at Horses with Ulcers FB group - there's plenty of advice on there.