Red Clover in Haylage and hot feet

[Beatrice5]

Hi guys,

Hayalge man just delivered new batch and it has red clover in it. I have only been feeding a few days and all have loose droppings. Mum and foal lively but free moving and sound. 3 yr old New Forest has warm feet and looks short striding - so hard to tell as ground is still frozen solid and rutty. They all when for a hoon and he did participate but not as enthusiastic as others.

Can you tell me should I be worried. Feet being warm could be due to standing around as there is no grass as it's still covered in snow and ice BUT I am worried that red clover is too rich hence loose poo's and it's the start of Lami

Advice please

 

[clairefeekerry1]

hi

cant really help re the lami but we had to stop feeding ours last winter with the red clover haylage as it was so rich it was causing havoc with temprements and droppings. we were told its sugar content is through the roof!

 

[Beatrice5]

Interesting - yes mine have all gone from sane to manic - luckily I am not riding at the moment due to unweaned foal but yes they are rather enthusiastic and wild at the moment.

 

[amandap]

I'm afraid I'd be worried. I've just spent ages moving my lot over onto haylage and six days after being on it completely I have one with laminitis. I'm furious with myself. I should know better!
I'm not even risking soaking it for this one she is on soaked rinsed hay and WILL stay on that!

This haylage is off old meadow full of all sorts including yellow rattle.

 

[Beatrice5]

What a pain. It's not easy stuff to get rid of either yet more money down the drain I'll have to open a different bale and hope it the usual lower grade stuff. Anyone need some rocket fuel?
They all have disgusting back legs as well real cow pats

 

[Violett]

Hi, have you though about having tested to give you a better idea - thankfully i did when my farmer delivered different hay to what i usually have and it was soo high in sugars ( 13%) that i had to take all the bales back !!!!!!!