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Horse Nutrition

Video: How to Evaluate Hay Quality

Do you know how to evaluate hay quality to determine if the hay you are purchasing is really right for your horse? As we move into fall and winter, horse owners need to make sure they have enough hay of good quality to feed through the cold months. Amy Burk, PhD, MS, an associate professor in the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland has put together a new video lecture on how to evaluate hay quality and what kinds of hay are best for different horses. This is one of the most requested presentation topics on horse care at the University of Maryland.



The presentation covers:

  • When to feed hay
  • Types of hay
  • How hay is made
  • Ways to predict hay quality
  • Differences in hay cuts and what to look for when choosing hay
  • How to get a chemical analysis of hay
  • How to help the horse when you have low-quality hay
  • Nutrient requirements of horses
  • How to match hay samples to a horse’s nutrient requirements



Knowing more can help you purchase the right type of hay for the winter and all year round.

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Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.

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