Nutritional value of Grass for Horses

Timotheus & Orchard Grass Nutritional values

High-grade feed is crucial for the correct digestion of horses. Fodder (hay/pasture) accounts for 60-100% of horse nutrition, according to functions and activities. Fodder storage in the shape of hey is the main food for horses standing in the stable or for horses that do not have plenty of grazing land.

Timothy grass and orchard grass are the most common choice for grass that can be used as grass for horses, which makes them the big two weeds. Thimothy Grass is the favourite among equestrianists. A large part of this is due to the fact that Timotheus was one of the first grass growers to grow grass for horses' hey.

Therefore the Timothy Grass feed has an entrenched standard of convenience for equine men. Timothy Grass contains a modest amount of proteins that are normally tested at about 8% proteins. Timothy Grass has a constant and even balance of phosphorous and potassium, and Timothy Grass has a low to medium caloric value. The Timothy Grass is also a wealthy fibre resource.

Apparently the only downside to Timothy Grass is uptime. Timothy grass usually provides only two shoots per year and needs a considerable amount of moisture to thrive. Both of these elements together with its tradition of attractiveness limits the range of Timothy Grass straw. And Orchard Grass is the up-and-coming superstar of the equine animal kingdom.

Fruit orchard grass is a very tasty grass with a high nutritional value. Fruit orchard grass is rich in proteins (10-12%), calories and contains the same balance of minerals as Timothy grass, i. e. the same amount of phosphorous and calcium. Orchard grass's higher caloric value is the consequence of a higher fibre indigestibility in comparison to Timothy grass.

Because of the high uptake of nutrients provided by the grass of orchards, the equine diet potentially requires less cereal to meet its needs for food, nutrients and proteins. In comparison to timothy grass, orchard grass will grow better when moderately dry and will produce three firm pieces of grass per year. Orchard Grass uses three instead of two cutting pieces to produce even, smooth grass that horses can easily devour with little or no wastage.

Stanlee Premium Western Forest manufactures both Timothy Grass and Orchard Grass as feed. That will help make sure that your horses always have a high grade grass feed available.