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  • October 03, 2024 4 min read

    Assessing Horse Pasture Quality for Equine Diet Analysis

    Pasture is a crucial component of a horse's diet, providing essential nutrients and fibre, promoting natural grazing behaviors, and contributing to overall equine health. However, not all pastures are created equal, and the quality of grazing land can significantly impact a horse's nutrition. This article will guide you through the process of assessing horse pasture quality, with a particular focus on different pasture types and the challenges posed by high oxalate pastures.

    Why Pasture Quality Matters

    Before diving into assessment methods, it's important to understand why pasture quality is so important:

    1. Nutritional Value: High-quality pastures provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
    2. Digestive Health: Grazing on appropriate forage promotes healthy gut function and reduces the risk of digestive issues.
    3. Mental Well-being: Access to quality pasture allows horses to engage in natural grazing behaviors, contributing to their psychological health.
    4. Cost-effectiveness: Good pasture can reduce the need for supplemental feed, lowering overall maintenance costs.

    Assessing Pasture Quality

    1. Botanical Composition

    The types of plants in your pasture play a significant role in its quality:

    - Desirable Species: Look for a mix of nutritious grasses and legumes. Common beneficial species include:
    - Cool-season grasses: Timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass
    - Warm-season grasses: Bermudagrass, bahiagrass
    - Legumes: White clover, red clover, alfalfa (in moderation)

    - Undesirable Species: Identify and manage weeds and toxic plants. Some common problematic plants include:
    - Patersons Curse

    - Cape Tulip

    - Cape Weed

    2. Plant Density and Ground Cover

    A high-quality pasture should have:

    - Dense growth with minimal bare patches
    - At least 70-80% ground cover
    - Plants at an appropriate height for grazing (generally 3cm - 20cm, depending on the species)

    Assessment method:

    1. Walk through the pasture, observing overall density.
    2. Use the quadrat method to estimate percentage ground cover in sample areas.
    3. Measure plant height in various locations using a ruler or pasture stick.

    3. Soil Health

    Soil quality directly impacts pasture quality:

    - pH: Most pasture plants thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
    - Nutrient Levels: Adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential nutrients are crucial.
    - Soil Structure: Well-structured soil allows for proper root growth and water retention.

    Assessment methods:

    1. Conduct regular soil tests (at least every 2-3 years) to check pH and nutrient levels.
    2. Observe soil structure by digging small pits and examining the soil profile.
    3. Check for signs of compaction, erosion, or poor drainage.

    4. Pasture Productivity

    A high-quality pasture should provide consistent growth throughout the grazing season:

    - Yield: Measure dry matter production per acre.
    - Regrowth: Observe how quickly the pasture recovers after grazing.

    Assessment methods:

    1. Use exclusion cages (small fenced areas that prevent grazing) to measure growth over time.
    2. Keep records of grazing days per paddock and recovery periods.

    Pasture Types and Special Considerations

    Cool-Season vs. Warm-Season Pastures

    - Cool-Season Pastures:
    - Thrive in temperatures between 15-24°C
    - Higher in fructans (a type of sugar), which can be problematic for some horses
    - Examples: Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, fescue

    - Warm-Season Pastures:
    - Optimal growth in temperatures between 27-35°C
    - Generally lower in fructans and overall sugar content
    - Examples: Bermudagrass, kikuyu

    When assessing pasture quality, consider the climate and season, as this will affect the predominant grass types and their nutritional content.

    High Oxalate Pastures

    Oxalates are compounds found in some pasture plants that can interfere with calcium absorption in horses. High oxalate pastures pose a particular challenge in tropical and subtropical regions.

    Common high oxalate grasses include:
    - Setaria species (e.g., buffelgrass, Guinea grass)
    - Kikuyu grass
    - Pangola grass

    Risks of high oxalate pastures:
    1. Calcium deficiency: Oxalates bind to calcium, making it unavailable for absorption.
    2. Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Big Head Disease): A condition resulting from chronic calcium deficiency.

    Assessing and managing high oxalate pastures:

    1. Identification: Learn to recognise high oxalate grass species in your area.
    2. Testing: If you suspect high oxalate levels, have your pasture tested by a laboratory.
    3. Management strategies:
    - Limit grazing time on high oxalate pastures
    - Provide alternative, low-oxalate forage sources
    - Supplement with additional calcium and dicalcium phosphate to offset the binding effect of oxalates
    - Consider oversowing with low-oxalate species to dilute oxalate content

    Practical Tips for Ongoing Pasture Assessment

    1. Establish a regular assessment schedule (e.g., monthly during the growing season).
    2. Keep detailed records of your observations, including photos for visual comparison over time.
    3. Use a combination of visual assessment and quantitative measurements for a comprehensive evaluation.
    4. Consider seasonal variations in your assessment, as pasture quality can change dramatically throughout the year.
    5. Consult with local agricultural extension services or equine nutritionists for region-specific advice.

    Assessing horse pasture quality is a crucial skill for any equine caretaker. By regularly evaluating botanical composition, plant density, soil health, and productivity, you can ensure that your horses are receiving optimal nutrition from their grazing. Remember to consider the specific challenges of your climate and pasture type, particularly when dealing with high oxalate grasses.

    If you are looking at improving your pasture, at Oakford Stockfeeds we supply a great range of quality pasture seeds, as well as fertiliser to help achieve the paddocks of your horse's dreams!

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