Horse feed analysis: why is it essential?
Hay, second-cut hay, silage… What you feed your horse accounts for around 85% of its total diet. In other words, knowing the quality of its forage is an absolute priority for a truly balanced diet. Too often overlooked, forage analysis for horses is the only reliable way to know the actual nutritional value of your hay… and therefore to adjust your horse’s diet accordingly. We explain why this step is essential, how to do it, and how it makes all the difference to your horse’s health and performance. Too often overlooked, analysing horse feed is the only reliable way to know the actual nutritional value of your hay… and therefore to adjust the ration correctly.
We explain why this step is essential, how to do it, and how it makes all the difference to your horse’s health and performance!
1.Why analyse horse feed?
When it comes to equine nutrition, it all starts with forage. It forms the basis of a horse’s diet, whether at rest or under exertion.
But unlike labelled industrial feed, forage is a living material, subject to significant variations:
- Time of cutting.
- Drying conditions.
- Terroir.
- Storage and shelf life.
The result: appetising, green hay does not guarantee a good energy intake or nutritional security!
Without analysing horse feed, any attempt to calculate rations can result in errors of up to 85%. And that is anything but a reliable basis for adjusting feed or managing a medical condition.
2.What can a horse feed analysis measure?
A thorough analysis of horse feed provides you with valuable data and figures to help you tailor the ration as accurately as possible:
- Crude protein content
- Digestible energy
- Sugar content (WSC, ESC)
- Fibre type and quality
- Mineral content (Ca, P, Mg, etc.)
- Trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium, etc.)
- Fodder preservation and digestibility
Additional analyses may be requested (mycotoxin testing, fungal contamination, etc.).
Please note: vitamins are not analysed because testing them is very expensive, but the other data is more than enough to create an optimised diet!
3.Who is fodder analysis intended for?
Hay producers or large consumers
→ Analyse each delivery or request hay that has already been analysed.
Variations between cuts can be significant.
Hay producers
→ Analyse each cut, taking several samples to obtain a representative average.
Individual owners
→ Ask your seller if they have an analysis.
Farmers often carry out these analyses for their own livestock.
And if that’s not the case, you can send us a sample for analysis!
Chez HNP, nous réalisons plus de 1000 analyses par an et disposons de bases de données solides. Mais rien ne remplace une analyse de fourrage pour cheval personnalisée, surtout en cas de ration technique ou de troubles digestifs.
4.How to take a hay sample ?
No need to be an expert: here is a quick and easy guide to sending your hay for analysis!
Étapes pour bien prélever :
- Take a handful of hay from several bales.
- Fill a 3L freezer bag.
- Remove all the air and seal the bag tightly.
- Order your analysis on our HNP website.
- Print the shipping label provided.
- Drop off the package at a DHL point near you.
5.The HNP solution: accurate and reliable horse feed analysis
At HNP, our scientific expertise and in-house laboratory enable us to offer you a comprehensive, accurate and rapid analysis of horse feed.
Our commitments:
- Reliable, clear and understandable analysis.
- Personalised support tailored to your objectives.
- A solid foundation for adapting your diet and supplements.
- An essential tool for better managing metabolic disorders.
Thanks to this analysis:
- You avoid invisible deficiencies or excesses.
- You can accurately adjust your intake.
- You optimise the horse’s digestibility and comfort.
- You limit the risk of dietary imbalances.
your hay analysed?
Order your horse feed analysis now on our website and benefit from HNP’s expertise!
Need advice or suitable products? ✉️ Contact our HNP team for personalised support!
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“When Nutrition and Care make the difference!”