|
Finding and storing hay can be a
real challenge when weather patterns affect
yields. Here are some helpful hints on estimating
how much hay you may need, finding it and storing
it.
How Much Hay Do I Need?
1) Figure our how much hay, in
pounds, each horse consumes in one day. a 1000 lb.
horse normally eats 20 lbs of good quality hay
each day. Add extra pounds for colder weather,
hard keepers, bigger horses, lower quality hay.
# of lbs each horse eats x
# of horses = daily pounds needed
2) Multiply total pounds by number
of days you need to feed. (Like from Nov. until
May when the grass begins to grow) If you need
over 2000 pounds of hay, convert to tons (total
pounds/2000=# of tons).
Figure what you need like this:
# of lbs per day x # of days to
feed = total lbs / 2000 = # of tons you need
3) Subtract the amount of hay you
have on hand. To figure it out weigh yourself
holding a bale and then not holding a bale.
Subtract the lower number from the higher. That is
how much your bale weighs. Do that with a few
bales then average the weight. That is the figure
you use to find how many pounds or tons of hay you
have on hand.
# of bales x bale weight in lbs
= total lbs / 2000 = total tons on hand
# of tons you need - # of tons
on hand = amount you need to buy
Storing Your Hay
It is vital that you store your
hay properly! Improper storage leads to mold,
which can cause colic and even death in horses and
ponies. Also, if it is hay cutting season, don't
feed fresh cut alfalfa, it must cure for at least
90 days. Another alfalfa warning: crimped alfalfa
that contains blister beetles can be deadly to
equines. Have you alfalfa checked for blister
beetles before you buy! The crushed beetles
crystallize forming a chemical that causes horses
terrible pain and even death.
|
