Horses are respected and admired for their grace and beauty, and for their willingness to work for their owners. However, for horses to stay healthy and perform at their best, they need the right type of nutrition. Forage is a critical part of their diet, and the type of forage available can have a major impact on the health of a horse. Two common types of forage that are often used to feed horses are Timothy and Orchard Grass. But which one is better for horses?
This article will compare Timothy and Orchard Grass, looking at their nutritional content, digestibility, and other factors, to determine which is better for horses.
Nutritional Content of Timothy and Orchard Grass
Timothy and Orchard Grass are both members of the Poaceae grass family and they both provide a good source of fiber and energy for horses. However, they vary slightly in terms of the specific nutrients they provide.
Protein
Timothy grass has a higher protein content than Orchard Grass, with an average of 11-14% crude protein compared to 7-10% for Orchard Grass. This makes Timothy Grass a better choice for horses that are growing, pregnant, lactating, or in need of extra energy.
Fiber
Both Timothy and Orchard Grass have a high fiber content, which is essential for a horse’s digestive health. Timothy has an average of 27-33% crude fiber, while Orchard Grass has an average of 34-40% crude fiber.
Minerals
Timothy and Orchard Grass both contain minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium, but Timothy Grass has a higher mineral content overall.
Digestibility
Digestibility refers to how easy it is for a horse’s digestive system to break down the food and absorb the nutrients. Timothy Grass has a higher digestibility than Orchard Grass, with an average of 78-80% compared to 74-76%. This means that horses are able to absorb more of the nutrients from Timothy Grass than from Orchard Grass.
Palatability
The palatability of a food is an important factor when it comes to feeding horses. Horses are picky eaters, and if they don’t like the taste of the food, they won’t eat it. Timothy Grass is usually more palatable than Orchard Grass, and horses tend to prefer the taste of Timothy Grass.
Availability
Timothy and Orchard Grass are both widely available, but Timothy Grass is more widely grown than Orchard Grass. This is due to the fact that Timothy Grass is more tolerant of cold temperatures and can be grown in a wider range of climates.
Cost
The cost of Timothy and Orchard Grass can vary depending on the quality and availability, but generally speaking, Timothy Grass is more expensive than Orchard Grass. This is because Timothy Grass is more widely grown and is more palatable to horses.
Conclusion
When it comes to which type of grass is better for horses, it’s important to consider all the factors, such as nutritional content, digestibility, palatability, availability, and cost. Timothy Grass has a higher protein content than Orchard Grass, a higher digestibility, and is more palatable to horses. It is also more widely available and more expensive. However, Orchard Grass has a higher fiber content, which is important for a horse’s digestive health.
Overall, Timothy Grass is the better choice for horses because it provides more nutrients, is more digestible, and is more palatable. However, Orchard Grass can be a good choice for horses that need extra fiber in their diet.