Lucerne, also known as alfalfa, is a nutritious and highly digestible forage crop that has been used for centuries as a feed for horses. In recent years, however, there has been much debate about whether or not lucerne makes horses “hot” – that is, more energetic, excitable, and difficult to control. In this article, we’ll examine both sides of this argument and look at the evidence for and against the claim that lucerne makes horses hot.
What is Lucerne?
Lucerne is a deep-rooted, perennial forage crop that is widely grown in temperate regions around the world. It is a member of the legume family, and is highly valued for its high levels of protein, energy, and minerals. Lucerne is also relatively low in sugar and starch, making it a good option for horses prone to metabolic issues, such as laminitis or insulin resistance.
Lucerne is usually fed to horses in the form of hay or haylage. It can also be offered as a fresh, leafy crop, or as a pelleted or cubed feed.
Does Lucerne Make Horses Hot?
The question of whether or not lucerne makes horses hot is a hotly debated topic among equestrian circles. Some people argue that lucerne is too rich, and can make horses more energetic or “hot”. Others, however, say that lucerne is a perfectly safe and nutritious feed for horses.
Arguments For
Proponents of the idea that lucerne makes horses hot point to the fact that it is a very high-energy feed. The energy in lucerne can be up to 6.5 megacalories per kg – much higher than the energy in grass hay, which is typically around 2.5 megacalories per kg. This high level of energy can make horses more energetic, making them harder to control, especially if they are not used to the feed.
Arguments Against
On the other hand, opponents of the idea that lucerne makes horses hot argue that the high energy in lucerne is balanced out by its high levels of protein and fiber. Protein and fiber are both slow-release sources of energy, which means that the energy in lucerne is released gradually over time, rather than all at once. This slow release of energy helps to prevent spikes in the horse’s energy levels, which can make them difficult to control.
Feeding Recommendations
It is generally recommended that lucerne should only be fed as part of a balanced diet. Lucerne should not make up more than one-third of the horse’s total diet, and should be balanced out with other feeds such as grass hay, oats, and chaff. If lucerne is fed in excess, it can cause digestive upset, weight gain, and increased excitability.
Observations
In practice, many horse owners and trainers have observed that lucerne can make horses more energetic and difficult to control. Some horses can become “hot” when fed lucerne, while others do not seem to be affected by it. This is likely due to individual differences in metabolism and temperament, as well as differences in the way the feed is prepared and fed.
Risks of Feeding Lucerne
While the debate over whether or not lucerne makes horses hot continues, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of feeding lucerne. As a high-energy feed, lucerne can cause weight gain if fed in excess. It can also increase the risk of digestive problems, such as colic and laminitis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate over whether or not lucerne makes horses hot is ongoing, and there is no definitive answer. Some horses do seem to become more energetic when fed lucerne, while others do not. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of feeding lucerne, and to feed it as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
- Lucerne is a highly nutritious forage crop that is widely used for feeding horses.
- There is much debate about whether or not lucerne makes horses hot – that is, more energetic, excitable, and difficult to control.
- Proponents of the idea that lucerne makes horses hot point to its high energy content, while opponents argue that its high protein and fiber content balance out the energy.
- It is generally recommended that lucerne should only be fed as part of a balanced diet, and not in excess.
- In practice, many horse owners and trainers have observed that lucerne can make horses more energetic and difficult to control.
- It is important to be aware of the potential risks of feeding lucerne, such as weight gain and digestive problems.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the decision to feed lucerne to horses is one that should be made on an individual basis. Some horses may benefit from the higher levels of protein and energy in lucerne, while others may become too energetic or difficult to control. As with all horse feeds, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to feed it as part of a balanced diet.