Lucerne is a type of hay that is derived from the Medicago sativa plant. It is widely used in the equine industry as a nutritious feed for horses. Lucerne is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and is often fed to horses to provide extra energy and nutrition. However, as with any type of feed, there is a possibility of overfeeding horses with lucerne and this can have adverse effects on their health.
What is Lucerne?
Lucerne is an annual forage crop that is grown mainly for livestock feed. It is a legume, meaning that it is capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. This makes it an ideal crop for restoring and maintaining soil fertility. Lucerne is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and is a great source of energy for horses. It is often used as a supplement to a horse’s normal diet, and can be fed as hay, fresh, or in a form of pellets.
Benefits of Lucerne
Lucerne is a great source of nutrition for horses and offers several benefits, including the following:
- High in Protein: Lucerne is high in protein, which is essential for muscle development and tissue repair.
- High in Energy: Lucerne is a great source of energy, which can help horses to maintain their weight and muscle mass.
- High in Fibre: Lucerne is high in fibre, which helps to keep a horse’s digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
- Improves Digestion: Lucerne helps to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can lead to improved overall health.
Risks of Overfeeding Lucerne
Although lucerne can be beneficial for horses, it is important to remember that too much of anything can be harmful. If a horse is fed too much lucerne, there are several potential risks to their health. These risks include:
- Obesity: Too much lucerne can lead to obesity, which can cause a wide range of health problems, including lameness, joint problems, and colic.
- Laminitis: Overfeeding lucerne can also lead to laminitis, which is an inflammation of the sensitive structures in the hoof.
- Colic: Overfeeding lucerne can cause colic, which is a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
- Diarrhoea: Too much lucerne can also lead to diarrhoea, which can be uncomfortable and can lead to dehydration.
How Much Lucerne Should a Horse Have?
It is important to remember that each horse is an individual and their nutritional needs may vary. However, as a general rule, horses should be fed no more than 1-2 kg of lucerne per day. It is important to monitor your horse’s weight and adjust their feed accordingly to ensure that they are not being overfed.
Tips for Feeding Lucerne
There are several tips that can help to ensure that a horse is not overfed with lucerne. These include:
- Monitor Weight: Monitor your horse’s weight regularly to ensure that they are not gaining or losing too much weight.
- Adjust Feed: Adjust the amount of lucerne that is fed to your horse based on their weight and activity level.
- Feed Frequently: Feed small amounts of lucerne throughout the day rather than one large meal.
- Provide Variety: Provide a variety of feeds to ensure that your horse is getting all the nutrition they need.
Signs of Overfeeding Lucerne
It is important to look out for the signs of overfeeding lucerne. These signs may include:
- Weight Gain: An increase in weight is one of the most obvious signs of overfeeding, as your horse will start to put on extra fat.
- Lethargy: If a horse is overfed, they may become lethargic and may not want to move around as much.
- Diarrhoea: Diarrhoea can be a sign of overfeeding, as it may be caused by the horse’s digestive system being overwhelmed.
- Laminitis: Laminitis is another sign of overfeeding, as it can be caused by too much sugar and starch in the diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lucerne can be a great source of nutrition for horses, but it is important to remember that too much of anything can be harmful. It is important to monitor your horse’s weight and adjust their feed accordingly to ensure that they are not being overfed. If you notice any of the signs of overfeeding, it is important to adjust the amount of lucerne that is being fed to your horse.
References
- Goh, K. S., & Moore, S. (2012). The Nutritional Roles of Lucerne in Equine Diets. Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Livestock, 79-94.
- O’Callaghan, M. (2020). What is Lucerne Hay? Equimed. Retrieved from https://www.equimed.com/horse-care/nutrition/what-is-lucerne-hay.
- Reynolds, C. (2020). Tips for Feeding Lucerne. Horse and Hound. Retrieved from https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horse-care/tips-feeding-lucerne-635923.
- Suttle, N. (2020). Lucerne for Horses. The Horse. Retrieved from https://thehorse.com/nutrition/forage/lucerne-for-horses/.