The role of Hay and your horses gut health

Hay can provide several benefits to the microbiome of horses. Meadow hay is a source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy microbial population in the hindgut of horses. The fermentation of fiber by microbes in the hindgut produces volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which serve as an important energy source for the horse.

Several studies have investigated the effects of meadow hay on the microbiome of horses. For example, a study published in the Journal of Animal Science in 2017 found that feeding meadow hay to horses resulted in an increase in the abundance of fiber-fermenting bacteria, which are essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome.

Horse eating hay.
Benefits of a horse eating hay: Photo by Anna Alexes on Pexels.com

Another study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in 2016 found that feeding meadow hay to horses increased the abundance of lactate-utilizing bacteria, which can help prevent the development of gastrointestinal disorders such as colic.

Overall, meadow hay can provide several benefits to the microbiome of horses, including an increase in fiber-fermenting bacteria and a decrease in the risk of gastrointestinal disorders. However, it’s important to note that the specific effects of meadow hay on the microbiome may vary depending on the individual horse and their dietary needs.

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10135103/
  2. https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-022-03433-y

1: Did you know that feeding your horse meadow hay can provide several benefits to their microbiome? Meadow hay is a great source of dietary fiber that helps maintain a healthy microbial population in the hindgut of horses. The fermentation of fiber produces volatile fatty acids, which serve as an important energy source for the horse. At Limerick Hays, we’re proud to offer high-quality meadow hay for your horse’s dietary needs.

2: According to a study published in the Journal of Animal Science, feeding meadow hay to horses increases the abundance of fiber-fermenting bacteria, which are essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science found that meadow hay can help prevent gastrointestinal disorders such as colic. At Limerick Hays, we’re committed to providing the best possible nutrition for your horse, and our meadow hay can help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

3: Looking for a way to give your horse the best possible nutrition? Look no further than Limerick Hays’ meadow hay! Our high-quality hay is packed with dietary fiber that helps maintain a healthy microbial population in your horse’s gut. Studies have shown that meadow hay can increase the abundance of fiber-fermenting bacteria and help prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Give your horse the gift of good nutrition with Limerick Hays meadow hay!

Limerick Farms Hay price lock down

In a year with price rises going through the roof, we have made the bold step to ensure that we do our part in helping you achieve your goals with our “rest of year price lock down”. *

At Limerick farms we are big believers that our hay should be be not just a quality product, but accessible to you and your horses. Long stem fibre should make up the bulk of your horses feed diet. Our low sugar meadow hay is the ideal base forage for your feeding regime.

Call now to reserve your order.

See our prices here

*Prices valid until 30/012/2022

And while stocks last