Chopped forages have been around for a few years and continue to be a fine option to supplement or replace hay. They have the necessary fiber length and, as opposed to cubes, can offer the option of feeding a straight timothy product. The hay is chopped to about two inches, and molasses and corn oil are added in. Chopped forages are not fortified with vitamins and minerals, however, as are complete diets. Although some people opt for alternatives such as beet pulp or soy hulls, these require more nutritional management than complete cubes.
Recent research indicates that a leading cause of colic is a rapid change in fiber.
Most owners know to change grain rations slowly. The same is true, and perhaps more important, with fiber products. Equine Specialty Feed Co. This article was originally published in Winter 2000. Visit our Contact Us page.