Forage Analysis

Analysing forage provides more information about the suitability of the forage for a particular horse. This can be especially important for some horses such as those that are prone to laminitis.

Conserved forage is the foundation to a horse’s diet when they are stabled or at times when grazing is sparse. A 500kg horse can consume in the region of 10-12.5kg of dry matter in 24 hours when stabled. As fed, this is 11.8kg-14.4kg of hay (assuming 85% dry matter), or 15.4-19.2kg of haylage (assuming 65% dry matter) which demonstrates the importance of knowing the nutritional value of the forage when it makes up such a large proportion of the diet.

Please note that we don’t offer a fresh grass analysis service. In our experience, unless the grass can be frozen at the time of sampling, the deterioration whilst it is transported to the lab means that the results are not very accurate.

Is the report easy to understand?

Yes- we interpret the results for you in an easy-to-read report that compares your forage to typical UK forage. Furthermore, if you would like to provide us with all of the details about your horse by completing the Feed Advice Form we can provide you with a personalised diet plan. Please note in the form that you have conducted a forage analysis and we will use this information as the basis to the ration.