FAQ: Is Hay Testing Worth It for Horses?
- Honos Nutrition Co.
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
I keep seeing people say hay testing isn’t worth it. And they’re right - but not for the reason they think.
Hay testing IS worth it, and is valuable in so many feed programs. But a hay test is only worth it if it the hay test was done correctly.
Testing one bale?
Using a hand-grab sample?
Sending it to a lab who doesn’t do equine-specific analysis?
You’re going to get info back that’s not accurate or applicable.
Improper sampling technique is the number one cause of inaccurate hay tests. Research shows hand-grab samples have reduced accuracy compared to forage probes. Reports containing cattle-specific calculations will lack relevancy from how the hay would function in the equine diet.
So yes, if you do it that way, it’s not worth it.
Hay testing can be an additional financial investment, so to get the most out of it, make sure you’re following best practices.
I’m an NFTA-certified forage sampler, I follow the best practices set forth by research, and provide a contextual interpretation report to ensure you are getting forage data that’s actually of use.
Because I don’t know about you, but to me, supporting your equine best friend with individualized nutrition is always worth it.
How Honos Can Help
At Honos Nutrition Co., I strive to empower horse owners with knowledge. My goal is to help you improve your horse's health and happiness through personalized, evidence-based strategies.
Join The Forage Club
Consider joining The Forage Club! Full service hay testing & interpretation services that make forage-first decisions easy.
Explore The Feed & Forage Club [Ontario]
If you're in Ontario, you may want to check out The Feed & Forage Club! By combining individualized nutrition & hay testing, we can get accurate and effective nutrition programs in place!
Check Out Our E-Book: The Hay Factor
Don’t forget to grab our e-book, The Hay Factor! This resource is packed with valuable information on hay selection and analysis. You can find it here.
References & Recommended Reading
Bodner, A., Prunster, T., Reiterer, R., Peratoner, G. (2016). Hay sampling methods affect the results of forage analyses. Grassland Science in Europe, vol 21. 179-181.
Fulgueira, C.L., Amigot, S.L., Gaggiotti, M., Romero, L.A., Basilico, J.C. (2007). Forage Quality: Techniques for Testing. Fresh Produce 1(2). 121-131.
Harris, et al. (2018). Comparison of NIRS and Wet Chemistry Methods for the Nutritional Analysis of Haylages for Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 71: 13-20.
By understanding the importance of forage analysis, we can ensure our horses receive the best nutrition possible. Let’s work together to create healthier, happier horses!
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