Evaluation of Nutrient Content of Water-Soaked Southeastern Grass Hays as a Means to Limit Carbohydrates Consumed In Equine Diets - Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was the evaluation of a time effect for soaking warm-season grass hays on the decrease of the soluble carbohydrates content, as well as on other nutrients. Often, hay is soaked to remove soluble carbohydrates to make a safer feed source for horses. This study specifically evaluated warm season grass hays grown in the southeastern United States.
Samples: Twenty separate Bermuda grass hay samples.
Procedures: The hay samples were divided into three groups: two treatment groups (A and B) and a control group (C). Group C was not soaked, Group A was soaked in water for 12 hours. Group B was soaked in water for 30 minutes. All groups were dehydrated and sent to Dairy One Laboratory to be analyzed for nutrient content utilizing Near Infrared Reflectance spectroscopy.Statistical analysis of the data was performed with a p value less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: A significant difference was found when between group C (control group) and the treatment groups A and B for the following nutrients: DE, CP, lysine, NDF, WSC, ESC, ash, P, Mg, K, Zn, Mn and RVF. Soaking decreased the WSC content 41.5% and 26.9% and the ESC by 65.8% and 56.5% for samples in groups A and B, respectively.
Conclusions: Soaking hay for either 30 min or 12 hours is able to had a significantly reduced the amount of CP, NDF, WSC, ESC, ash, P, Mg, K, Zn, Mn, DE and RVF but did not significantly reduce the amount of lignin, ADF, starch, NFC, CF, Ca, Na, Fe, Cu, and Mo.
Clinical relevance: Soaking southeastern grass hays for 30 min or 12 hours significantly reduces WSC and ESC content.