Roughage

Feeding studies vs. practice: Why measurement errors and short study durations are deceptive. Overview of all findings on the various forms of roughage.

Long hay, chopped fibre, haylage, or cobs: A critical look at how processed forms of roughage change chewing behavior and what science actually says about it.

How do the structure & fiber length of hay affect digestion in horses? A scientific look from the chewing process to the large intestine.

Pasture access for horses – essential or overrated? Find out why metabolism, pasture quality, and management are more important than blanket rules.

Understanding hay analyses: Why laboratory values for sugar, protein, and ash vary significantly and how this affects ration calculations for horses.

Is grass seed hay a good roughage for horses? We take a look at the production and nutritional values of common varieties.

Is teff hay a good solution for horses with EMS & obesity? We check nutritional values, production, and pros and cons for you.

Is hay really too low in protein for horses? Explore forage intake, amino acid balance, lysine importance, and when supplementation is needed.

Learn why high iron levels in hay do not necessarily mean iron overload in horses. Understand NRC guidelines, absorption, and the real risks.

Are automatic hay-feeding systems worth it? Find out why hay dispensers often create more problems than they solve — and which alternatives work better.

Sugar content in the grass too high? Learn how weather, time of day, and temperature affect sugar levels – and how to protect your horse.

The summer of 2024 is currently extremely rainy in most regions. This brings with it some pitfalls for the hay harvest.

You get high-quality hay when it is stored correctly—this includes allowing the hay to cure properly ➔

Time-controlled hay feeders compared with unrestricted hay and slow feeders ▶︎ New research results in horse feeding!

Sugar levels in pasture grass ► How much sugar does it contain, and why? ► Read more in our SANOANIMAL article✓

Regular mowing reduces the risk of laminitis - fact or myth? ► Read more in our SANOANIMAL article✓

The grass is sprouting, and the horses are already stretching their necks under the fence to reach the green stalks. Every walk turns into pulling on the lead rope and raising the owners stress levels. The grazing season is upon us What should you...

Disinfectant for hay ► Is sodium hypochlorite safe or harmful for horses? ► Read more in our SANOANIMAL article✓

Are automatic hay feeders beneficial to horses and stable owners? ► Read more in our SANOANIMAL article✓

Why do horses need continuous hay feeding? ► Why can meal feeding be harmful? ► Read more in our SANOANIMAL article✓

Horses need a source of wood fibre. We explain here how this can be done with straw, branches or twigs.

What should hay be like for my young horse? We explain what to look out for and the best way to feed hay.

Fructans and endophytes in autumn grass can strain a horse's metabolism. Find out when the risk increases and how to prevent problems.

At some point in the summer, pasture grass looks like standing hay. Find out how to feed hard keepers in preparation for the winter.

The weather invites you to spend a lot of time in the stables, but the temperatures usually prevent you from doing anything too sporty - unless you can ride to the swimming lake. But of course you can organise a lot of fun and games with your horse....

It smells good and looks nice. But what´s in the hay? Sanoanimal explains what hay analyses reveal and what is important for my horse.

Good-quality hay, harvested properly and stored under optimal conditions — and yet, sometime between January and March, it still turns mouldy?

Here we explain what types of fibre are contained in hay, what the horse needs and how to recognise this.

Proper hay storage is very important, as spoiled, mouldy hay can lead to severe and long-lasting health issues for your horse.

Hay quality and whether it is suitable as horse feed cannot always be recognised at first glance or smell.

Many horse owners are familiar with various digestive problems, especially after the summer. Sanoanimal goes into detail and offers solutions

Are leaves unhealthy? Question: “Currently, a lot of leaves are falling from the trees onto our pastures and dry lots. Up until now, I’ve been clearing them once a week. However, I was recently told that leaves are unhealthy for horses, and I...

Overweight in horses - First of all, it is completely normal for horses to put on weight in summer during the grazing season.

What do the facts say about haylage in horse feeding? What happens in the gut and what are the health consequences?

Many equestrians believe their horses wouldn´t do well on adlib hay. We disagree! Here´s all the benefits of 24/7 hay feeding.

Even if grass is still growing after summer, grazing and dry conditions can stress it. Learn more about the risks of autumn pasture.

The sugar content in hay plays an important role in horse feeding We show you how to determine the sugar content yourself.

Horses can increase their feeding speed. Sanoanimal explains what this means during the grazing period and how we can slow them down.

Find out why short, heavily grazed pastures can pose a risk of laminitis – including information on stressed grass, sugar, endophytes and fructan.

Good quality hay is the be-all and end-all when feeding horses, but what should you do if mould has formed in the hay storage?

Simplify the grazing on period by: introducing grass slowly, using herbs, monitoring the risk of laminitis and regulating the speed of grass intake.