Foxtail and Other Grass Seeds

[leeave96]

I know foxtail seed in hay is a no-no and can damage a horse’s mouth/gums, but what about other grass hay seed?

There is an abundant supply of “mixed” grass hay and who knows what’s in it, i.e. orchard grass, fescue, bluegrass and I see a lot of native sweet vernal grass in the mixes too. All of these grass varieties mature at different dates and can have gone to seed when baled.

Any issues with your horses and other grass seeds in your “mixed” grass hay when feeding it?

[Texarkana]

The problem with abundant seed heads is not the seeds themselves (except for foxtails), it’s that they indicate the hay was likely cut and baled post-maturity. This means the nutrition is going to be lower due to higher quantities of indigestible fiber. High quantities of indigestible fiber can also contribute to impactions.

When in doubt, the best thing to do is send off a simple hay sample.

Also, I believe the endophyte in fescue is most concentrated in the seed head? Or maybe it’s just at the highest levels in the plant once it has gone to seed? Maybe someone else can clarify the biological details, but if you have broodmares with no options but fescue, it is recommended to keep it cut short so it doesn’t go to seed. Not sure if that translates to hay. I’m also questioning the science behind that statement as I type it out myself… it may just be one of those old wives tales…