December 2002

Getting Your Hay Analyzed

A hay analysis is one of the best “feed” purchases you can make and a definite Horse Journal Best Buy.

You can’t really balance your horse’s diet űwithout knowing what’s in his hay.

For about $25, you can find out for sure if you horse’s hay is giving him the nutrition he needs, how much he needs to eat for his level of work, and if the mineral levels are balanced or not. It eliminates the guesswork and may even save you money on unnecessary supplements.

Hay/forage testing laboratories are located nationwide, often at your state university’s Agricultural Department. Start by contacting your local agricultural extension agent or county cooperative extension agent (phone numbers are listed in the government listings in the phone book). There are also numerous private labs. …