Roughage quality on the agenda at EWEN

 

During the European Workshop of Equine Nutrition (EWEN), climate change was frequently discussed. Pavo’s presentation about the nutritional quality of roughage also addressed the impact of the changing climate. EWEN is a multi-day conference, where the connection is made between science and the equine nutrition industry. More than 100 specialists from around the world gathered to exchange ideas on equine nutrition and related subjects. Product Manager Emilie-Julie Bos gives us a glimpse into the event.

 

Roughage - hay, grass and haylage – is the most important source of nutrition for horses. Roughage makes up at least seventy percent of a horse’s daily diet. When feeding roughage, it isn’t just about providing the right nutrients, but maintaining the health of the digestive system and teeth, and keeping your horse happy also play a major role. “To create a healthy diet, it is essential to know about the quality and nutritional value of the roughage you are feeding, i.e. that you know ‘what’ you’re feeding. The sugar - energy - and protein levels are already provided, but the minerals are an equally important aspect. The more you know about the roughage, the better you can adjust the supplementary feed accordingly. This must, of course, be in line with the horse’s intended purpose and any specific needs of your horse,” says Bos.

 

For her presentation at EWEN, Bos analysed the data from eight years of roughage analyses. These roughage analyses were conducted by the independent research organisation, Eurofins and purchased through Pavo’s website. In total, more than 20,000 roughage samples were examined; these were submitted by horse owners in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. “The samples showed that, overall, the protein and  energy levels are decreasing and the sugar levels are very high and it appears they will remain high.”

According to Bos, there are several reasons for these changes. “Extreme drought, extreme wet periods, extreme temperatures (both heat and cold); all of these factors affect grass growth, the timing of mowing, drying of the grass and wrapping the bales.”

The figures highlight why it is essential to know what you’re feeding your horses.
In 49 percent of the samples analysed in 2023 , the values indicated that horses required supplementation to meet their basic nutritional needs. In terms of horses participating in (elite) sports, or pregnant and lactating mares, 82 percent required supplementation. In 2023, 58% of the samples exceeded the 10 percent sugar threshold, which is a significant threshold for, for example, horses that are sensitive to sugars. Over the past eight years, there has been a noticeable variation in sugar levels between the different years, but these have remained consistently high, with the highest percentage recorded last year since 2016.

Pavo therefore advises horse owners to always be aware of the nutritional value of the roughage in combination with the intended use of the horses. When purchasing roughage from suppliers, the latter should know the nutritional values of the roughage they are selling and be able to advise whether the roughage meets a horse’s specific needs.

Bos: “If you know the nutritional value of your roughage you can ensure that, if required, you can provide supplementation to meet your horse’s needs. The nutritional quality of every batch can vary. If you make hay twice, it’s advisable to have both cuts tested. The submitted samples should be taken from different places in different bales for the most accurate representation.”

 

In addition, a lot of research is currently being conducted around the world into alternative raw materials that would be suitable as a source of roughage. It is possible that, in the future, other crops could be used as valuable sources of roughage. Research is being carried out to identify which crops may be suitable and how, for example, a horse’s digestion process works. Pavo is constantly on the lookout for the best quality and the most suitable type of roughage.Therefore the Pavo Hygienic Roughage Quickscan was introduced, a fast and reliable tool to assess roughage quality. The Pavo Hygienic Roughage Quickscan empowers horse owners to make informed decisions about their horse’s nutrition and well-being.

A conference like EWEN is of great importance in this regard. “Here you can exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world. We are happy to share our knowledge, but we also eagerly seek knowledge from other parties. I believe that by collaborating in this way, we can ensure that our horses will have access to high-quality nutrition both now and in the future, despite all the factors we are currently facing and will face later on.”