Benefits and Feeding Tips of Teff Hay for Horses

Your horse now has more options for hay. Teff hay is a warm season grass type with low NSC value and can make an ideal forage for many horses. It can meet many nutrient requirements for horses, but you may need to add supplements to create a balanced diet for your horse. Teff hay for horses is becoming more popular, and hopefully, hay producers will continue to make it available for horse owners.

What is Teff?

Nutrition profile

Benefits of feeding

Will Teff forage test at horse shows?

Introducing and feeding Teff

Storage and preservation tips

Key Points

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What is Teff Hay for Horses?

Teff hay, scientifically known as Eragrostis tef, has an exciting history. It started as an ancient grain crop in Ethiopia, Africa, primarily grown for human food but grown as animal forage in various regions, including parts of the southern US. Teff thrives in many environmental conditions and warm temperatures ranging from 65° to 80° F.

One of Teff’s notable qualities is its resilience. It can handle various growing conditions, from drought-stressed areas to extra warm days and saturated soils, allowing easy growth in multiple conditions. Teff is usually an annual grass, completing its life cycle within a year.

Some varieties are considered perennial grasses, others are not. It’s commonly used as a catch crop, planted after a failed harvest. This catch (or sometimes called rescue) crop grows fast and soaks up nutrients left by the previous crop. This is certainly handy!

Teff and Sudan grass are both easy growers, and Sudan grass is gaining popularity with some livestock, but it’s not used for horses.

Is teff hay good for horses?

Yes! Especially those metabolically challenged horses. But, there are some nutritional limitations. Consider ration balancers or equine supplements when feeding teff forage. As a bonus, horses tend to find the delicate leaves and stems appealing and delicious.

Minerals: While Teff contains certain minerals, it may not provide sufficient levels to meet horses’ needs. Supplementing with a mineral supplement can help ensure horses receive adequate amounts of essential minerals.

Trace Minerals: Teff hay may have low levels of trace minerals, such as zinc and copper. These minerals are crucial for various metabolic functions in horses, and supplementation may be necessary to avoid deficiencies.

Digestible Energy: Teff provides a moderate level of digestible energy necessary for meeting most horses’ energy requirements.

Teff is also lower in protein than other hay types, like alfalfa. There are protein supplements available if your horse needs a boost.

Slow feeders and hay nets are always best when feeding forage.

Teff Hay’s Nutrition Profile

Understanding teff hay’s nutritional profile is critical for horse owners making informed feeding choices. It offers moderate protein (11-13%) and energy values (0.9-0.95 Megacalories per pound of digestible energy), similar to other popular grass hays like Timothy. Teff’s rich fiber content, both soluble and insoluble, supports digestive health and adds to its appeal for horses.

HC’s and NSC’s

Hydrolyzable carbs and non-structural carbs are two essential types of carbohydrates in a horse’s diet.

HCs are hydrolyzable carbohydrates

Hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC) are important in horse nutrition, particularly when dealing with forages like Teff. These carbohydrates can be broken down into simpler sugars by enzymes or acids in the horse’s digestive system, making them an easily digestible and quick energy source.

HCs include simple sugars, disaccharides, and some types of starches, which are typically absorbed in the small intestine. While they provide readily available energy, high HC levels can be problematic for horses with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance or equine metabolic syndrome as they can get passed into the hindgut. When fermented there, pH changes, endotoxins, and microbe imbalances create gas colic and laminitis.

NSC’s are non-structural carbohydrates

Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC) are a crucial concept in equine nutrition, referring to the carbohydrates in plants that are not part of the cellular structure.

These include sugars, starches, and fructans, which are generally more easily digestible than structural carbohydrates and provide readily available energy for horses.

The NSC content in plants can vary widely depending on species, time of day, season, and growing conditions. NSC is typically calculated in forage analysis by combining the water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and starch content.

How are HCs and NSCs related?

NSCs are a broader category that includes all carbohydrates in plants that aren’t part of the cellular structure. This category encompasses simple sugars, starches, and fructans.

HCs are a subset of NSCs. They specifically refer to carbohydrates that can be broken down (hydrolyzed) into simpler sugars by enzymes or acids in the digestive system. This includes simple sugars, some starches, and other easily digestible carbohydrates.

The main difference is that NSCs include fructans, which are not considered HCs because they’re not easily broken down in the small intestine of horses. Fructans are fermented in the hindgut instead.

Consider both NSC and HC levels when looking at your horse’s diet. However, HC levels might give a more accurate picture of the easily digestible carbohydrates that could affect blood sugar levels more quickly.

When analyzing forages, it’s helpful to look at both NSC and HC values to understand the carbohydrate profile and its potential impact on the horse’s health and energy levels.

The giant mess of acronyms and types of carbs can be overwhelming, but if you focus on the NSC value of forage and feed, you are good.

The Lower NSC Value

Teff hay’s low sugar and nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) levels make it particularly suitable for horses with PPID (formerly called Cushing’s disease), equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin resistance, and polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM. These conditions require careful management of sugar intake to avoid blood glucose spikes, and Teff’s natural composition fits the bill nicely.

Beyond these specific benefits, teff forage offers a well-rounded nutritional package. It provides essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to equine health and well-being. As a nutrient-dense forage option, it can create a balanced diet starting point for horses with various needs.

There is a direct line between higher insulin levels and laminitis or founder in horses. Knowing your horse’s metabolic status and NSC values in their diet helps you understand your horse’s risk.

Read more about PPID here, and learn about EMS here.

This article has excellent info on laminitis for you.

Many forage-based diets require additional supplements to fill in nutrient gaps.

Digestible Energy and Fiber

Teff forage plays a crucial role in supporting a horse’s digestive health. The high fiber content in teff hay ensures proper gut function and helps prevent digestive issues such as colic. The fiber acts as a natural digestive aid, assisting in the breakdown of food particles and promoting a healthy digestive system.

Protein in Teff Hay for Horses

For adult horses, hay containing 10–12% crude protein (CP) usually meets their protein needs. However, growing horses, broodmares, and those engaged in intense exercise often require forage with a higher CP content.

When feeding Teff to young or breeding horses, it’s best to enhance their diet with high-quality proteins and include amino acids, particularly lysine. Lysine, if you recall, is an amino acid that helps build protein.

Any horse needing more protein usually needs more calories, too.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

No forage will fill a horse’s vitamin and mineral requirements. As forage dries, many nutrients vanish, most notably beta-carotene and Vitamin E.

Unlike alfalfa, the calcium and phosphorus ratio is good, but feeding a supplement to fill in blanks and address missing nutrients is always a great idea.

The Many Benefits of Feeding Teff Grass Hay for Horses

Teff hay for horses is ideal for weight management

Teff proves to be an intelligent choice for horses that need help with weight control. Its low sugar profile works well for horses with lower energy needs, like those easy keepers or horses carrying a bit extra weight even if they don’t have a metabolic disorder. It provides essential nutrients without overloading calories, helping maintain a healthy weight.

For older horses aiming to keep their weight in check or shed a few pounds, teff forage can be a valuable dietary component. The high fiber content helps horses feel satisfied, potentially curbing their overall calorie intake. This characteristic makes teff hay a practical tool in achieving and maintaining weight management goals for equines.

Learn how to estimate your horse’s weight here.

This pudgy horse could stand to lose a few pounds.

Digestive health

Fiber for the win! Lots of fiber means your horse’s microbes in the hindgut will have plenty of food to ferment, creating warmth for your horse and keeping a smooth-running digestive system.

Benefits of lower NSC values for insulin regulation

A horse is more likely to develop laminitis when their insulin levels are not regulated. Metabolic disorders like PPID, insulin resistance, and EMS cause a faulty insulin response. A horse’s body continues to produce too much insulin in response to sugars and starches in the diet and is subsequently not used correctly, so there’s much “extra” insulin floating around.

Without that insulin trigger, the risks of laminitis can be managed.

Does Teff Have Prohibited Substances?

Certain varieties of teff grass contain a natural compound called synephrine. This alkaloid is also found in bitter orange extract, often used in human supplements. When consumed, synephrine can cause blood vessels to constrict and increase heart rate.

This compound poses a particular concern for competition horses. Synephrine intake may result in a positive drug test for horses competing in FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale) events. The FEI has included synephrine on their Equine Prohibited Substances List, among hundreds of other things.

It’s always a good idea to check with your horse show organization and their rules for prohibited substances. If you are competing, you should be aware of this potential issue when considering teff forage as a feed option.

Read the FEI’s statement about synephrine here.

What do you mean it could test at a show??

How to Introduce Teff Hay into Your Horse’s Diet

When introducing new food to your horse’s diet, it is vital to consider their current feeding regimen and make gradual changes. Start by replacing a small portion of their usual forage with teff hay and gradually increasing the proportion over time. This slow transition allows the horse’s digestive system to adapt to the new forage without causing any digestive upsets or colic.

Some horses may take time to adjust to the taste and texture of new food, and topping it with morsels of their favorite treat can help tempt them into eating.

Daily Recommended Amounts

Aim to provide about 1.5-2% of your horse’s body weight in Teff daily, as you would with any forage.

For instance, a horse weighing 1,000 pounds needs around 15-20 pounds of teff hay daily. However, this can vary based on the horse’s age, activity levels, and overall health.

Monitoring your horse’s weight and adjusting their forage intake as needed is important. Using a weight tape to track their gains or losses every few weeks is a great idea. Look for trends over time, and know that seasonal weight gain and loss happen, too.

Work with an equine nutritionist to ensure you’re meeting your horse’s specific nutritional requirements. They can help you fine-tune your horse’s diet, including how much teff hay to incorporate and what equine supplements will balance your horse’s feeding program.

Storage Tips

Proper storage and preservation are essential to maintain Teff hay’s quality and nutritional value. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Store teff hay in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent mold and spoilage.

Use pallets or shelves to elevate the forage off the ground, allowing air to circulate and prevent moisture buildup.

Keep Teff away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations to minimize nutrient degradation.

Regularly inspect it for signs of spoilage, such as mold, dust, or off smells. Remove any spoiled hay to prevent contamination.

Use a hay net or slow feeder to minimize wastage and keep the hay clean and off the ground.

Temperature and humidity control is a must for large hay storage areas.

Signs of Spoilage and How to Avoid Them

Proper storage is crucial to avoid spoilage. Here are some signs of spoilage to watch out for and tips to avoid them:

- Mold: Moldy hay has a musty smell and may appear discolored or have visible mold patches. To prevent mold growth, ensure it’s properly cured and stored in a dry environment.
- Dust: Dusty forage can cause respiratory issues in horses. Avoid dusty hay by storing it in a well-ventilated area and regularly inspecting it for signs of dust or mold.
- Heat: Excess heat in baled hay can lead to combustion and fire. Monitor the forage for signs of excessive heat, such as steam or a strong odor, and remove any hot bales immediately.
- Moisture: Moisture in hay can lead to mold and spoilage. Store the hay in a dry environment and regularly check the moisture content to ensure it stores in optimal conditions.
- Rodents and pests: Keep the feed storage areas clean and free of rodents and pests that can damage the hay and contaminate it with droppings. Use appropriate pest control measures to prevent infestations.

For more on rodent control at the barn, read this.

Key Points

•Teff is a warm-season grass, typically lower in NSC levels than cool-season grasses.

•Unlike cool-season grasses, Teff doesn’t contain fructans.

•Plant maturity matters. Teff pasture is most palatable when the time of harvest is early.

•Palatability decreases in later maturity stages.

•Late-maturity teff may lack sufficient energy for breeding, growing, or active horses.

•Growing conditions significantly affect Teff’s hydrolyzable carbohydrate (HC) content.

•Forage analysis is recommended to determine HC levels, especially for metabolic horses.

•Consult an equine nutritionist to assess Teff’s suitability for your horse and recommend appropriate supplements.

Is Teff hay suitable for all horses?

Teff is suitable for a wide range of horses. It can be fed to mature horses, those with metabolic syndrome, or have other colic or laminitis risk factors. However, it’s important to consider individual horse’s needs and consult with a nutritionist for specific recommendations.

How does Teff compare to alfalfa and Timothy hay?

Teff hay has comparable nutritional value to other forages such as Timothy, mature alfalfa, and other legumes. It has similar protein and energy values, and its calcium and phosphorus levels are comparable to timothy grass. It can be a suitable alternative to these forages and won’t need additional calcium in the diet unless another feed throws this balance askew.

How does the cost of teff hay compare to other types of forage options for horses?

Teff hay for horses is generally more expensive than other forage options due to its limited availability. However, its benefits in terms of digestion, energy, and overall health can outweigh the cost for many horse owners. As Teff becomes more popular, it will likely become more readily available.

Talk to your vet and equine nutritionist about the best feeding plan for your horse. You may be looking for a new hay supplier. And while no hay is perfect for all horses, Teff is a great option for many horses.

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