09/23/2023
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As the the colder temperatures draw near, many horse owners are busy securing their winter hay supply. If you are considering purchasing round bales for your horses this winter—due to their cost-effectiveness and greater convenience for feeding pastured animals— remember that there are a few things to think about when choosing between square or round bales.
• Are you equipped/prepared to store your hay correctly?
Improperly stored round bales can lose much of their nutritional value and are also more susceptible to mold, dust, and bacteria growth, which can cause respiratory issues and even colic.
• Are your horses protected from botulism?
Round bales provide an optimum environment for the development of the botulism neurotoxins, which equines are particularly sensitive to.
Prevention of this disease through vaccination is critical, especially in areas where the condition is prevalent (such as Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, California, and Tennessee).
• Are round bales a good choice for your horse?
Horses prone to respiratory conditions usually have increased problems with round bales due to their higher dust content.
• Can you secure high-quality round bales?
Not all hay is created equal. Be sure to choose high-quality hay to meet your horse's nutritional needs and minimize the risk of impaction colic, which increases with lower-quality, less digestible forage.
As always, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information and advice—consult your horse doctor on best practices when feeding hay this winter!