The following is the latest “Horse News and Views,” which is prepared by Dr. Bob Wright, Animal Health and Welfare, OMAFRA, in co-operation with the staff and researchers of the University of Guelph.
The monthly column highlights research topics, extension resources, reminders of common poisonings, disease, or production concerns, and coming events and is placed on the ministry’s website at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/news.html
The Ontario Hay Listings Service is now available to horse owners. The Ontario Forage Council is providing this service free of charge to buyers and sellers of hay and straw.
The Ontario Hay Listings Service can be accessed at www.ontariohaylistings.ca
For further information, contact the Ontario Forage Council at 1-877-892-8663 or via e-mail at info@ontariohaylistings.ca
Meanwhile, we have received numerous questions regarding the use of acid treatment of hay and weed control. Treated hay is the term used when a commercially-available preservative product is applied during the baling process.
It is commonly used when weather conditions prevent the drying of hay below 15 percent moisture.
There are two main types of preservatives: those containing an acid, such as propionic, acetic, and formic acids, and those containing mold inhibitors.
Studies have shown that heating and molding of hay during storage are decreased with the use of these preservatives. Studies also have shown
that, when given the choice of dry hay or preservative-treated hay, horses preferred the dry hay.
However, when only given treated hay, daily consumption did not decrease.
In other news, the wet weather this year has provided ideal conditions for growth of annual weeds. The Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System at www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison?p_x=px is an excellent source of information about the toxicity of weeds.
For more information, contact Dr. Bob Wright 1-519-846-3412 or visit www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/
Dates to remember
Sept. 27—Rainy River District Harvest Dinner, Devlin Hall (tickets cost $25 each).