During periods of drought, pasture grass may go dormant while weeds continue to grow. How does this affect your horse?

As a defense mechanism to stress, grasses and weeds tend to accumulate more sugar in their leaves. Even though less forage is available, what is present is packed full of sugar and dangerous to sugar-sensitive horses.

[Graphic: LOW, MODERATE, HIGH - Fructan (sugar) levels are higher in grass and weeds under stress.]

WEEDS

The higher sugar levels make weeds more palatable.

Stressed weeds can also contain higher than normal levels of toxins, which make them more dangerous for horses.

Weeds are more drought-resistant than grass, so they remain in the pasture when the grass is gone, increasing the likelihood that they will be consumed by the horse.

CAUTION:

Give pasture a chance to recover.

Grass and weeds that are rebounding after a drought can be dangerous for the same reasons, which is why many veterinarians report an increase in colic and laminitis cases when rain follows a period of drought.

FIBER

The foundation of a healthy equine diet is good quality fiber.

Drought-stressed pastures often provide inadequate amounts of fiber.

Horses grazing on stressed pastures should be offered additional hay.

Put out a flake or two and see how much your horses eat. If they devour it, then that is a good sign the pasture is no longer meeting their needs.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR PASTURE DURING A DROUGHT

• Don’t overgraze your pasture.
• Give your pasture a chance to recover after the drought is over.
• Check with your local Country Extension office for advice on how to fertilize and what types of fertilizer to use.

[Source: www.kppusa.com]