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Is Pangola hay a safe hay for horses2007-11-24 21:18:08

A friend of mine is looking into round bales, and found two types here in Florida: Pangola and a Horse Hay mix. Can anyone comment on whether there are bad qualities about this hay. Is there a risk of colic? Is it lacking nutrients, ect...

Answers:

yes pangola hay is perfectly all right for horses and has been grown and fed to horses in Florida for years because it is one of few grasses that will grow well in the humid climate of the south. unfortunately pangola fields have been continually lost to spittle bugs, and its supply has become limited in the last several years. also high humidity and occasional rain fall during the haying season can make the hay too moist when baled and stored. However, good quality, dry hay can be made during the spring and fall so to be safe you should make sure the hay you are looking at is not too moist before you buy it and ask what time of the year the hay was put up

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this may help answer your question

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I would go with the hay mix if it is of horse quality. This will keep you in a safe zone in case of drought where Pangola type grass need's plenty of water to grow. By sticking with a hay or grass that is easily accessable and can be bought around your state and surrounding state's, you can ensure that your equine will not go through any major forage changes which can potentially lead to colic.

A prime example of hard to find quality hay is Tifton 85. While it can be grown in abundance during a wet Texas season, very few farmers sprig and bale this. So you may be able to buy after the first cut, but if drought pursue's then you will find yourself having to change your equine's diet to a different hay or a hay mix.