Characterization of Forage Utilization and Pasture Management Practices on Florida Horse Operations

• Published in: Journal of equine veterinary science Vol. 95; p. 103253
• Main Authors: Vasco, Ana Caroline Cerqueira de Melo, Dubeux, José Carlos Batista, Wallau, Marcelo Osório, Wickens, Carissa L., Warren, Lori K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-12-2020
• Subjects: Animal Feed - analysis; Animals; Equine; Florida; Grazing management; Hay feeding; Horses; Pasture; Warm-season grass; Florida; Warm-season grass; Equine; Hay feeding; Pasture; Grazing management
• ISSN: 0737-0806; 1542-7412
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103253

This study used an online survey to gather information on forage utilization and pasture management practices implemented on horse farms in Florida. We hypothesized that pastures were inadequately managed and underutilized, resulting in greater reliance on hay. Data from 80 complete responses were submitted to descriptive analysis and Fisher’s exact test. Significantly associated variables were also evaluated using multiple correspondence analysis. The primary function of the facility most reported was recreational horse use (62%). Nearly all operations (n = 79) had pasture available, with 57% reporting housing horses on pasture full time (24 hr/d) and 48% reporting implementation of rotational stocking. Most respondents reported using a combination of hay and pasture (57.5%) as their primary source of forage, followed by pasture only (32.5%) and hay only (10%). Pasture maintenance was performed by 82% of respondents, and 6% did not implement any type of pasture management. Primary forage fed to the horses was related to the type of pasture management implemented (P = .0313) and turnout practices (P = .0003). The multiple correspondence analysis showed that relying on hay as the primary source of forage was associated with a shorter duration of pasture access and lack of pasture management. Most operations did not have their hay (89%) or pasture (94%) analyzed for nutrient composition. Despite pasture availability, lack of adequate pasture management appeared to contribute to a greater dependence on hay feeding. Pasture management practices and forage analysis are potential areas for horse owner education in Florida.
•Over two-thirds of Florida horse farms surveyed are reliant on hay supplementation.•Lack of pasture management is associated with greater reliance on hay use.•Many farms do not perform forage nutrient analysis on their hay or pasture.•Cooperative extension service was the primary source of forage-related information.•Educational resources on pasture management are needed in Florida and likely elsewhere.