74 Comparison between timothy hay and Italian ryegrass haylage for the main grass feed for the maintenance horses

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate if the domestic Italian Ryegrass (IRG) haylage is a suitable feed for maintenance horses. Thoroughbred horses (n = 10) were confined to a stall and provided the fixed amount of hay and haylage 3 times daily for 2 experimental periods. The first experiment was conducted for 11 d to observe horses’ preferences such as the first choice and the residuals of forages. The fixed amount of 1,500g of timothy hay and 1,500g of domestic IRG haylage was given 3 times at 08:30, 12:00, 16:30 to each horse at the same time and was assessed for first choice and the feed residuals. The 7 d were for the study to begin to adapt to the experimental conditions and the experiments were conducted from the 8th to 11th of the experimental day. The second experiment was to observe horses’ performance comparing the domestic IRG haylage and timothy hay affecting changes in the BCS and weight for horses and the eating time. Horses were offered the fixed amount of 3,000g of timothy hay and 3,000g of domestic IRG haylage was given 3 times at 08:30, 12:00, 16:30 to each horse at the same time. The results were recorded at 12:00 on d 0 and d 30. The chemical components of IRG haylage were greater in crude protein (16.26 vs 9.35%), ether extract (3.98 vs 3.15%), and ash (10.37 vs 6.97%). Timothy hay was higher in dry matter (91.4 vs 97.5%), crude fiber (24.9 vs 22.6%), and NFE (47 vs 34.3%). No mycotoxins were found in forages such as Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, A, and Ochratoxin A. The chi-squared test was used to compare the scores for preferences among horses. The weight and the body condition score (BCS) were compared using the student t-test. The mixed model with an ANOVA was used for the feed residuals and the eating duration. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Horses have not shown significant differences for preference tests. The average residuals of timothy hay were significantly lesser than the domestic IRG. The average eating time of forages was not statistically different. The BCS and the weight of horses were not significantly different. In conclusion, the domestic IRG haylage can be a cost-effective alternative feed for maintenance horses.