Not all coastal and not all Bermudagrass is going to increase the risk for impaction colic. Coastal Bermuda that has particularly fine stems and harvested when too mature might have an increased risk. | Photo: Photos.com

Q. I recently rescued two horses and, as I’ve always done with my horses, am feeding orchard grass/alfalfa or timothy hay. My friend is boarding my 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding while the new ones settle in, and she feeds her horse round-bale coastal hay. I’m concerned about my horse eating the coastal round bale, because I’ve heard that it can cause impactions. Is this true? If so, why, and can I take any steps to prevent it if my horse is eating coastal hay? —Lisa, via e-mail

A. Coastal hay is a type of Bermuda hay that has a reputation for increasing the risk of ileocecal impaction in horses. The belief that coastal hay causes impactions has been around for a long time, and in some cases might be true; however, Bermuda hay can make excellent forage for horses.

Why Bermuda is a Popular Choice

Bermudagrass is native to Southeast Africa and since the early 1800s it has been one of the most important grass species in the Southern United States. Several varieties exist, and coastal Bermuda was introduced to the United States in 1943. A warm-season perennial grass, Bermuda can withstand a wide range of soil types but demands fairly high nitrogen levels. In fact, given adequate moisture, nitrogen is the most limiting factor to forage production, and low nitrogen results in low crude protein content