Hay feeders can help reduce feed losses to as little as 5 to 10%, depending on the feeder and hay type. | Photo: Courtesy Krista Lea

One of the most labor-intensive aspects of horse ownership is winter hay feeding. Most U.S. horse owners will have to feed hay at some point because pastures are no longer growing or are limited in quantity or horses must be confined to sacrifice paddocks.

Hay production across the U.S. is valued at more than $12 billion annually, but hay losses during storage and feeding represent a significant expense to horse owners. Proper hay storage and feeding can reduce these losses and preserve forage quality for your horse.

Storage

Hay losses during storage can result from both decrease in bale weight and in forage quality. Several factors, including type and size of bale, storage method, and weather conditions can contribute to losses