Grazing on Rye Grass

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grazing rye grass, Are there any rules to follow on rye?

Grazing on Rye Grass

grazing rye grass, Are there any rules to follow on rye? Such as limited or timed grazing? Rain or sun make a difference? I have heard all kinds of stories that make me afraid to graze rye. Horses have been on pasture all summer and in stalls since winter but I am ready to turn them back out. Please help, I do not want a foundered or dead horse. Thank you, Julie
Answer:
I have never had any problems with Rye grass or hay. When rye has reached a head, it will loose a lot of its protein value. As a pasture grass, or as a hay, it is excellent. It is softer in texture, and for that reason, often horses LOVE it. Whenever turning any horse(s) out onto pasture that have not been grazing 24/7, always start off slowly, gradually increasing the time on pasture. An example of this is: Day 1 out on grass for NO MORE than 2 hrs. Day 2 out on grass for NO MORE than 2 hrs. Day 3 out on grass for NO MORE than 3 hrs. Day 4 out on grass for NO MORE than 4 hrs. Day 5 out on grass for NO MORE than 4 hrs. Day 6 out on grass for NO MORE than 5 hrs. Day 7 out on grass for NO MORE than 6 hrs. Day 8 out on grass for NO MORE than 6 hrs. From here on, they can be left out for 24/7. During the entire process, watch them, and monitor for ANY signs that indicate they are out too long. Resting the rear against objects to relieve the rear end from weight. Too quickly thickening of neck crest. Frequent shifting of weight off of a foot (usually the rear shifting frequently). Heat in any one of the horse's feet. No interest in hay or grass for over an hour at a time. All these signs let you know that the time frames on grass need to be reduced for that particular horse. Hope this helps, go check out our Web page @ http://communities.msn.com/goodgofarm Happy New Year, Mary.

   

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