Galvanized Tarter Equine Pro Horse Hay Feeder with sturdy metal construction, designed for safe and efficient hay storage for horses.

Hay Testing

Enhance Your Horse's Diet for Optimal Nutrition

To maintain a happy horse with a healthy gut, the average horse must consume 1.5-3% of its body weight in forage a day. Thus, the foundation to any equine diet starts with a quality forage program. Whether you grow your own hay or purchase elsewhere, it is crucial to know the details of that foundation in order to develop the appropriate feed program to fit the needs of your horse(s).

We recognize and encourages the vital importance of this information and offers 2 different testing options. While the Complimentary Hay Testing is only offered in the fall, the Lab Analyzed Hay Testing is available year round.

Complimentary Hay Testing:

A broad overview of the hay to give a baseline in balancing a horse’s diet. Only available during predetermined dates in the fall.

Customers will need to:

  • Drop off a quart sized, Ziplock bag sample of your hay & the Hay Sample Intake
    Form
    to The Mill store nearest you during the drop off timeframe.
  • Be sure to write your name and the hay sample name on the Ziplock bag.
  • Hay Sample Intake Forms can be printed off using the link above or will be available to fill out at the store.

Results include:

  • Crude Protein – Specifies protein levels within the hay.
  • ADF – (Acid Detergent Fiber) Indicated digestibility of the hay; or how well the hay that is consumed is utilized by the body.
  • NDF – (Neutral Detergent Fiber) Relates to palatability and intake potential; how much of the hay will likely be consumed vs found undesirable and left behind.
  • Equine Digestibility Fiber or kcal/lb – (Digestible Energy) Key to meeting caloric and energy needs.

Lab Analyzed Hay Testing:

A detailed analysis of the hay for more finetuned and specific diet
balancing.Highly recommended if managing horses with metabolic conditions. Available Year-Round. $40/test.

  • We will come to your farm and core multiple bales of hay
  • Samples are sent to an outside laboratory for analysis
  • Results, typically, within 2 weeks

Results include:

  • Crude Protein
  • ADF
  • NDF
  • Digestible Energy
  • Complete breakdown of the micronutrients

    a. Calcium
    b. Phosphorus
    c. Magnesium
    d. Potassium
    e. Sodium
    f. Iron
    g. Zinc
    h. Copper
    i. Manganese
    j. Molybdenum
  • Nonstructural Carbohydrates – Sugars and Starches
    These are VERY important to be aware of and to manage, especially for horses with metabolic issues or are prone to tying up.

How to arrange for testing:

Call one of our Equine Specialists, Michelle Jennings or Kelley Nash, to arrange for testing:

Michelle Jennings

Equine Specialist

Kelley Nash

Equine Specialist