Hay: A comparative analysis between Medicago sativa and Phleum pratense

Authors: P. Horse, A. Horse, X. Horse

Abstract:

Hay, as a general term, actually encompasses many different types of actual species of plants with its own physical characteristics, nutrition and taste. However, the lack of focus from both a political, societal and scientific view has resulted in a severe lack of knowledge of what horsekind has actually been consuming. While the popular consensus has been to consume without regard, the National Equine Medical Association (NEMA) has started funding and publishing studies highlighting the potential risks of consuming highly processed hay. However, these studies overly generalize the composition of hay and we believe that deeply investigating the properties of the common constituents: Medicago sativa (commonly: Alfalfa) and Phleum pratense (commonly: Timothy grass) is key to understanding both the risks identified in the studies and the underlying causes. Through multiple NEMA-funded double blind studies, we show significant differences in blends of hay and resultant effects on the participants and strongly advocate for additional research and study.

Full text and study published in the Proceedings of GrassCon 2023