Why is rye grass bad for horses?

Ryegrass is not a toxic plant, it becomes toxic when the bacterium Rathayibacter toxicus enters the seed heads. The bacteria produces the poisonous chemical called corynetoxin. Once the contaminated ryegrass is ingested, it begins to affect the horse’s central nervous system. Vet bills can sneak up on you.

What is the healthiest grass for horses?

In pure stands, the grass species that offered the best balance of plant persistence, yield, nutrient value, and horse preference were orchardgrass, meadow fescue, endophyte-free tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass.

What kind of grass is best for horse pasture?

Grass mixtures containing the following species are good for Midwest horse pastures.

• Endophyte-free tall fescue.
• Perennial ryegrass.
• Kentucky bluegrass.
• Timothy.

Is perennial ryegrass toxic to horses?

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a common perennial pasture grass which can cause ryegrass staggers in horses. Horses will typically begin to demonstrate signs of ryegrass staggers 7-14 days after grazing the plant. Prolonged exposure to the toxins can cause permanent neurological damage to the animal.

Is rye grass high in sugar?

High sugar perennial ryegrass is an improved forage grass. Its high levels of sugar and superb high digestibility make it a premium forage grass.

Is ryegrass good for horse pasture?

Annual ryegrass is a good option for horse owners looking to extend the grazing season or when in need of emergency forage during the summer and fall seasons. The annual grasses in our study would meet the crude protein and digestible energy requirements of many classes of adult horse.

What should I plant in my horse pasture?

Many agricultural experts consider a mix of 60\% grasses and 40\% legumes to be ideal for horse pastures. The combinations of forage plants are practically limitless and will vary according to local climate and soil conditions.

What do you feed grass to affect horses?

Use a low potassium forage as the base of the diet – mature grass hay will provide you with a lower potassium alternative to the lush pasture. If your horse is already suffering symptoms you should also soak the hay for 30 minutes to remove as much potassium from the diet as you can.

How long does rye grass staggers last?

This fungus grows within the leaves, stems and seeds of perennial ryegrass and produces alkaloids which can have toxic effects on grazing livestock. These toxins accumulate in the plant – peaking in summer/autumn and may remain high in the pasture for five to six months.