Changing alfalfa question? ( More inside)?

Question

Ok so lately since it is summer and all, everything has been dry, including the alfalfa given to the horses at the stable I board at. When i say dry i mean really brown and lots of sticks ( i know that this isn't good, I mean it is sticks for heaven sakes!) Anyways about a week ago, the barn got a whole new shipment of alfalfa and it is bright green (looks to be much better quality). My horse seems to love the new hay, but I noticed that he now has diarrhea from the new green alfalfa. Now my horse is a huge poopy mess with it everywhere on his tail and back side and legs. He also was very very gassy when i was riding him which is unusual. He still has the same amount of energy and same personality.

Do you think that the diarrhea is from the change in alfalfa, or what do you think is wrong with my horse?

Answer 1

If you can get some regular Grass/Timothy hay mix that in, the change and freshness might be to rich and you don't want him to dehydrate from it.  I would also start for a few days with 3-4 feedings of the old/new/and hay mixed and up it over a 2-3 wks time.  I don't feed alfalfa due to so many health problems and risks.  Best of luck.  

Answer 2

Lol I will try to be nice!

Did  the barn slowly mix in the new Alfalfa with the old 'stick' stuff...if not, this could be your problem....the new alfalfa sounds like its 2nd cut, which is famously richer than 1st cut ( I dont know exactly why...but it is..) anyways...because it is richer, he will get runny poo, like when you put them out to pasture at the beginning of the summer...it just happens...but he will get less runny & less gassy as he gets used to his new, richer hay...dont worry, it should take about a week for him to get used to it...if the soft poo persists longer than a week, call your vet...or ask someone at your barn who knows your horse if they think it is something other than the new hay

Just make sure to clean his bum and tail out when it gets yucky, you dont want to leave it on him,among other things, it will stain his coat and its unsightly.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Always be very careful about changing your horses feed. Alfalfa is very rich, and could likely be causing the problem. Mix a small amount of Alfalfa with your regular hay, and increase the amount very slowly. Personally, I do not feed alfalfa because it is so rich it can cause a lot of problems, including founder. And the same with grain. Never switch feed abruptly. Always start by mixing a little at a time until they are acclimated gradually.

Answer 4

there isn't anything wrong with you horse :)

its just from the barn changing alfalfa...

so dont worry!

Answer 5

Yes, I believe it is the alfalfa.  The sticks were actually much better for your horse than the green alfalfa.  The long stems are important in the horse's ability to ferment his food in the cecum.  Even chopping hay is not good for the horse's digestion.  The high protein in the alfalfa could cause serious problems for your horse, that can affect many systems of his body, and the rapid change to it is dangerous.  His immune system can be compromised, and he is at risk for laminitis and colic.  If there is any of the old hay available, put him back on it, and then feed a mix of the old and the new.  If the new is 100% alfalfa, it is not good for your horse.  the protein content is too high.