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Re: [RC] Hay to keep warm - Sisu West Ranch

"...the 20s and lower..."
 
Our wonderful and varied country.  The term "very cold nights" is practically useless as a guide for feeding recommendations.  In some areas it means less than 20 degrees F (18 C, for our international subscribers.), In MN, WI, ID or MT (except for the Bitterroot, which is the "Banana Belt" of MT) it means less than ) 0 F (-18 C).  I'm sure there are subscribers in Alberta, and Saskatchewan who do not consider the night to be very cold unless it is below -20 F (-29 C).
 
Seriously, for 30 years in WI and MT we have not had the luxury of adjusting the protein level of hay as a function of temperature.  We do feed a bit heavier when it gets unusually cold, but that is all.  We raise grass hay here on the W side of the valley (the east side has different soil and alfalfa is raised.)  The horses seem to stay fat, sassy and healthy on it.
 
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser
2994 Mittower Road
Victor, MT 59875
 
(406) 642-9640
 
ranch(at)sisuwest(dot)us

Replies
[RC] Hay to keep warm, sherman