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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] MSAR-Riders Digest, Vol 74, Issue 4 -weed free vs seed free, allergys too.

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  • From: Karen Nesbitt <spanishequines@yahoo.com>
  • To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] MSAR-Riders Digest, Vol 74, Issue 4 -weed free vs seed free, allergys too.
  • Date: Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:03:54 -0700 (PDT)

 
Regarding weed free vs seed free...weed free would be hay that is free of foreign plants other than what was intended to be grown and harvested for use in forage.  Here is a catch too on perhaps why some horses may have allergies which could be caused by pasture that has been chemically treated with a herbicide to reduce weeds.  The animal could have an allergy to the chemical and not related to the grass itself.  People who treat their pastures with a herbicide need to follow label directions as to how soon grazing can continue after spraying.  You might want to ask your hay dealer what if any herbicides have been used.  Ask your licensed applicator what chemicals are best used for spraying your pastures.  Because an allergy can happen at anytime, if your horse is having issues, you might want to ask your hay supplier about this.
 
Seed free hay is hay that is free from any form of seed head. Acquiring seed free hay depends on the time of year hay is harvested,and whether its first, second, third or possibly a fouth cutting and then that depends on if the hay is a perennial or annual.   Annual hays such as wheat or oat, rye all only get one cutting.  Remember too that these three are also ones commonly used for bedding.  When the straw is made, it is made after the heads of the seed are harvested and then the straw is baled in a secondary process.  Hence typically the straw then is seed free.  As for weed free, that is a different matter.  It depends on how clean the field was.
 
Weeds are a constant battle.
 
Alfalfa can harbor blister beetles.. so depending on what time of year and the growing conditions, these little beasties are a menace.  Here the issue then falls to if the grower is using any pesticides to control them.  If so, if your horse has an allergy, it might just not be the alfalfa, but the pesticide.  Here again, another issue to ask your grower.
 
  Karen




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