Q: Is smutsfinger a good option for horses?
A: Smutsfinger grass (Digitaria eriantha), also known as digit grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to southern Africa. It is commonly grown as pasture or hay and is valued for its drought resistance, palatability, and high forage production. It’s particularly suited for horses in regions with warm climates, including South Africa, where it is widely cultivated.
Characteristics of smutsfinger grass
- Adaptability:
- Thrives in sandy and well-drained soils.
- Highly drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with low to moderate rainfall.
- Provides good ground cover, reducing soil erosion.
- Palatability:
- Horses generally find smutsfinger grass palatable, especially when harvested at the right growth stage.
- Suitability:
- Ideal for grazing and hay production.
- Low oxalate content compared to other tropical grasses, making it safer for horses in terms of calcium absorption and avoiding conditions like nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (‘big head’ disease).
Nutritional profile of smutsfinger grass
The nutrient content of smutsfinger grass can vary depending on factors like soil fertility, stage of growth, and harvesting methods, but here’s a general guideline:
| Nutrient | Range | Notes |
| Crude protein | 8–12% | Sufficient for maintenance but may need supplementation for high-performance horses. |
| Digestible energy | ~1.8–2.2 Mcal/kg | Moderate energy level suitable for light to moderate workloads. |
| Fibre (ADF) | 30–35% | Promotes gut health but may become less digestible as the grass matures. |
| Calcium | 0.3–0.5% | Adequate for most horses when fed with other balanced feeds. |
| Phosphorus | 0.2–0.3% | Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is important; may need supplementation in some cases. |
| Potassium | 1.0–2.5% | High potassium content supports muscle and nerve function. |
| Magnesium | 0.15–0.25% | Generally sufficient for maintenance. |
NOTE: Acid detergent fibre (ADF) is a chemical measurement that indicates the digestibility of forage for horses.
Potential considerations for feeding smutsfinger
- Quality decline with maturity: Nutritional quality decreases if smutsfinger grass is allowed to mature too much before harvest, with reduced protein and energy content and increased fibre levels.
- Supplementation: While suitable for maintenance, performance horses, lactating mares, and growing foals may require additional protein or energy supplementation.
- Soil management: Proper soil fertilisation and management practices are necessary to ensure good nutrient levels, but this is true for all forage.