“EFFECT OF HAY NETS ON HORSE BODYWEIGHT, BODY CONDITION SCORE, HAY USAGE, AND DENTAL HEALTH IN MATURE ADULT HORSES” BY DEBOER ET AL.
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Hay nets are commonly used in horse management to prolong feeding time and reduce hay waste, but concerns about their impact on horse health exist. A recent two-year cross-over study compared hay usage, dental wear, and dental conditions between horses fed with (NET) and without (CON) hay nets.
About hay nets
Hay nets are popular for optimising hay feeding, as evidenced by a survey where 73% of horse owners reported using them primarily to reduce hay waste and prolong feeding time. Existing research has shown that hay nets can significantly reduce hay waste and decrease the dry matter intake rate, prolonging feeding time and keeping horses chewing for longer.
Despite their benefits, some horse owners worry about potential health risks to the teeth, neck, and back when using hay nets. In a recent survey, 16% of horse owners chose not to use hay nets due to concerns about health risks to the teeth, neck, and back.
Previous studies have shown mixed results, but recent research suggests that hay nets may actually support oral health by improving rostral oral cavity scores and maintaining pull pressures comparable to those of horses grazing on pasture.
Study design
- Participants: 13 mature adult horses were divided based on body weight and randomly assigned to either the NET or CON treatment group for one year. The groups then switched treatments in the second year.
- Conditions: Horses were kept in adjacent dry lots with shelter, ad libitum water, and free access to round bales with or without hay nets (4.45 cm openings).
- Measurements: Key metrics recorded included body weight, body condition score (BCS), dental work (incisor length and dental abnormalities), and hay usage. Digital images were taken monthly to assess rostral oral cavity scores (ROCS).
Key findings
- Hay usage and body condition: Horses fed without hay nets consumed more hay and had higher body weight and body condition scores than those fed with hay nets.
- Dental health: There were no significant differences in incisor length, presence of incisor bevels, rostral oral cavity scores, or dental abnormalities between the two groups.
Therefore, the data suggest that using hay nets does not negatively impact dental health and can effectively reduce hay consumption, helping to manage horse BW and BCS.
Conclusion
The study highlights that hay nets are a beneficial management tool for reducing hay waste and controlling horse body weight and condition without negatively impacting dental health. As horses are hypsodont, their teeth continuously undergo wear and growth, and maintaining a balance between attrition and eruption is vital. The findings provide reassurance that hay nets can be safely used as part of a comprehensive feeding strategy.
By understanding the long-term impacts of hay nets, horse owners can make informed decisions supporting both their horses’ health and well-being and efficient hay usage.
Research takeaways
- Horse body weight and body condition score were greater when fed hay without hay nets.
- Hay usage was greater when horses consumed hay without hay nets.
- Hay nets did not impact incisor length or cause bevels on the incisors.
- Horses had the same number of dental abnormalities regardless of hay net use.
These data suggest that hay nets do not negatively impact dental health.
Reference
Effect of hay nets on horse bodyweight, body condition score, hay usage, and dental health in mature adult horses
- DeBoer, L.Keener, J. Layeux-Parks, O. Schueller, L. Johnson, K. Martinson