Description
Horse Pasture Management begins with coverage of the structure, function and nutritional value of plants, continuing into identification of pasture plants. Management of soil and plants in a pasture is covered next, followed by horse grazing behavior, feed choices of horses, management of grazing horses, and how to calculate how many horses should be grazing relative to land size. Management of hay and silage are included, since year-round grazing is not possible on many horse farms. A number of chapters deal with interactions of a horse farm with the environment and other living things. As an aid in good pasture management, one chapter explains construction and use of fencing and watering systems.Contributions are rounded out with a chapter explaining how the University of Kentucky helps horse farm managers develop their pasture management programs.- The purpose of the book is to help people provide a better life for horses- Provides the basic principles of pasture management for those involved in equine-related fields and study- Covers a variety of strategies for managing the behavior, grouping, environmental, and feeding needs of grazing horses to ensure high levels of welfare and health- Includes information on environmental best practices, plant and soil assessment, and wildlife concerns- Explains pasture-related diseases and toxic plants to be avoided- Includes links to useful resources and existing extension programs
Table of Contents
1. Forage plant structure, function, nutrition and growth2. Identification of forage plant species3. Nutritional value of pasture plants for horses4. Soils for horse pasture management5. Introduction to pasture ecology6. Pasture establishment, maintenance and renovation7. Forage yield and its determination8. Grazing behavior, feed intake and feed choices9. Managing equine grazing for pasture productivity10. Multi-species grazing11. Hay and silage production and management12. Climate, weather and plant hardiness13. Matching plant species to your environment, weather and climate14. Manure, erosion and water quality15. Fencing and watering systems16. Pasture related diseases and disorders17. Co-existing with wildlife18. The University of Kentucky extension pasture evaluation program
