Description
Horse Pasture Management, Second Edition provides updated coverage on strategies for managing behavior, grouping, environments and feeding needs of grazing horses. Sections cover the structure, function and identification of forages, continuing into nutritional value of pasture plants. Management of soil, the function of a pasture ecosystem and management of plants in a pasture is covered next, followed by forage yield determination, 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. Advantages of grazing more than one species of animal are described. Management of hay and silage are included since year-round grazing is not possible on many horse farms. Several chapters deal with interactions of a horse farm with the environment, including climate and weather and other living things. The book also covers strategies for managing manure, erosion, and water quality. It is ideal for researchers, scientists and students involved in animal science, specifically equine studies. Agriculturists, equine managers and veterinarians will also find this book useful.- Includes information on environmental best practices, plant and soil assessments, and wildlife concerns- Features a new section on reducing carbon emissions and increasing sustainability on horse farms- Explains pasture-related diseases, weed management and toxic plants to avoid- Recommends relevant published resources and extension programs
Table of Contents
1. Forage Plant Structure, Function, Nutrition, and Growth2. Identification of Temperate Pasture Grasses and Legumes3. Nutritional Value of Pasture Plants for Horses4. Soils for Horse Pasture Management5. Introduction to Pasture Ecology6. Pasture Plant Establishment and Management7. Forage Yield and Its Determinations8. Grazing Behavior, Feed Intake, and Feed Choices9. Managing Equine Grazing for Pasture Productivity10. Mixed Species Grazing11. Production and Management of Hay and Haylage12. Climate, Weather, and Plant Hardiness13. Matching Plant Species to Your Environment, Weather, and Climate14. Managing Manure, Erosion, and Water Quality in and Around Horse Pastures15. Fencing and Water Systems16. Pasture-Related Diseases and Disorders17. Coexisting with Wildlife18 University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program19. Control of Weeds in Pastures20. Annual Forage Options for Grazing Horses21. Forage Varieties and Management of Horse Pastures in Hot and Dry Environments22. Climate Change and Grazing Horses23. Welfare of Horses on Pasture
