Is your horse putting on more weight than usual? Perhaps they’re struggling to keep condition eating this year’s hay? It might be time to check your horse’s diet and Equi-Analytical can help! Equi-Analytical, based in Ithaca, New York, is a feed and forage testing laboratory that can provide you with a complete nutritional analysis of your hay, pasture, feed, and even treats! Horse owners can collect samples and send them directly to Equi-Analytical for analysis. We will test your sample and then return a report to you with information on the protein, fiber, fat, sugar, starch, and mineral content of your feed or forage sample.
A common question we get at Equi-Analytical is: how do I collect a hay sample? For the best tool to collect a representative sample, we recommend a hay probe or hay corer. Hay probes are available for sale on our website, though you may also check with your local extension office, pony clubs, or veterinarian’s office to see if they have a hay probe available to use. Sample at least 12-20 bales and combine the core samples into a single quart size plastic bag. Complete the sample submission form and then mail the form and sample to Equi-Analytical.
The next question is: what to do with the results? There are several options for evaluating your analysis, including working with a vet, an equine nutritionist, or a feed company representative to help you figure out how to supplement your horse’s diet appropriately.
Equi-Analytical exists to help horse owners see what they’re feeding their equines. You can learn more about all our services by visiting our website, equi-analytical.com. Sending in a sample for analysis today will help improve your horse’s overall health.