Impact of harvest, preservation and storage conditions on forage quality

Abstract

Grass in different forms is the most important feed in the equine diet. As grass does not grow during the winter months in northern Europe, it needs to be fed in a preserved state during this season, and preserved forages may also be fed during summertime. Different methods for harvest, preservation and storage may result in forages differing in chemical and microbial composition. These differences are discussed in this paper, as well as the impact of different forage preservation methods on equine preference, ingestion and digestion of forages. Toxic plants and bacterial and fungal toxins in forages may be present in forage, in particular if preservation strategies are not kept intact or if the forage is not handled correct at feeding. A selection of hygienic problems in forages that may be important from an equine feeding perspective are therefore included in this review as well.