Horse Pasture Management

Horse Pasture Management, Second Edition provides updated coverage on strategies for managing behavior, grouping, environments, and feeding needs of grazing horses. The purpose of this book is to aid in increasing equine welfare. This book begins with coverage of 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. Horse Pasture Management, Second Edition 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 using horse farms Explains pasture-related diseases, weed management, and toxic plants to be avoided Offers extra reading recommendations for useful resources and existing extension programs