The digestibility and mineral availability of Matua, Bermuda grass, and alfalfa hay in mature horses

Six mature stock-type geldings, 10 to 14 yr of age, were assigned treatments within two simultaneous 3 x 3 Latin square design experiments to determine the digestibility and mineral availability of Matua (M), Coastal Bermuda grass (B) and alfalfa (A) hay. Horses were fed equal amounts of hay twice daily at 2% BW/d. Bermuda grass contained less (P<.05) CP (8.28%) as compared to M (10.90%), and M contained less (P<.05) CP as compared to a (16.4%). Bermuda grass contained less (P<.05) Ca (.30%) as compared to M (.52%), and M contained less (P<.05) Ca as compared to A (1.36%). Bermuda grass contained more (P<.05) NDF (83.29%) as compared to M (76.46%), and M contained more (P<.05) NDF as compared to A (54.14%). There was a main effect of diet on DM (P<.044), CP (P<.008), and NDF (P<.041) digestibilities. Dry matter digestibility of B (51.60%) was lower (P<.05) as compared to A (63.39%). Crude protein digestibility of A (76.38%) was higher (P<.05) as compared to M (64.11%) and B (60.56%). Digestibility of ADF, NDF, and lignin were not significantly different among the three hays. Data from this study indicate that Matua is a suitable alternative forage source for mature geldings.