Why Chaff?
Chaff is a form of roughage and is produced by chopping up hay into smaller pieces.
The principal advantage of chaff is that it can be mixed with the concentrate portion of a horses feed so that the horse consumes forage with the concentrate.
This can increase chewing time and slow the intake of concentrate. The benefit of increasing chewing time is that concentrate then enters the digestive tract more slowly and in smaller amounts, this allows the simple carbohydrates to be fully absorbed in the small intestine.
Chaff is also easier to digest than hay and so it is great for young and older horses.
Oaten Chaff.
Oaten chaff is high in fibre, it is often considered softer, sweeter, flatter and more palatable than wheaten chaff. Oaten chaff also often contains high sugar and starch levels and poor mineral levels. The higher sugar level can make oaten chaff very palatable and increases the energy content. A typical analysis of Oaten chaff may indicate nutritional levels such as: Protein 4.00%, Calcium 0.23%, Phosphorus 0.06%, Crude Fibre 35.00%, Energy Mj/kg 7.50%.
Lucerne Chaff.
Lucerne chaffis very high in protein, calcium and many other vitamins and minerals. It often contains a lower level of starches and sugars than many cereal or grass chaffs. Lucerne chaff is also considered to have a highly digestible energy concentration. A typical analysis of Lucerne chaff may indicate nutritional levels such as: Protein 21.0%, Calcium 1.40%, Phosphorus 0.26%, Crude Fibre 25.2%, Energy 57.6%.
Timothy Chaff.
Timothy Chaff makes the ideal chaff due to its low update of soil minerals such as potassium that can cause problems with livestock health. It has lower protein and lower sugar levels than Lucerne, it is also low in non-structural carbohydrates, which is great for horses that are prone to metabolic issues such as laminitis or insulin resistance.
Cool Chaff.
High in fibre supporting digestive health. The high oil content in Cool Chaff provides slow-release energy and also helps to promote healthy skin and coat shine.
Mixed Chaff.
For a balanced diet, choose one of our mixed chaff options. Mixed chaff includes 50% Oaten and 50% Lucerne.