Research

Seminar "Sensory evaluation of horse hay quality"

Reinhard Resch, Eng.

Ing. Reinhard Resch

Head of Department Analytics and Feed Evaluation

The number of horses and horse owners is increasing in Austria. In contrast, approximately 30% to 50% of hay for horses is of poor quality, particularly regarding feed hygiene (mold growth during storage and dustiness). To raise awareness of species-appropriate and high-quality horse hay, a practical seminar on horse hay evaluation was offered by Reinhard Resch (Head of the HBLFA- Department of Analytics and Feed Evaluation) on March 6, 2026, at the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, prior to the 14th Equine Symposium.

The 13 participants learned how to assess various aspects of hay quality using displayed samples (with analytical results) and through demonstrations of practical sensory evaluation by the seminar leader. The participants independently classified deficiencies in smell, color, texture, and contamination, including the presence of poisonous plants, on hay samples they had brought with them from practical experience, and discussed the results with the instructor.

 

The ÖAG evaluation key for horse hay according to Resch (2026) can be downloaded here as a PDF file.

 

 

Further links

Horse hay - what to consider - 65th podcast

Evaluation of haylage vs. hay for horse feeding with regard to microbiological feed quality, mites, mycotoxins and fructans

 

Sensory evaluation of horse hay quality at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

Sensory evaluation of horse hay quality at HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein

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