Owners use a variety of hay feed devices, including hay nets, hay bags, and slow feeding options. These can be a great way to extend feeding time, reduce fasting periods1, and cut down on wasted hay2.

But take note, these feeding devices can also have some downsides.

For example, they can lead to frustration behaviours. These can include biting and shaking the hay net3, pushing with the head, pawing, or pinning the ears back4. Some horses might even develop unnatural neck and back positions while feeding5.

hay feeders ears back
Ears are pinned backward. Courtesy Martina Greppi

These behaviours don’t show up the same way in all horses. Different horses have their own styles for getting hay from these devices.

The Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Turin6 conducted a recent study in collaboration with Waltham Petcare Science Institute and Unequi Ltd. They looked into how ponies behave when fed with different feeding methods.

Study Overview

This study looked at nine adult ponies (5 Shetlands and 4 Welsh/Cobs). All were used to being fed hay from the ground in paddocks. After getting them accustomed to the new setups, researchers tested four different hay-feeding methods:

  • 3 kg of hay on the ground (control group)
  • 3 kg of hay in a small-holed hay-net
  • 1 kg of hay in a small-holed hay-net
  • 3 kg of hay in a slow feeder hay box, with the height adjusted based on the pony breed.

All feeding sessions were recorded on video for behavioural analysis.

Behaviours of Ponies

According to the study, hay nets seem to cause more frustration in ponies. Eating hay from these lead to behaviours such as pinning their ears back and tilting their heads (holding their head obliquely to the left side during the feeding). This was more common compared than when they were fed from the hay box or directly from the ground.

Head tilting could be an adaptive way for ponies to cope with the situation and make it easier for them to grab the hay.

slow feeding head tilted left
Head tilted to the left side. Courtesy Martina Greppi

                      

hay feeding head tilting right
Head tilted to the right side. Courtesy Martina Greppi
hay feeding neck arched
Neck arched when eating full hay bag. Courtesy Martina Greppi

Fully filled slow feed hay nets can also force ponies to eat with their necks arched, which isn’t ideal.

The research suggested that it might be better to either partially fill the hay net or use a hay box. That allows the pony to eat with a more natural neck posture.

hay feeding neck elongated
Neck elongated when eating from hay bag. Courtesy Martina Greppi

Another important factor to consider is the height at which you hang the hay net. Make sure it’s positioned at the right level to promote a natural eating posture for your pony, ideally with the bottom of the net at elbow height.

Slow Hay Feeding Findings

One interesting new finding from the study was that feeding from the various slow feeders (i.e., the hay nets and the hay box) may be more mentally demanding for ponies as illustrated by a lower blink rate. This might indicate that they’re paying more attention while eating from such devices. In contrast, when they eat hay directly off the ground, they blink more, suggesting potentially that they’re more relaxed during mealtime.

hay feeding blink rate
Blink rate: eye becomes temporary but completely closed. Courtesy Martina Greppi

From this study, the hay box seems like a great option. It slows down feeding, gives the pony a more natural eating posture7, and reduces frustration. That makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to extend feeding time without causing stress.

Although these advantages exist, it’s important to consider individual characteristics such as size, personality, and breed in order to find the best solution for each animal.

References

  • 1. The effect of presenting forage in multi-layered haynets and at multiple sites on night time budgets of stabled horses. Ellis, A.D.; Redgate, S.; Zinchenko, S.; Owen, H.; Barfoot, C.; Harris, P. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2015;171:108–16.
  • 2. Round-bale feeder design affects hay waste and economics during horse feeding. Martinson, K.; Wilson, J.; Cleary, K.; Lazarus, W.; Thomas, W.; Hathaway, M. J Anim Sci. 2012;90:1047–55.
  • 3. The Effect of Hay Net Design on Rate of Forage Consumption When Feeding Adult Horses. Glunk, E.C.; Hathaway, M.R.; Weber, W.J.; Sheaffer, C.C.; Martinson, K.L. J Equine Vet Sci. 2014;34:986–91.
  • 4. Hay-bags” and “Slow feeders”: Testing their impact on horse behaviour and welfare. Rochais, C. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2018;198:52–9.
  • 5. Studying the Shape Variations of the Back, the Neck, and the Mandibular Angle of Horses Depending on Specific Feeding Postures Using Geometric Morphometrics. Raspa, F.; Roggero, A.; Palestrini, C.; Marten Canavesio, M.; Bergero, D.; Valle, E. Animals. 2021;11:763.
  • 6. Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices. Greppi, M.; Bordin C, Raspa, F.; Maccone, E.; Harris, P.; Ellis, A.D.; et al. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2024; 1–12.
  • 7. Effect of pony morphology and hay feeding methods on back and neck postures. Bordin, C.; Raspa, F.; Harris, P.; Ellis, A.D.; Roggero, A.; Palestrini, C.; et al. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2023; jpn.13861.

Further Reading

  • Martina Greppi holds an MSc in Animal Science and is currently a Research Fellow at the Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Italy. Her Master's degree specialized in Animal Nutrition, and her areas of research include equine nutrition and welfare. Martina's recent focus is on the recognition of pain in horses and the development of innovative teaching methods for veterinary students.
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