When it comes to managing the health of our grazing animals, understanding the role of fructans in forage quality is essential. Grazing can pose various challenges for animal owners, especially with the risk of laminitis and other health issues that arise from high fructan levels in grasses. This blog post will introduce the concept of a Fructan Calendar and explain how it can help in timing grazing safely.

What are Fructans?

Fructans are a type of carbohydrate found in many types of grasses, especially cool-season grasses like ryegrass and fescue. They are stored in the plant's leaves and can be rapidly released when the plant is grazed. While fructans serve as an energy source for plants, they can be problematic for grazing animals like horses and ruminants, leading to health issues if consumed in excessive amounts.

Understanding the Risks

High fructan concentrations typically occur under specific environmental conditions, such as:

• Cool temperatures combined with bright sunlight
• Drought conditions
• Rapid plant growth during the spring and fall seasons

When animals graze on grass with elevated fructan levels, they may experience digestive disturbances and an increased risk of laminitis. Therefore, it's critical to monitor the timing of grazing to minimize these risks.

The Fructan Calendar

A Fructan Calendar is a tool that helps animal owners track the levels of fructans in their pastures throughout the year. This calendar typically includes:

• The seasonal growth patterns of grasses
• Weather conditions that increase the risk of high fructan levels
• Guidelines for safe grazing practices

By keeping a Fructan Calendar, you can identify periods when fructan levels are likely to peak and adjust grazing schedules accordingly. For example, withholding access to pasture during the late morning and early afternoon when sun exposure increases fructan levels can be beneficial.

Tips for Safe Grazing

Here are some practical tips to help you manage grazing safely using a Fructan Calendar:

• Monitor weather patterns and adjust grazing schedules to avoid high-fructan times.
• Consider strip grazing to control intake of high-fructan grass.
• Feed hay before grazing to help fill the stomach and reduce the risk of fructan overload.
• Keep track of grass growth and plan rotations to access different pasture areas safely.

Conclusion

Utilizing a Fructan Calendar can take the guesswork out of grazing management. By understanding the nuances of fructan levels in your pastures and timing grazing accordingly, you can help ensure the health and well-being of your animals. Always stay informed about the environmental conditions affecting your pasture and adjust your grazing strategies as needed for optimal results.

Happy grazing!