Green Alfalfa

Question
Greetings.  I live in southern Indiana where there is an extreme drought, all roughage is in extreme short supply.  My question is this; I have an alfalfa pasture that will never make it to a decent cutting.  Can I let my horses graze in this pasture?  I am worried about toxins that may exist.  Any information will be useful.  
Thank You,
Richard Parks

Answer
Hi Richard,

The alfalfa plant itself is a wonderful grazing perennial for horses.  Just make sure that you only leave them for an hour or two for a few weeks so that they don't gorge themselves and risk bloat and laminitis.

Now, this isn't a problem here in Australia, so I'm not really familiar with the problem, but I've heard that there have been some issues in the US....  Do you have a lot of Blister Beatles?  Apparently, there is a species of Blister Beatle that likes to feed upon alfalfa and it produces a toxin that is poisonous to horses.

If you are unsure, I would check with your local Department of Agriculture who would be able to tell you about your area.  Sorry, I can't give you more definite information!

But as far as the alfalfa itself goes there are no problems, just watch they don't eat themselves silly!

Cheers!