4 Hay nets etc. and their benefits for feeding Hay nets and equivalent containers are used to slow down the rate at which horses eat and therefore encourage longer chewing. This stimulates saliva production and the increased flow of saliva contributes to a reduction in the stomach's acid content. There are studies indicating that this can help to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers. Alongside the health-related benefits of feeding with hay nets and similar objects, the slow and steady pace of eating prevents boredom. Horses are occupied for longer with eating food and the time between meals is shortened. By slowing down the consumption of food, hay rationing products can also help ensure less roughage is wasted and is less quickly scattered and trampled underfoot. The additional benefit of this is increased hygiene. Another aspect is that the roughage remains cleaner and less contaminated with dust, which in turn creates an enormous advantage for horses with respiratory diseases. Another advantage of hay nets is that several can be hung up in various places, allowing every animal, regardless of its rank, to have its own feeding place and have access to sufficient amounts of roughage. Whether it be in the box, on the paddock or in the pasture, with our extensive range of hay nets, bags, boxes and racks, the horse-friendly feeding of roughage is possible practically anywhere. Important special considerations when choosing hay nets, etc. Hay nets are available with different mesh widths. The larger the distance, the faster the food consumption. Meshes that are too small, however, cause stress since too little food can be taken. The mesh is also exposed constantly to the horses' powerful jaws, which leads to faster wear. Hay bags or pouches are suitable alternatives to hay nets for slower eating. Care must be taken to ensure that the openings from which the hay can be eaten are properly arranged and not too small. A diameter of approx. 5 - 6 cm has proven to be ideal. Hay nets come in various designs. For a service life that is as long as possible, the material used, the structure of the cords, the diameter of the threads (monofilaments), the type of connection and the finish are generally the key criteria to consider. Materials such as polypropylene and a cord diameter of around 5 - 6 mm, made up of individual monofilaments, have proven to be excellent for this. With troughs or boxes with mesh bars, a distance of 6 cm is also recommended. Here, too, care must be taken to ensure the correct, low mounting height so that the horse's posture is as natural as possible, while at the same time preventing the risk of injury by stepping on it or similar. At Kerbl, you will find a range of roughage containers over the next few pages, such as hay nets in many shapes, hay bags, hay racks and boxes made from metal or plastic.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxMjAyMw==