We tackle the Do’s and Don’ts of taking your dog to public places; in Tiggipedia we learn about magnesium for horses; in Critter Nutrition we focus on hoary alyssum in hay; and in Coffee Klatch we ask what animal you would not want to be!
Listen in!
Guests and Links for Episode 194:
- Co-Hosts: Tigger Montague from BioStar US and Pati Pierucci from Pierucci Dressage
- Article: Hoary Alyssum: A Plant You Don’t Want To Find In Your Hay
- Ask Hedwig
- Learn more about supplements for your horse and dog at Biostar US
- Follow Healthy Critters Radio on Facebook
– photo credits: iStock, Pixabay
Co-host Tigger Montague updates us on recent cases of hay contamination with the highly toxic-to-horses plant hoary alyssum, and outlines ways to keep the danger risk low:
“The plant likes poor soil, needs plenty of light, thrives in dry conditions, and does not do well with competition from other vegetation.
With this information, researchers have provided key insights on managing and preventing hoary alyssum growth:
- Mowing alone will not control it, and could worsen infestation by cutting down the shading canopy of neighboring vegetation.
- Irrigation can be useful to support forage grasses, increasing their competitiveness with hoary alyssum.
- Over-utilization of pastures and ranges weakens perennial grasses and creates an ideal scenario for weed invasion.
- Herbicides are frequently mentioned as a tool for managing this specific plant, particularly after the growing season.
- Pastures and areas that have been cleared, disturbed by construction, or had introduction of new soil or fill should be monitored for three years or more.
- Hand-pulling weeds is more manageable when the plants are small and have not spread widely.
- A vigorous stand of alfalfa, grown in healthy soil and either irrigated or receiving plenty of rainfall, can help reduce hoary alyssum in alfalfa hay.”
At Healthy Critters Radio, we are hopeless animal lovers who want to share our experience and knowledge with you, for the betterment of your animals’ lives. We focus on health, nutrition, behavior, and ideas for overall well-being and happiness. Twice a month, we bring you guest experts, advice, commentary, and a lot of fun and laughter! If there is ever a topic you’d like for us to cover, let us know on our contact page!
