Protect your horses from foxtail contamination! Learn how to identify foxtail in hay, recognize signs of ingestion, and safely manage your pastures to prevent painful injuries and costly vet bills.
Foxtail grass may seem harmless—often mistaken for mature timothy grass—but it poses significant risks to horses. Its sharp seed heads can cause irritation or injury both externally and internally when consumed, making it a real concern for horse health. Contamination in hay is another problem, as foxtail is highly resilient, grows quickly, and is difficult to manage in pastures. Preventing foxtail in hay is essential for protecting your horses and ensuring safe, healthy forage.
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Foxtail vs. Timothy
The difference between foxtail and timothy starts with their grass type. Timothy grass is a perennial, meaning it stays alive but goes dormant in winter. Foxtail is an annual grass that grows from seeds in the spring and dies in the fall, reseeding itself through its seed heads. There are also key physical differences between the two.
Seed head: The most obvious difference is the seed head. Foxtail seed heads droop, which is a clear identifier. Foxtail also has awns—or "hairs"—coming off the seed head, which may be long or short. Timothy grass has no awns.
Collar region: The collar region, where the leaf meets the stem, also sets the grasses apart. Timothy grass has a tall membrane that stands upright, while foxtail has hair fringes instead of a membrane.
Plant crown: Another key difference is the plant crown, where the shoots meet the roots. When uprooted, timothy grass has bulb-like structures resembling onion bulbs, called corms. Foxtail lacks these corms.
Signs of Foxtail Consumption
Foxtail often grows in pastures, but it’s also commonly found in round bales. Signs of foxtail consumption in horses include:
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth ulcerations
- Excessive salivation
- Foul odor
In most cases, symptoms resolve once contaminated hay is removed from horses. Severe cases may require veterinary intervention to remove foxtail awns.
Foxtail Removal
Eradicating foxtail is challenging since it’s a grass, and herbicides can damage desirable grasses. Options for management include:
- Overseeding: For minor infestations, overseed pastures with cool-season grasses in late summer to outcompete foxtail seedlings by providing shade. In cases of severe infestations, mow the entire area and completely reestablish the pasture for better results.
- Mowing: In fields you can’t reestablish, let foxtail grow enough to produce seed heads, then mow it before the seeds fully develop. This prevents the plant from dropping seeds for the next year.
- Herbicide Application: Pre-emergent herbicides such as pendimethalin and quinclorac can provide effective weed control but come with certain challenges. They are costly, require two applications for optimal results, and may have planting restrictions. Be sure to read and follow all herbicide label instructions carefully before use.
Conclusion
Whether you grow, harvest, or purchase hay, always inspect it, and the fields, for signs of foxtail before feeding it to your horses. If you find foxtail, contact the producer to discuss control measures or arrange for bale replacement. If replacement isn’t possible, sourcing clean, foxtail-free hay from another producer can be costly, adding to the expenses of maintaining your horse’s health. However, addressing foxtail early is a worthwhile investment that can prevent expensive vet bills and ensure the well-being of your horses.
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FAQ: Foxtail in Horse Hay
Q1: What is foxtail grass and why is it dangerous for horses?
A: Foxtail is an annual grass with sharp, barbed seed heads called awns. When ingested, they can cause mouth ulcers, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and infections, making it a serious risk to horse health.
Q2: How can I tell the difference between foxtail and timothy grass?
A: Key differences include:
- Seed head: Foxtail droops with hair-like awns; timothy grass does not have awns.
- Collar region: Foxtail has hair fringes; timothy has a tall upright membrane.
- Plant crown: Timothy has bulb-like corms; foxtail lacks them.
Q3: What are the signs my horse has eaten foxtail-contaminated hay?
A: Look for loss of appetite, mouth ulcerations, excessive salivation, and foul-smelling breath. Severe cases may require veterinary attention.
Q4: How can I prevent foxtail from contaminating my hay?
A: Preventive measures include:
- Inspect hay and pastures regularly.
- Mow foxtail before seed heads mature.
- Overseed pastures with cool-season grasses to outcompete foxtail.
- Consider safe pre-emergent herbicides following label instructions.
Q5: What should I do if my horse consumes foxtail?
A: Remove contaminated hay immediately. Mild cases may resolve naturally, but severe cases require a veterinarian to remove embedded awns and treat infections.
Q6: Can foxtail grow back after removal?
A: Yes. Foxtail is an annual that reseeds itself through its barbed seed heads, so regular pasture management is essential to prevent re-infestation.
Q7: Is foxtail dangerous only in hay, or also in pastures?
A: Foxtail can grow in pastures and hay alike. Horses may ingest it while grazing or when consuming contaminated hay, so it’s important to monitor both sources.
