COSTS & SECURITY
Electricity costs per steaming process: €1.60. The electricity costs per horse per day are approximately 53 cents. (40 cents electricity costs and approximately 75 minutes steaming time) So €15.90 per month/horse
The professional hay steamers are usually CE-certified and are therefore suitable for safe use in the stable.
It is ideal if the steamer has its own secure electrical circuit. It is therefore often necessary, particularly in older stables, to lay a new power cable specifically for the steamer.
Professional steamers are insured against damage. Unfortunately, home-made steamers often are not.
WORKING HOURS
Filling and emptying the hay steamer only takes a few minutes. Only stuffing the hay nets can take a little time.
During the steaming time of about 75 minutes, other things can be done. You don't have to stand by.
The hay from the steamer can be fed immediately; the horses like to eat it warm.
INGREDIENTS
The nutrients in the hay hardly change when steamed. You can compare it to a steamer.
Some studies speak of changes in the values of crude protein digestible in the small intestine, but this probably depends on the hay. The supplementary feed should be adjusted accordingly.
The energy content can be reduced by steaming, making it suitable for overweight horses.
HAY QUALITY
Steaming kills almost all bacteria and mold spores in the hay, which can be potential allergens for horses.
95-100% of the respirable particles (which cause lasting damage to the lungs) are reduced during steaming.
Steaming reduces mold spores in hay by 99% to 100%. Please note that hay that is already moldy cannot be improved by steaming.
Steaming reduces bacteria in hay by 98% to 100% (watering increases them by 150-500%)
HORSE WELFARE
The steamed hay is particularly suitable for horses with respiratory diseases such as equine asthma and horses with dust or mold spore allergies.
Feeding steamed hay has no known side effects. Healthy horses can also be fed steamed hay.
Horses usually prefer steamed hay to dry hay and much more than watered hay.
Horses usually prefer steamed hay to dry hay and much more than watered hay.
The steamed hay can be fed safely for up to 24 hours. Of course, the hay should be stored as dust-free as possible.
Steaming is only one part of the therapy. A veterinarian should always be consulted and the horse should also be supported with medication if necessary.
