AmHeu – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quality – not all hay is created equal!
What distinguishes AmHeu from conventional hay?
Hay is a natural product – quality arises from botany, harvest time, drying and
Storage.
AmHeu deliberately focuses on:
- Pure Timothy (Meadow Tigrass) from the first cut
- low-sugar grass
- controlled field drying and gentle processing
The result is a sensorially high-quality, structurally rich and consistent product that is very well received by horses.
Why is botany so important?
The grass composition influences structure, sugar content, fiber content, and palatability. Pure
Timothy offers a clear, stable base, without strong fluctuations between batches.
Analytics – more than just sugar and protein
What analyses does AmHeu perform?
AmHeu substantiates its sensory data with laboratory analyses:
- Zucker
- protein
- Rohfaser
- Energy
- Major and trace elements
Why is this important?
Consistent, stable feed quality makes ration formulation easier – especially in the case of:
- Sport horses
- sensitive horses
- long-term feeding planning
Analyses serve transparency, not therapy.
Protein – a myth in (climate) change
Why does hay contain less protein on average today than it used to?
Since around 2018, many analyses have shown declining protein levels. Causes include:
- Changing weather conditions
- longer dry periods
- altered plant composition
Is protein inherently problematic?
No. Protein is a physiologically necessary nutrient, e.g. for:
- Muscle building
- growth
- breed
- Maintenance of bodily functions
- older horses
Protein alone is not a cause of metabolic disorders. The overall protein intake is crucial.
Timothy – how to feed him and for whom?
For which horses is Timothy suitable?
Timothy is suitable as:
- Basic feed for all horses
- Supplement to enhance existing hay batches
- A well-structured base with fluctuating care
- Hay substitute at tournaments or during transport
Why is Timothy often fed to sensitive horses?
Due to its structure, moderate sugar content and consistent quality, Timothy is frequently used.
used in rations that are intentionally kept constant.
Pellets – how to feed and for whom?
What makes AmHeu pellets stand out?
- analyzed nutrient levels
- short soaking time
- dust-free
- high acceptance
When can pellets be a sensible option?
- to supplement or enhance the hay ration
- in case of limited hay intake
- in case of dental problems or impaired chewing ability
- to support water absorption
- as a carrier for daily feed supplements or medications
Feeding always takes place as part of the total ration.
Costs and resources – think long-term
Why is high-quality roughage an investment?
Roughage forms the basis of every horse's diet. Consistent quality can help:
- To make feeding more predictable
- to avoid unnecessary changes
- to feed consistently over the long term
You are what you eat – that also applies to horses.
Import – what about sustainability and CO₂?
Why does AmHeu import hay?
Certain regions offer:
- stable weather conditions
- safe field drying
- consistent harvest quality
What is the CO₂ balance?
- On-site field drying reduces energy consumption
- efficient logistics & consolidated transport
- Consistent quality reduces waste and repurchases.
For AmHeu, sustainability means predictability instead of stopgap solutions.
Alfalfa – a substitute for concentrated feed?
Why is alfalfa used?
Alfalfa provides:
- high-quality plant-based protein
- Structure-rich energy
- Supplement for increased needs (e.g., sports, growth, breeding)
It is used in a targeted and needs-based manner and does not replace basic feed.
Individual support & ration design
Does AmHeu offer advice on feeding?
AmHeu assists with ration calculation based on the total ration.
This serves the purpose of:
- individual customization
- better planning
- transparency in feeding