Use of preservatives on horse hay

[plasekfarm]

I recently purchased a preservative applicator for my balers which uses a mix of proprionic acid and citric acid. I know this will give me an edge in putting up hay before the next rain. I understood this has no effect on the way my beef will consume the hay but have horse customers that have doubts of this practice being OK for horses. Any input on this subject  or  internet link for would be helpful. Thanks in advance

[john e.c. mi]

I looked into this before putting an applicator on my bales. I found a couple of studies on the web that showed that given the choice horses would consume the untreated hay first. But, if they were only offered treated hay, consumption would not go down. I would use it and not worry about it.

[fbf]

I have not use acid on my hay.but did read positive review. I WILL be buying a system from harvest technology. New Holland.

[Pupdaddy]

I have some first hand knowledge..of a very expensive horse having a reaction when introduced to some hay with preservative on it. It didn't kill it..but it did have a very tough couple days. I can't say for sure whether the particular horse was allergic to whatever was on the hay...but after going back to some untreated...it certainly got better. I guess I'd have to say...if it's labeled, and you inform your customer it's treated..that I would go with it. I also probably don't have to remind you...that it's not "mandatory" that you use it every cutting. You may find that you have plenty of time to get your hay baled, without pushing the envelope and having to use preservative to keep it from spoiling. It's a good option to have...and you could probably even segregate cuttings...by just using a different color of string on bales that are treated, and non treated.

[fbf]

Thank you for the time and information I appreciate that....