The use of hay nets and slow feeders as feeding methods in horse management: A semi-systematic review.
Authors: Amaje Joyce, Upton Sarah, Garba Umaru Musa, Jolayemi Kelvin Olutimilehin
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Hay Nets and Slow Feeders in Equine Management Prolonging forage consumption through hay nets and slow feeders represents a practical application of naturalistic feeding principles, yet their effectiveness and safety depend critically on design specifications and implementation method. This semi-systematic review synthesised 26 studies (2009–2025) to examine how these devices influence feeding behaviour, digestive management, and overall equine health. Feeding duration extended by approximately 40% with optimised mesh sizes and multi-layered construction, though ponies demonstrated greater sensitivity to these modifications than horses, whilst slow feeders achieved dramatic reductions in forage waste (from 57% down to 6%), with financial modelling suggesting investment recovery within twelve months. Ground-level feeders promoted biomechanically advantageous head-down posture, contrasting with elevated nets that increased cervical tension and pulling forces—a consideration particularly relevant for horses with pre-existing neck or thoracic concerns. Whilst restrictive designs successfully reduced stereotypic behaviours including cribbing and weaving, excessively tight meshes occasionally triggered frustration responses; weight and metabolic outcomes proved inconsistent across studies, warranting cautious interpretation when prescribing these devices for metabolic management. The evidence supports hay nets and slow feeders as valuable management tools for improving forage economy and behavioural welfare, though practitioners should carefully match device design and mounting height to individual horse morphology, temperament, and underlying health status rather than applying a standardised approach.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Select hay nets and slow feeders based on mesh size and design to balance extended feeding time with welfare—ground-based systems are preferable to elevated nets to minimize neck strain and encourage natural posture
- •Expect substantial economic return from slow feeders through reduced forage wastage, potentially recovering costs within 12 months while improving feed efficiency
- •Monitor individual horses for frustration behaviors or musculoskeletal strain, especially with restrictive designs; ensure designs do not compromise natural feeding behavior or create welfare concerns
Key Findings
- •Hay nets extended feeding time by 40% depending on mesh size, multi-layered design, and forage type, with ponies experiencing greater prolongation than horses
- •Slow feeders reduced forage wastage from 57% to 6%, with potential cost recovery within one year
- •Behavioral improvements included reductions in cribbing and weaving, though overly restrictive designs sometimes triggered frustration, pawing, or net flinging
- •Ground-based slow feeders promoted natural head-down posture, whereas elevated nets increased neck tension and pulling force, raising musculoskeletal concerns; weight changes ranged from 20-23 kg loss to no change depending on study