Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Is Crown Vetch safe to feed to horses?
QUESTION:
Could you please tell me about Crown Vetch why is it listed as
poisonous to horses, people here are using it as horse hay, is this safe??
Please help me as we are being offered this hay at a reasonable price, but we
don't want to poison our horses.
ANSWER:
There is a nitroglycoside in crown vetch that is detoxified by the rumen of cows,
sheep and goats, but can cause problems for nonruminants such as horses. When
horses get too much of this plant, one can observe slowed growth, paralysis or
even death in some cases. If they are just nibbling a little mixed in with lots
and lots of other feed, you may never notice a problem.