Extension’s horse team worked with researchers across the University and country to find solutions. Two mobile apps for use with iPhones and iPads have been developed for the horse industry by a group led by Krishona Martinson, Extension equine specialist. Android versions are in development.
“Horse owners are one of the few groups of livestock owners that buy hay by the bale. Buying by the bale can make it difficult to compare prices between and within bale types,” Martinson says.
“A $4 small-square bale that weighs 35 pounds actually costs more per ton than a $5 bale that weighs 50 pounds, for example.”
With the Hay Price Calculator app, horse owners enter bale weight and price to calculate price per ton. Calculations for small square-bales, large square-bales and round-bales can be made, allowing the buyer to purchase the most economical hay.
Farmers have said the app will also be useful to determine the price per ton of corn stalks, according to the Extension office, straw and other feed stuffs.
Veterinarians and professionals have long expressed concern over increasing rates of equine obesity. The Healthy Horse app helps horse owners and professionals estimate their horse’s body weight.
The results can help owners, veterinarians and other equine professionals make decisions if a horse is identified as being ideal, over or underweight. Researchers collected data on nearly 700 horses to develop the app.
The app allows horse owners and professionals to estimate the body weight of various adult horses — Arabians, ponies, stock, saddle and miniature — by entering height, body length, neck and girth circumference. Ideal body weight and a body weight score are also calculated for Arabians, ponies and stock horses. FG
—From University of Minnesota Extension news release
