Evaluating the viability of cereal straw as an equine bedding in the UK today

There is limited knowledge of how bedding materials affect the welfare of horses, stable workers and the environment. Most studies use wheat straw bedding, where specified; this has been shown to encourage lateral recumbency which is believed to promote rapid eye movement sleep. Browsing on any cereal straw extends forage eating time which has welfare benefits. Concerns relating to intestinal impactions from excessive straw consumption are largely anecdotal. Straw is a risk factor for ulcers if used as the sole or majority forage source, but this risk was not seen when wheat straw was consumed at up to 50% of the total forage ration. Concerns about hygienic status of any cereal straw bedding could be allayed by evaluating dust-extracted straw products. Bedding contributes to a yard's carbon footprint and waste generation. Any cereal straw is easily compostable and is sun-dried, so compares favourably to materials dried artificially. Sensitivity of testing for prohibited substances is increasing, as simply coming into contact with a rogue plant in bedding could result in a failed ‘dope’ test.