Vet Comparison: Tifton 85 vs Coastal Bermuda for Horses 2025 🌾🐴
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Vet Comparison: Tifton 85 vs Coastal Bermuda for Horses 2025 🌾🐴
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
When it comes to feeding hay to horses in Texas and across the southern U.S., Coastal Bermuda is the go-to grass. But another option—Tifton 85—is gaining popularity thanks to its improved digestibility, higher protein, and lower sugar content. With more horse owners concerned about metabolic issues like insulin resistance and laminitis, choosing the right hay has never been more important. 🐎💡
In this detailed 2025 comparison, Dr Duncan Houston breaks down the differences between these two hay types and helps you decide which is best for your horse’s health and your pasture conditions. 🌱📊
1. Origins of Coastal Bermuda & Tifton 85 🌾
🟩 Coastal Bermuda
- Developed in Georgia in 1943
- A hybrid of two Bermuda grasses
- Sterile—reproduces via runners, not seeds
- Common in Texas and southern states
🟨 Tifton 85
- Developed from a cross between Bermuda grass and tropical stargrass
- Broader leaves, darker green color
- Larger stems but improved digestibility
- More drought tolerant but less winter hardy ❄️
While both are Bermuda-based, Tifton 85’s stargrass heritage gives it unique traits—particularly in nutrition and digestibility. 🌟
2. Nutritional Comparison 📊
Let’s look at what really matters: nutrient content and digestibility.
| Feature | Coastal Bermuda | Tifton 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 7–11% | 8–12% (slightly higher) |
| Digestibility | Moderate | High (better fiber quality) |
| Fiber Content | Moderate | Higher but more digestible |
| Sugar Content (NSC) | Moderate–High | Lower ✅ |
| Palatability | Well accepted | Well accepted (despite stem size) |
Verdict: Tifton 85 offers higher protein and digestible fiber with lower sugars—key advantages for horses with insulin issues. ✅
3. Digestibility & Palatability 🍽️
Despite its thicker stems, Tifton 85 is surprisingly more digestible than Coastal Bermuda. This is thanks to:
- 🌿 Improved cell wall structure
- 🧬 Better fiber breakdown
- 💩 Easier stool passage and nutrient absorption
Contrary to rumors, studies show horses find Tifton 85 just as palatable as Coastal Bermuda. So if your horse is picky—don’t rule it out! 🐴👍
4. Sugar Content & Metabolic Health ⚠️
For horses with insulin resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), or prone to laminitis, sugar content is critical.
NSC (Non-Structural Carbohydrates):
- 🥖 Coastal Bermuda can be too high for some sensitive horses
- 🌾 Tifton 85 consistently tests lower in sugar ➡️ safer option
Dr Duncan Houston’s tip: “Always test your hay—sugar levels vary by region, weather, and cutting. But Tifton 85 gives you a better baseline if managing a metabolic horse.” 🧪
5. Climate Suitability 🌦️
Each grass performs differently depending on environmental conditions:
- 🌵 Tifton 85: More drought resistant—ideal for dry summers
- ❄️ Coastal Bermuda: Better winter hardiness for cooler zones
If you live in a cooler region, you may need to mix varieties or overseed. Talk to your local extension agent or vet for regional guidance. 📍
6. Pasture vs. Hay: Which Works Best? 🌿
Both grasses are used in:
- 🌱 Pastures (grazing)
- 🟫 Baled hay (dry feed)
While both are versatile, many owners report better horse weight maintenance and gut health with Tifton 85 hay due to its digestibility. 👍
7. Special Considerations for Insulin-Resistant Horses 🧬
Why Tifton 85 Wins:
- 🍬 Lower natural sugar content
- 🧽 Easier on the digestive system
- 🌾 Can reduce need for hay soaking in many cases
Always check the hay's NSC content (target under 10% for EMS/IR horses), and consider a soaking routine if using Coastal. 💧
8. Owner Tips: Choosing the Right Hay 🧠
- 🧪 Test hay annually for NSC, protein, and minerals
- 📦 Buy in bulk from a consistent supplier
- 🧊 Store in dry, cool conditions to avoid mold
- 🛒 When in doubt, choose Tifton 85 for sensitive horses
9. Cost Considerations 💵
Cost can vary based on region and availability, but generally:
- 💲 Coastal Bermuda tends to be cheaper and more widely available
- 💸 Tifton 85 may cost slightly more but can save money in the long run for horses with metabolic needs
10. Summary Table: Tifton 85 vs. Coastal Bermuda 📋
| Feature | Coastal Bermuda | Tifton 85 |
|---|---|---|
| Crude Protein | 7–11% | 8–12% |
| Digestibility | Moderate | High |
| Palatability | High | High |
| Sugar Content (NSC) | Moderate–High | Low ✅ |
| Drought Tolerance | Good | Excellent ✅ |
| Winter Hardiness | Better ✅ | Less Hardy |
| Best Use | General horses | IR, EMS, Laminitic horses |
11. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 💬
When choosing hay, you’re not just picking a feed—you’re deciding how to support your horse’s gut, metabolism, and performance. 🌾 For many horses, both Coastal Bermuda and Tifton 85 are suitable, but for those with insulin resistance or laminitis history, Tifton 85 stands out as the better choice. Lower sugars, higher digestibility, and improved fiber quality make it a wise pick in 2025. 🐴💡
Need help testing hay or creating a feeding plan for your horse’s specific needs? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📲 to speak with an equine care expert anytime.
— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
