[RC] feeding for the cold weather (Susan G?) - A. PerezFor the first time this winter, the forcast for my area (D.C. metro area) calls for overnight lows in the single digits. I field board my TWH gelding and my 20-month-old filly of unknown origin. They are in a 20 acre field with about 20 horses, with a dense wind-break of cedar trees they like to huddle in during the cold weather. They get grain in the AM only because it's pitch black when I get home from work and trying to get them in the dark to feed is a major hassle (playing 'find-the-herd' is bad enough during daylight hours). I avoid blanketing if at all possible, so I am wondering if during these cold snaps I should adjust my feeding to provide extra calories. I do up their grain (Purina Complete Advantage with Glanzen 3 supplement) by about 25% (from 2 to 2.5 scoops, probably about 5 lbs at most) on really cold days. I've read here (from Susan G? I think) that alfalfa is a 'heating' feed: would adding some alfalfa pellets help my guys stay warm? Or would oil be better? In a perfect world I'd up their hay allowance but unfortuantely that's beyond my control unless I buy extra hay for all 20 horses, which is not going to happen. I should add that I have never seen any signs that either of my critters are uncomfortable - no shivering, but I have not checked in on them at 3:00 am when the temps are at their lowest. So far I have seen no signs of weight-loss, which is what I want to avoid (along with blanketing). Comments/suggestions? ________________________________________________ Get your own "800" number Voicemail, fax, email, and a lot more http://www.ureach.com/reg/tag =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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