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Susan, What could the possible affects (positive and negative) from feeding Alfalfa be when it is not too cold and a horse is only getting moderate exercise.  Thanks,  kim from lakeport

On 11/5/06, Susan E. Garlinghouse, D.V.M. <suendavid@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Not a myth.  Excess dietary protein not required for tissue maintenance is utilized as an energy source.  The pathway for doing so isn't very efficient, and so a lot of excess metabolic heat is shed as a byprodyct, thus increasing core body heat.  If memory serves, a five pound flake of alfalfa raises core temperature in a thousand pound horse by about a degree (which is signifiant) for 4-6 hours.

 

So, yes, adding a bit of alfalfa during winter is a useful way to keep the furnace stoked.  Note that this implies you actually live in a reasonably cold climate---I'm forever explaining to So Cal residents that no, keeping horses warm really isn't an issue in an area where 50 degrees is considered "cold". <vbg>

 

Hope this helps. J

 

Susan Garlinghouse, DVM

 

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From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Karla Watson
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 11:18 AM
To: RIDECAMP
Subject: [RC] alfalfa in the winter?

 

So it is true that if you add some alfalfa to your horse's winter diet, it will help keep them warmer? I'm NOT saying all alfalfa diet, just adding some alfalfa to his grass hay during the winter. Does it help or not? This has been one of those things you hear from horse people I wonder if its a horse myth or not??

---------Karla Watson/ cold, wet Oregon