Re: Unidentified subject!
Allen Xrealname Linda Eisele (linda@ghostridr.reno.nv.us)
Sun, 6 Oct 1996 13:39:44 -0700 (PDT)
> I've heard a lot of conflicting opinions on whether to feed
>>alfalfa or other hays, and frankly I'm a little confused. I was feeding
>>my gorse (or rather horse, gorse is his invisible friend) first cut
>>alfalfa that was very stemmy. Then at the last two competetive rides I
>>did I got a lot of negative feedback (feeding alfalfa is very bad, makes
>>them too hot, hard on the kidneys, etc.) So, I switched to brome hay.
>>I'm very confused.
Diane, first I want to say this is my opinion from past experinece and what
I have learned when I decided to study what I could on equine nutrition. To
find what is best to feed, I read everything I could get my hands on and
called some places that did research on horse nutrition and went arounf at
rides and asked those who were having tying up and or metabolic problems
with their horse and found out that those fed straight alfalfa were more
prone to colic and tying up. From what I learned alfalfa's high levels of
ca not only messes up the ca ph levels unless balanced with other feeds to
ofset the high ca but the body becomes sluggish in regulating the ca levels
and at one ride where a horse suffered metabolic problems, a blood sample
showed low ca levels and this was on a horse on straight alfalfa. The horse
does not need the high protein, which I have learned can cause more lactic
acid, higher PR, more sweating, more likely to colic. Ahorse that is having
problems keeping weight on may need a PORTION of it's feed as alfalfa.
Feeding for growing horses and brood mares are different ofcourse and may
need the extra protein. My horses always did better on good quality grass
hay and added supplements with the ca and ph levels balanced and added fat
for the energy needed for our sport. I fed grass hay years ago when everyone
was feeding alfalfa and butted heads with many but I know what works best
for my horses and thats what I go by. Feeding programs may have to be
curtailed to meet individuals needs but as a rule, I FEEL, for our sport
that hay is better than legumes for the equine athlete. There are, now alot
of articles that evaluate the pros and cons of each kind of feed so one can
make a wise choice. Hope this helps, Linda
Here's lookin back atya.......()()
Linda Eisele & Sareei and ('')\
hubby, Allen and the General (* *)\\_______~~~~~~
linda@ghostridr.reno.nv.us ( )
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