I've used to have a similar problem with my endurance horse, I moved him from a
valley below a beech forest, to my own set up on the top of the hill. Within a
few months the horse would stop in certain areas, usually under a really old
beech tree ( he had three favourite places) and eat the dirt. I can only guess
that some mineral would be washed down from the forest and absorbed into the
grass that he used to graze on, or he was eating the dirt in the paddock but I
never noticed. I've recently started to feed a "Main Ring" Mineral Block, new
product this year which you either leave in the field or in the stable. My horse
would not normally touch any kind of salt lick or mineral block, I've tried most
sorts and he never touches them. This block he is really tucking into. The
block is approx 12" x 8" and 6" deep, he's just finished it after about a month.
Don't know if you can get "Main Ring" in the USA but perhaps you have something
similar.
Regards
Jan
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Subject: Re: BRAN MASHES
Author: Deanne Del Vecchio <delvecchio@geocities.com> at email
Date: 25/11/96 21:25
Joyce Kellenberger wrote:
>
> I would be curious to know if any of you who have tying up problems also
feed > bran mash on a regular basis?
Hi! Deanne here, again....(Yes, I make all the mistakes you all talk about!)
I've been feeding bran mashes forever, anywhere from once a week with
psyllium added to control sand, to daily doses of about a pound? mixed with a
cup of corn oil, Selenium, Electrolytes, CS, etc. Gabe loves bran and it's the
easiest way to have him eat all his supplements.
Gabe has also tied up three times in six years! I wasn't aware that wheat
bran could be harmful! Most everyone I know feeds bran, especially in the
winter (nice 'n hot!) to get lots of water into the system if a horse doesn't
like very cold water. Also at rides. I guess because the horses love bran so
much and it is easy to get them to eat and get that old gut moving.
So, since we're on the subject:
I've been wanting to ask if anyone knows if bran consumption could also be
the cause of Gabe wanting to eat dirt? Not just any old dirt, but rich,
earthy, meadow-type earth. Sometimes he will be grazing, and I'll see him
just continue to eat the grass clump down, down, down, and right into the
earth. Sometimes he'll eat huge clumps of earth/grass roots, etc. I guess he
must be craving some kind of mineral that he is lacking? Any ideas? I know,
I know, I need to get a blood test.....but, until then....
--
Deanne Del Vecchio & Gabe
Living and Loving in Lake Tahoe
delvecchio@geocities.com
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http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/5157