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<< he only reason I don't feed hay "free choice" is because of the waste. At
$6.00 a bale I can't afford to have them tromp 1/2 of it into the mud. So,
I try to adjust feeding to exactly what they'll clean up in 12 hours. This
is tricky, but basically if I go out in the morning and see that some hay
was tromped and soiled, I cut back by 1/2 a flake or so. If every leaf is
gone in the evening, I give them a little more. After awhile, I get to
know each horse's appetite and I'm fairly certain they each are getting the
amount they will eat in 12 hours. So, it's essentially "all-they-can-eat"
but not really what you'd call "free choice".
Linda Van Ceylon
lvanceylon@vines.colostate.edu
phone: 970-491-1428
fax: 970-491-2838
>>
Linda:
I know about waste!!! I have solved that. I feed 80% alfalfa all year and
even here it is not cheap and I can't stand to have to tromped into the mud
either. I got a BIG tire, I mean BIG!!! on it's side it stands 40". I cut
out (with much time and effort with a saber saw) the top and bottom so water
could not collect in it. I have two in my field for the last 8 years. They
can each hold 6 bales (eastren size) hay. Horses can't get hurt and they
waste VERY little. So, YES, I feed free choice all year....AND, I feed very
little grain...
Teddy
PS: Tires were free, the flatbed trailer to haul it and the saber saw blades
were not, but it was worth the effort.
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