Re: Hay cubes

[Susan Evans Garlinghouse <suendavid@worldnet.att.net>]

> The cubes I'm buying are 70% timothy and 30% alfalfa. I was told that
> one pound of cubes equals about 2 pounds of hay. 

Nope.  One pound of cubes equals one pound of hay.  It's just that a
pound of cubes takes up less space.

So, I will need to
> weigh out the hay and cubes to make sure I'm not overfeeding (sure would
> hate to see them get any fatter!).

Always a good idea to do that anyway.

> 
> The hay I currently feed is roughly 50-60 percent alfalfa and the rest
> grass. I also feed straight rolled oats (barely 2 cups per horse per day
> - these are very easy keepers).
> 
> My question is - first - does this seem like a good plan,
> nutrition-wise? 

Sure.  Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing a little less alfalfa, if
nothing else to lower the protein content a little, but this is okay.

Second, is it ok to use these cubes when I take the
> horses to a competitive ride, or would it be better for them to just
> have hay at the rides? 

Flake hay would be better because of the greater bulk.



Third, is it safe to feed cubes while trailering?

I wouldn't, just to be on the safe side.  I've heard way too many
stories of choke, which wouldn't be as big a problem if the horse could
lower and straighten his neck to cough.  So horses that don't have a
problem at home do get into trouble when in a trailer, so in my book
just not worth it, especially since you won't know it if he gets into
trouble while you're driving merrily along.  Flake hay would be better.

Hope this helps.

Susan