Re: beet pulp and hay

[Maggie Mieske <mmieske@netonecom.net>]

On the contrary, I think it important to continue feeding beet pulp on a regular
basis.  During cold weather is good but we never know what stresses may trigger
a bout of colic and if a couple of pounds of beet pulp might help ward it off,
why not?  I also feed oil and adjust it as needed... I give everybody a couple
squirts to keep them used to it and those that need that kickstart for weight
gain or maintenance get much more (1-2 cups a day).  My ag teacher always said
"The eye of the master fattens the calf" and so it is important to tailor your
feed program for individual animals (whatever species!) and adjust it more or
less as needed.  That's just my 2 cents and I guess I feel safer feeding beet
pulp regularly... we lost a mare who colicked last winter so I guess I'm on the
extra cautious side!
Maggie in blizzardy Michigan and her horses who would rather stand with their
tails to the wind and snow than come into the shelter!!

Karen_Callan@radian.com wrote:

>         Mia Nalias wrote:
>
>         > Interesting comments about horse diet. I have never fed beet pulp
> but
>         > do like the idea that it is good for extra hydration at rides.
> During
>         > the competition season, about how many pounds of beet pulp do you
> feed
>         > per day?  Presumably this depends on how much the horse "needs" to
>         > maintain a good weight.
>         > thanks
>         > Mia
>
>         Mia,
>
>         I feed about 9 cups (out of my 3 cup scoop for dog food ;) of beet
> pulp - I don't know how many pounds - probably just a couple.  It's sort of
> a "medium" level serving in a rubber feed pan - you can see my very
> scientific method. I don't think you can go too wrong with feeding it.
>
>         I only feed beet pulp and extra fat when they are working. During
> non-riding/competition/conditioning etc - just hay. You're absolutely right
> about what each individual horse needs for his own maintenance. Let your
> horses be your guide. I learned I was probably underfeeding for what I was
> asking, and now feed more during work.
>
>         I have fed it to put weight on (with NaturalGlo or oil) (during
> non-competition time) and then back off as needed just for maintenance. They
> seem to love it, (won't get near oil without it) and I too like the idea of
> the extra water they're getting (again, not really an issue at home - but
> sure helpful during rides, or during very cold weather at home when they
> might not be drinking as much).
>
>         I don't feed oil/fat during rides - maybe just a sprinkle of
> NaturalGlo for taste, because they love it - but it's the fat stores that
> are helpful, not anything they're ingesting during a ride. So feed all that
> months and months ahead of time.
>
>         Good luck and have fun!
>
>         Karen