Re: beet pulp and hay

[Mia Nalias <arabs2go@yahoo.com>]

Maggie Mieske <mmieske@netonecom.net> wrote:
>
> 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...  [snip]  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!

I think it would be just fine to gradually introduce a new feed as the
horses get closer to competition season. I don't think my horses need
beet pulp all winter as we have excellent hay and they get only enough
grain as it takes to mix in with their minerals. Also, their water is
heated to 'tepid' all winter.

Beet pulp for my situation would be overkill IMO, but it sounds like a
good way to add water to the diet if necessary. I understand your
caution, but maybe the winter colic was more related to not enough
water intake than to change in diet? We're both achieving the same end
by using beet pulp to increase hydration.
Mia


> 
> 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
> 
> 
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