Re: Feeding Question
This message is from: Mary Thurman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --- Sarah Vogeley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This message is from: "Sarah Vogeley" > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > I have read on several Fjord-List posts that > feeding a textured feed to > > Fjords is NOT recommended. Guess I've missed these posts. Don't know what the problem might be. I have used textured feed (pellets) for two years now - exclusively. Our geldings just get too energetic, and too fat, on grain or grain-based feed. Ditto for the old mare. "The boys" get two measuring cups of pellets(called "sterling pellets", a complete ration including vitamens) twice a day along with their grass hay - around 20 lbs each a day. Old Line gets the same amount of a "senior feed", based on beet pulp and alfalfa products, twice a day along with grass hay. I've only had one case of colic - our one and only case - with Line last winter. It's cause was not drinking enough water, due to a different watering situation than she was used to. We always feed hay first - let them start on it - then throw the pellets in. Each horse eats in his own stall, so there is no "gobbling" of feed for fear someone else will get the most. Anyone else? Mary = Mary Thurman Raintree Farms [EMAIL PROTECTED] __ Do You Yahoo!? Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites. http://invites.yahoo.com
Re: Feeding Question
This message is from: Jean Ernest <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sarah, I think the concern was that they don't need that much grain generally, and SWEET feed, with molasses, the extra sugar with the molasses, may be what is meant by "textured" feed. I expect you are feeding something like Omolene, etc. Nothing wrong with that. just watch her weight, with free choice hay, etc. Some fjords and draft horse are prone to Equine Polysaccharide Storage myopathy(EPSM) in which case the diet should be modified to contain less carbohydrates (grain and molasses) and more fat. Check out EPSM in the archives. There are several references there. Sounds like you are doiing fine. Just keep an eye on her weight (as you are doing!) Jean in Fairbanks, Alaska, where it didn't FREEZE last night for the first tim since fall! The snow is rapidly dissappearing with these long days (15+ hours sunlight) and warm temps (55 degrees) >> I have read on several Fjord-List posts that feeding a textured feed to >> Fjords is NOT recommended. I would like to know how the fjord differs from >> other breeds to make this so. I feed all my horses a 10% protein, 8% fat >> textured feed along with free access orchard grass/timothy mix hay. I feed >> my 3 year old 14HH Fjord filly 2 measured cups twice daily of the textured >> feed. She is excercised about 4x weekly for about 40 minutes each session. >> Jean Ernest Fairbanks, Alaska [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Feeding Question
This message is from: "Sarah Vogeley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all. I posted this inquiry on Betsy's Fjord Information Board, but I haven't yet received a response > I have read on several Fjord-List posts that feeding a textured feed to > Fjords is NOT recommended. I would like to know how the fjord differs from > other breeds to make this so. I feed all my horses a 10% protein, 8% fat > textured feed along with free access orchard grass/timothy mix hay. I feed > my 3 year old 14HH Fjord filly 2 measured cups twice daily of the textured > feed. She is excercised about 4x weekly for about 40 minutes each session. > > I would like to hear from fjord owners with experience in proper feeding > guidelines to help me determine whether this is an appropriate feeding for > her. I consider her to be on the leaner side, and not easy to put on weight. > My concern about pelleted feed comes from a few nutritional seminars I've > been to that have shown an association with pelleted food and higher incidences > of choke and colic, along with decreased nutrient absorbtion. > > Thank you for your help, > > Sarah Vogeley & Gwendellin _ Sarah Vogeley New Forest Farm Charlottesville, VA
