|
|
Discussion on Caloric intake
|
| Author |
Message |
New Member:
Kristenm
|
Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 2:18 pm:
Hello,
I was wondering what the caloric intake is supposed to be for average sized horses who get very light exercise?
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 4:11 pm:
Welcome to HA, Kristen,
I think 20 Mcal of digestible energy per day is the average for very light exercise, but this can vary wildly.
Why do you need this meaningless number? The caloric intake should be what the horse's condition says it should be.
Christos
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Wednesday, Mar 30, 2005 - 5:39 pm:
Christos is correct, the average caloric intake is fairly meaningless because there is a 3X range in the calories needed by the same kind of horses doing the same kind of work. This is explained in greater detail, how work effects caloric needs, and managing your horses caloric intake is explained in Care for Horses » Nutrition » Equine Nutrition an Overview of Feeding Horses.
DrO
|
Member:
Bethyg2
|
Posted on Saturday, Apr 2, 2005 - 4:48 pm:
Kristen,
My horse was recently seen by my old trainer, who pronounced him FAT. She hadn't seen him in a year. I had noticed he was a little cresty, and acting like a 2 yr old now and then, but sort of enjoyed the fact he was glossy and just really nice looking. She pointed out the fat pad on his rump, and the crestiness on the neck, not to mention his girth....I did cut down his concentrate, and rice bran, leaving his hay rations intact. He is looking better already, and not losing one bit of his shine. I am now a big believer in having someone else who knows the horse, and who does not see him every day, check out his condition. It is always such a balancing act, especially when you are just starting out horsekeeping on your own. (like I was)-Beth
|
Member:
Marroon
|
Posted on Saturday, Apr 2, 2005 - 5:11 pm:
Hello all. This prompts me to chime in and say that I definitely agree with having someone else take a gander at the horse who may even see the animal daily but isnt the one responsible for his/her looks! It wasn't until someone mentioned it to me that I really took a HARD look at it. And on the opposite hand, the horse was definitely looking underweight. This may lead us down the correct path in treating an on-going abscess with this critter so it is important! Good luck on your new endeavor Beth and Cristos thanks for your insight into many discussions I have read, as your information has been helpful! Hey, final question, has your horse acted, since the decrease, hungrier?
|
|
|
