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Discussion on Feed changes
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New Member:
tshiflet
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 10:21 am:
Should you make feed changes based on the weather? For example, cutting back or even eliminating a horse's grain due to extreme heat conditions or if a horse has to be suddenly stalled more than usual. I've heard this reduces the chance of colic. Is this correct?
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Member:
sunny66
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 11:18 am:
My two cents....For my gelding who has ulcers, I do make adjustments. The barometer really sets him off and now that I know that and take care of it I have less vet visits. I'm pretty sure that if a horse is stalled more hay is better than less, but it's a delicate balance if the horse is an easy keeper which mine is.
I have never heard of cutting back grain due to extreme heat conditions; but I have heard the less grain you can give, and still keep condition, the better for the horse.
Probably didn't help much, sorry!
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New Member:
tshiflet
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 4:47 pm:
Dr. O, do you have any information?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2008 - 6:49 am:
Welcome Tricia,
As explained in the article on Nutrition Overview, you should make feed changes based on your horses condition. However changes in management, exercise level, and weather all might effect how much energy a horse needs to maintain ideal condition and proactive changes may help ameliorate weight loss or gain. Remember changes should always be made slowly.
For more on how nutritional needs change with changing work conditions study the article on Overview of Nutrition. There are also nutritional recommendations in the Horse Care » Routine Horse Care section for taking care of horses in the winter and summer. For information on taking care of horses that are stalled see Training & Conditioning Horses » Behavioral Problems » Stall Resting Horses. Lastly to better understand the relation between concentrates, including grains, and colic see Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Colic in Horses » An Overview of Colic.
DrO
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