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Discussion on Grain in manure
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New Member:
horsewiz
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 4:31 pm:
Hi,
I recently switched from pellet feed to oats and notice there are oats in the manure. Does this mean the horse needs dental work?
Thanks
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 7:27 pm:
What kind of oats are you feeding? Whole, crimped, rolled, steamed? What are you seeing in the manure; the entire oat head or just the husks? A few or a lot? Does your horse have other symptoms of needing dental work? Does he quid his hay? Dunk it in water before eating it? Seem to have trouble chewing? Bit resistance? Or is the oats in the manure all that you see?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 12:34 am:
Welcome Annetta,
No, whole grain in the stool does not necessarily mean your horse needs dental work. Many horses tend to swallow smaller grains without chewing them up completely. However tooth problems do cause improper chewing. It is good to have your horses teeth checked every year and should become a regular part of your horse's care.
DrO
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New Member:
pschwab
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 4:48 am:
Hi Annetta,
I used to feed oats but switched to pellets because I had a problem with rats! Even though manure was picked up 2x a day and composted, rats were attracted to the grain that passed in the manure. Horses' teeth were floated regularly. No problem with rats now!
Pat
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New Member:
horsewiz
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 4:27 pm:
Thanks everyone for your response.
She had her teeth done about 3 months ago. So I think she may just not be chewing it all.
I do think I am going to have him check her the next time I have him out in the near future.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 20, 2009 - 6:12 am:
It's been my experience that if I feed whole oats, there are always some that show up in the manure, but if I feed steamed rolled oats, they are all digested. Same with pelleted feed. However, whole oats are, imo, good for a lot of horses. Large amounts can be safely fed if they have the husks still on.
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New Member:
horsewiz
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 20, 2009 - 7:34 am:
Thanks Sara
I may switched to crimped oats and see if she digests them better.
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