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Discussion on Digestibility
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Member:
jaynew
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 7:35 pm:
Hi Dr. O
I had someone say to me the other day that the Triple Crown Senior feed I feed was the worst thing I can give to my horses because it's not very digestible and it goes straight through them. While I believe that their statement is ridiculous I couldn't find the best way to explain to her why I thought she was incorrect. She feeds straight whole oats to her horses every once in a while as a "treat". When I started to protest she basically kept on that pelleted feeds go straight through horses and they are not digestible so I basically just ended any conversation and went about my business. Do you have a simple way that I could explain that she is incorrect in her thinking that way? Sometimes I have a hard time putting knowledge into words, especially when I feel put on the spot, as I did in that situation.
Thanks,
Jayne
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 8:04 pm:
Obviously, I'm not Dr. O LOL, but have a comment. Pelleted and processed feeds are manufactured to be more digestable from what I've read. If you feed oats, which I did for many years, you need to feed rolled or steamed because a large percentage of the others pass through without digestion from the looks of the manure. We'll see if Dr.O agrees with me. 
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Member:
rtrotter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 8:33 pm:
Hi Jayne,
Tell her to compare poop balls. I mean really!
Ask her to look at her horses poop. I guarantee she will see the whole oats coming out that are not digested at all.
As far as her thinking goes, I am not sure she expressed herself correctly but here is my reasoning for why I no longer feed " well known brand name feeds". Processed pelleted feed is probably the worst thing you can feed. Too many preservatives, too much sugar, fat that is unnecessary in a horses diet (cheap way to add calories) and unregulated ingredients based on the cheapest not the best available.
Since I removed my horses from the normal feed store feed concentrates, my horses are happier and healthier, no longer nervous or high strung, racing well and no loose bowels. I feed exclusively Thrive. No preservatives, no fat, forage based (it is however pelleted). I do not necessarily think it's the pelleting/processing that's the problem, just the ingredients,preservatives and quality of what's used in just about all the normal store bought brands of feed concentrates.
I also think her oat theory should go out the window.
All the best
Rachelle
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 8:56 pm:
I agree with Rachelle about the oats.
However, I do like Triple Crown feeds and think that they are a cut above other processed feeds in quality.
I have had no digestive problems with my horses since they have been on Triple Crown feeds.
Conversely, I have one horse who was on straight oats when he came to me and he was very lacking nutritionally (and I did feed the crimped oats).
Another of mine gets very super-charged on oats and another gets diarrhea on them.
IMHO, oats are very over-rated as a feed for horses and let's face it, when horses wandered and foraged, they probably didn't eat too many oats or other grains along the way.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 9:59 pm:
Hello Jayne,
With few exceptions, like over processing to the point that nutrients are turned to dust and blow away, processing (grinding, steam cooking, pelleting) increases the digestibility of nutrients. Research is clear on this. If you doubt this you need to convince yourself through further research.
When someone takes a ridiculous stance as the one you describe you are not going to convince them any different. I recommend you thank them for their advice and just go on with your business, your horse's good condition and health is the best response you have.
DrO
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Member:
babychop
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 10:11 pm:
I've always had excellent results with Triple Crown (and discussed their different formulas at length with the reps) as have I with LMF (talked extensively with the developer @ WEG as well). Both stellar feeds in my opinion and I use both (but who am I).
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Member:
jaynew
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Posted on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012 - 10:22 pm:
All, thank you for your responses and input!
Dr. O, thank you again for such a quick and clear answer. I have done the research and I have no doubt in my mind that the digestibility is improved through the processes as you described. I think I was just flabbergasted by the fact that she was so blatant with the unsolicited "advice" that came out of nowhere, and adamant in her opposition, that I couldn't come up with a clear concise rebuttal ("Because I said so" wasn't a valid answer )....your two paragraphs that you wrote above are exactly as I should have said! I have a 26 yo old Arab and 22 yo TB who, as my vet says at every visit, are in perfect condition and are both still ridden regularly. And, as you said, THAT should be the best response!!
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