mydaddysjag
Well-Known Member
I am in the process of getting Domingo switched over to a ration balancer. Well, Im actually starting to cut his current grain back, and also use up some of what we have left. I spoke with buckeye and from what theyve said, ive decided my best bet is going to be to cut his grain back slowly to close to what he will get of the ration balancer, then start switching over 25% at a time over a week or so. Heres the deal, Domingo is not real thrilled with this change. The ration balancer weighs out to be about 1/2 cup twice a day. He wasn't getting a huge amount before (when being worked he was getting 1 1/4 cup of a 12% protein, 3% fat, 25% fiber complete feed, along with grass hay) but he is now acting like he is starving. I really dont blame him, what he gets now is basically nothing. He doesnt care if he has a bunch of hay with it. I'm wondering if theres something low calorie that we can add with the ration balancer to keep him full, without making him gain weight. Beet pulp comes to mind, but he is boarded, and in the winter I'm not so sure that they will be good with soaking it and feeding it to him not frozen, etc. If thats what he needs, we'll figure out what needs to happen to get it done for him, but if it can be made more simple, that would be better. Would feeding some alfalfa pellets throw off any ratio's or make him gain a significant amount of weight, or would they be a healthy option for a horse who clearly thinks he's starving?
He's pudgy right now, but hasnt been worked in a while. My husband has agreed to help me keep him somewhat fit over winter by lunging him a few days a week (realistically 2 or 3 times) and right now he's not grossely overweight considering he didnt have his feed cut until now, and hasnt been worked in months.
Again, his feed was 1 1/4 purina adult, and im thinking of instead of just 1/2 cup gro n win, doing 1/2 cup gro n win, 1/2 cup alfalfa pellets. Do you think he would stay at current weight, or possibly drop a little weight with the switch? Im fine if he doesnt lose weight, I just really dont want him to get any bigger. I just feel so bad with him acting so hungry, which really isnt normal for him.
He's pudgy right now, but hasnt been worked in a while. My husband has agreed to help me keep him somewhat fit over winter by lunging him a few days a week (realistically 2 or 3 times) and right now he's not grossely overweight considering he didnt have his feed cut until now, and hasnt been worked in months.
Again, his feed was 1 1/4 purina adult, and im thinking of instead of just 1/2 cup gro n win, doing 1/2 cup gro n win, 1/2 cup alfalfa pellets. Do you think he would stay at current weight, or possibly drop a little weight with the switch? Im fine if he doesnt lose weight, I just really dont want him to get any bigger. I just feel so bad with him acting so hungry, which really isnt normal for him.
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