Posted 2006-02-12 2:26 PM (#37019 - in reply to #37016) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Regular
Posts: 87
Location: Perry, Georgia
Beth, isn't it delicious looking? Horses seem to really like it, I cant explain why. I feed two heaping (soaked) small scoops, 2 x a day. Which is probably about 2 lbs. Also, you dont have to stand out there for 15 minutes while it's soaking. I usually soak the beetpulp at night for the am and in the am for the pm feeding. It has to be soaked so it doesnt expand in their stomach. Just make sure in really hot weather you dont soak for more than like 6 hours pre-feed.
Posted 2006-02-12 3:04 PM (#37021 - in reply to #36581) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Nebraska
First thing I would stay away from the beet pulp. Pulp and alot of grain tend to be determental to muscles. According to the NRC Nutrient requirements of the horse 1986 an 1100 lb mature horse needs 16.4 Mcals of digestible engery just for maintenance of his body. For every 35 to 44 lbs above and beyond maintenance requires 20,000 calories of digestible engery. So for a horse to gain he will need more calories. Maintenance requirements vary greatly depending on weather, activitiy, health, ect... I am in favor of the veggie oil and it might take up to 2 cups/day. whatever you decide on, be patience it will take time. Make gradual changes. Have your ration tested consult with a vet or nutritionist, for areas of deficencies. try this site http://newton.nap.edu/books/0309039894/html/1.html
Posted 2006-02-14 10:27 PM (#37255 - in reply to #36581) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Veteran
Posts: 127
Location: PA
Thanks so much for all of your suggestions!. After further research and discussion I am going to try the beet pulp, oil, and the Nutrena SafeChoice. I have started adding the beet pulp and SafeChoice gradually to my existing feed, my horses were already getting 1/4 cup of oil so they were use to that .... but we are going to increase that to 1/2 cup a day over the next week. I did have to add chopped apples to the beet pulp for two of my horses, the other horse didn't even seem to notice! Thanks again....
Posted 2006-03-04 7:23 AM (#38246 - in reply to #36581) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Fair Oaks, Indiana
I like to use a product called Fastrack. It was started at the race tracks for weight gain on race horses of course. Fastrack is a dry supplement that adds safe microrganisms into the horses digestion. Helping the horse to reap more neutrients from their food.
Posted 2006-03-05 8:28 AM (#38277 - in reply to #37021) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Elite Veteran
Posts: 954
Location: Hagerstown, MD
hconley, I'm concerned about your statement telling us to stay away from beetpulp. I've been using Blue Seal pelleted beetpulp for a couple of years with good success. I use beetpulp from frost until Spring and not during the warm months because they get enough grass. I was told that beetpulp is more nutritious than any hay, but not as much as alfalfa. It adds some bulk to their diet, a LOT of moisture depending on how you mix, what they like and my horses really like the mixture of 10% sweet feed, beetpulp and veg. oil. My neighbor got me started on beetpulp since she has TB's that are not easy keepers and the beetpulp was working for her by elminating a colic problem with one of her horses that didn't want to drink enough water and it seemed to help her maintain weight in the winter. The beetpulp carried a lot moisture/water into the horse at meal time and significantly loosened their fecal. I'm sure the oil helps as well. Any additional info you can offer would be appreciated. Happy trails.
Posted 2006-03-05 6:44 PM (#38295 - in reply to #38277) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Nebraska
Your right , my point was aimed at working horses, my mistake. I think beetpulp is great for older horses and sick horses, that is preforming under a light or no work load. Beetpulp is high in fiber and energy but low in other nutritents. Fiber carbohydrates are broken down in the colon by microbs into volatile fatty acids, (where other carbs and fat is broken down in the small intestines by enzymes). Glucose is stored in the liver, muscle and fat deposits. During walking or light exercise fat deposits can supply enough glucose. with more exercise the liver then the muscles start suppling the body. This may get confusing so I'll throw out some words that you can look up on your own and come to your own conculsion. Glycemic index, glucose, glycogen, aerobic , anaerobic, lactate acid. These are my opions only and a vet or nutritionist should be consulted for you personal horses.
Posted 2006-03-12 10:06 PM (#38722 - in reply to #38295) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Regular
Posts: 87
Location: Perry, Georgia
Hey all, just want to make a few comments. I swear by Fastrack so much so that I sell it. If anyone wants to buy it (and/or the company's other exceptional products) let me know! It's also a great business. If anyone wants to become an IBO you can get all of your products wholesale. And the parent company never hassles you. You just sell what you want and cash the royalties checks.
Also, I too was against beet pulp, originally, but found it to be a great addition to my horses diet. It really helps with digestion and, down south where there is tons of sand, it's great for protecting against sand colic. it acts as sort of a sweep of their digestive system. Out with the sand, in with the nutrients. It's also a great source of forage and soaking it makes sure you get water in their diet. .
Also, ask me about the Equine Gel. It's fantastic for mare, foal and colic cases and the Fortifier is amazing for power & performance horses. Plus, you have to try their auto and lube products! Really good stuff. Let me know if you want to learn more. (Sorry, dont mean to sound like a sales hack. I just love these products!! They've been great for my bottom line and even better for my horses' health.)
Posted 2006-03-14 1:27 PM (#38807 - in reply to #36581) Subject: RE: sugestions on weight gain
Expert
Posts: 2828
Location: Southern New Mexico
One thing that has really helped my old mare gain weight was calf manna.
It has directions on the bag for different kinds of livestock and I went by the brood mare directions. Calf manna and senior feed really helped her last winter when it was cold here. We actually got snow. This year for christmas everyone was wearing shorts.