I know feed tags requirements vary state to state. And they state the min/max of crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat. Do you read them? If so what does that mean? Do you check the expiration date?
Posted 2006-03-06 7:54 AM (#38317 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
I always read them. I like to have a relatively lower protein content and a high fat content for my horses. I don't like sweet feeds because of the high carbs which add too much energy. I prefer pelleted. The feed I am using also contains Biotin.
Posted 2006-03-06 11:24 AM (#38326 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
I always read them. I have found feeds that contain things that are not necessarily intended for horses. My coop has run out of my feed more than once and tried to get me to use an "all stock". Well, it might be fine for ruminants, but I brought it back. They don't understand why I'm so picky but I can live with that.
Posted 2006-03-06 7:21 PM (#38350 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Besides reading them I also sometimes send a sample to the Dept.of Agriculture.They do a analists for free.You'd be surprised.Last batch I sent was advertised at 12% protein was 13.7 Fiber was advertised at 15% it was 10.27 fat was 3.5 and really was 5.82.When they do this I wonder then if the vitimins etc.is REALLY any in there etc.I changed feed brands after this a couple weeks ago.They DO NOT test for minerals,vitimins etc.Takes a differant lab.If there NO specs on vitimins and minerals the FEED companys can add or delete the amount as they please! The Dept of Aig.also tests for Aflatoxin in the corn used.It can kill if too high.The feed I had tested recently was 11 ppb and up to 20ppb is acceptable.
Posted 2006-03-07 6:16 AM (#38364 - in reply to #38350) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378 Location: Nebraska
The percents of your tested sample was that "as fed" or "dry matter"? And do you weight your feed each feeding? How do you feed your bred mares, any extras?
Posted 2006-03-07 3:25 PM (#38393 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
I send it to the Ga.Dept of Aig.Tifton Feed Lab.3150 US Hwy South Tifton ga.31794 request a feed test,send about a pint and include a phone number,name,return address etc.They test hay also.Cost about .75 cents to mail it to them.Their phone number is 404 656 3637. Takes a week give or take for results as a rule.UGA charges for this but the Dept of Aig.its a no charge.They send a printed results. I include a tag from the feed etc.I think it also helps police the feed manufactures.Anything glaring wrong is a red flag on whom is producing the feed and the Dept of Aig is always checking and testing. Was the question about feeding mares directed to me?
Posted 2006-03-07 6:17 PM (#38401 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378 Location: Nebraska
hounddog - was the percents you quoted from your sample "as fed" or "dry matter". And do you weight your feed each feeding. How do you feed your bred mares any extras.
It has been stated alot of the protein in bag feeds (3% to 5%) is bypass protein or low quality protein that horses can't use.
hav2ride you must have a horse/ horses that can become a hot head with a high blood glucose. I have been there before.
Posted 2006-03-07 8:52 PM (#38407 - in reply to #38401) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I have a hanging scale and weigh my feed. I was a bit suprised at how little hay was 10lbs on one bale, and then on the next bale, twice as much was needed to make 10lbs.. I never realized how tight/loose some bales are made.
Posted 2006-03-07 10:56 PM (#38414 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
The feed I have tested is right from the bag.I don't feed my bred mares any extra anything.Usually NO grain until the last 45 days.On pasture and hay as the grass gets gone in the winter.Moormens minerals in a mineral feeder for all of them.I have to put mares up last 45 days because of fesque grass.Then I feed a complete ration like Purina 12% adult.It can be feed with min.hay and their manure is easier to pick etc.I feed it by the scoop,usually 2 to 3 full scoops twice a day with min.hay. have had big roboust births doing this and stalls stay cleaner.They put on a lot of weight last 45 days.I only foal out 2 to 4 a year and this works good for us.Then I go back to regular grain after they foal.I use to weigh feed and hay.I now judge the animal and feed as I like needed for more weight or less weight.If grass is good I don't grain any of them.Just free choice minerals and clean water.They all went into fall FAT.They are now in decent flesh with a couple of coming two year olds a tad ribb The grass is just now coming on.Bred one mare I just aquired this evening.
Posted 2006-03-08 1:34 PM (#38460 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Regular
Posts: 50 Location: GA
Just thought I'd throw this in for giggles:
Recently did some research on my Purina Feed (Senior and Horseman's Edge 10% Pellet) To my surprise, the senior that I was paying over $10.50 a bag for had PEANUT SHELLS listed as one of the main ingredients. In addition to this, any ingredient (on a Purina bag) listed as grain "by-products" simply means that they can substitute the cheapest alternative roughage at any point in time. This means that their formulas are constantly changing. Now I'm not trying to bash Purina, and I have been a loyal customer for over 10 years, but Peanut shells and a constantly changing recipie are not what my 23 year old grumpy old man needs. I guess I got taken by the appeal of the "name brand".
For those of you out there in a similar position, I have found that for just a few cents extra, Triple Crown Senior is a heck-of-a-lot better: http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/senior.php .
Posted 2006-03-08 3:47 PM (#38468 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
Since we're shifting emphasis a bit here, I used Equine Senior for a number of years with wonderful results. Then as the old guy got into his 30s, it just wasn't quite gettting us there. Switched to Senior Glo by Moorman's for the rest of his 32+ years and the "young" one (29 this year) is still on it. Have seemed to avoid fighting the winter weight loss issues with this feed that I had to adjust for previously. Always pays to read the tag-peanut shells??????
Posted 2006-03-08 4:33 PM (#38470 - in reply to #38302) Subject: RE: Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Danielsville Georgia
Any feed that says ROUGHAGE BY PRODUCTS and not listing each item is using it as a excuse to add or delete anything they want to.Usually only the cheaper feeds do this.The Dept of Aig.did tell me the most consident feed company in their testing was Manna Pro month in month out.
Feed Tags.....Do you read them?
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