04/06/2020
Thinking about the winter and horses dropping weight.
There are many things that can help but first it is important to think about what type, age, breed of horse you have. Also consider what your horse is doing. This helps give a clearer idea of what supplements he/she may need.
Check things like teeth, parasites, sickness, stress, digestion problems.
If all these things are ok then consider the following
It is essential that horses have access to ample hay or grass (another words roughage)
Next look at
Other fibers
Another fiber type is beet pulp, which contains about the same digestible energy as good quality hay. Introduce it slowly. Although beet pulp is a good source of calories, it is not a complete protein source.
Grains
Oats. Oats are the most popular and safest grain to feed to horses.
Barley. Barley is very similar to oats as a feed except for some characteristics that affect how it is used.Barley is lower in fiber than oats and is classified as a “heavy” feed. Barley is more energy dense than oats
Despite what a lot of people think Maize is a high energy feed (more heating than oats) and can cause excitability. It will be flaked and cooked or steamed to make it easier to digest. It is useful for fattening a horse. It is best not be fed to horses doing strenuous exercise as it stays in the stomach for a long tim
Fats.
To add calories carbohydrates and proteins offer around four calories per gram, fats offer nine calories per gram. When introduced slowly, horses can adapt to higher fat . Corn oil is palatable to most horses. You can also use canola, peanut or any other vegetable oils.
Copra meal or coconut oil to the horse's diets will increase fat consumption, thereby boosting caloric. Most horses love it Copra helps add condition and it helps develop a shiny coat.
When you're trying to put weight on a horse, all fats are good fats.
Hopefully this helps
