1. ” I need to find a high protein high fiber feed and that senior feed might be necessary?…

2.  “My hopes are that it will take that extra edge off my horses’ nerves. …”

3.  “ Is alfalfa the right choice?…

4.  ” How much, how often & what kind should we feed. ..

5.  “What is the difference between Energy and Protein? Can too much protein cause a founder or laminitis case?…”

6. “What exactly is “crude” Protein? …”

7. “How much Protein does a horse need and what happens if they get to much” …”

8.  I have a couple of horses that I would like to increase the percentage of fat in the feed to 10%.

9.  “Can I feed a broodmare sand clear? …”

10.  “They have just been weaned and I am looking for advice for their feed schedule. …”

11. “We did not get good information on what to feed him and he has acquired some bone growths just above his fetlocks …”

12. “I have recently been introduced to tiffany teff  grass/hay…”

13.  “We buy feed in bulk…”

14.  “I need nutrional guidance about my horse’s diet….”

15.  ” could feed(s) cause this? …”

16.  Which is the most fattening? Grass/alfalfa mix hay, Oats (Sprout brand) broodmare/foal feed?…”

17.  “I am looking into feeding my horses flax seed…”

18. “He seems to still be ribby…”

19.  “A farm burnt down killing everyone but one horse….”

 

1. ” I need to find a high protein high fiber feed and that senior feed might be necessary?…”

Yes she had her teeth floated in October. She hasn’t received any worming since October but I am planning on doing that as soon as possible. She had some hoof issues and was at the vet in January so she is fine as far as we know. So basically what you’re saying is that I need to find a high protein high fiber feed and that senior feed might be necessary? Now is senior feed a grain or hay, I apologize for my ignorance. She is about 1000 pounds but should be about 1100…I think part of the issue is that she is worked at least twice a week for up to 3 hours each time.

The senior feed or a feed with high fiber, high fat and protein are all concentrates. These feeds are supplemented to your horse in addition to the hay or forage she is receiving. These products will have higher levels of calories that are more digestible and therefore will aid the horse that needs to gain additional weight. As the work load has increased this horse needs more total highly digestible feed. A typical horse that weighs about 1100 pounds needs about 16.4 M-cals of digestible energy each day and when the work load increases this energy value will need to increase to as much as 32 M-cals during intense work. Your horse should likely be fed at least 16 pounds of good quality hay each day and from 4-8 pounds of the concentrate. Of course the amounts are dependent on the obvious condition of the horse but using high fat, high fiber feeds will allow you to feed at higher levels daily of the concentrate as those feeds generally are based on ingredients that are low in starch content but high in calories.

 

2.  “My hopes are that it will take that extra edge off my horses’ nerves. …”

I have a horse show this Friday, Sat and Sun and need your advice. My 4 year old TB is starting out in the hunters and has already shown locally and on the A circuit. I was recommended to supplement him with a product called “Ex-stress” during the show. I just got this product delivered today. My hopes are that it will take that extra edge off my horses nerves. He can be excitable, and playful and sometimes unpredictable and he is young. It doesn’t help that these show have no turnout, of course, and I’m not one to lunge the horse to death.

My question is: how much do I feed? All it says is “Feed 1 serving twice per day with feed.” Since I only need it for showing can I double the dosage AM and PM and not use it again till the next show? Or is this something I need to feed a week prior and during the show? I definitely don’t need it at home on a daily basis, unless that is how this supplement is supposed to work. What do you think? Thank you for your timely response,

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

I am not familiar with this product, but I would encourage you to read the label again more carefully. It should somewhere describe the serving size. It is not recommended at any time to over feed something. You should feed it specifically as it is described. You might also google this and see if there is any further information regarding this product. Many times they will also have a phone number that you can call to get specific questions answer about the product and use. I would not expect that this or any product to be significantly effective in a day of usage. There may be other ways to improve behavior as well but all take slow acclimation over several days.

 

3.  ” Is alfalfa the right choice?…”

I have a 12 year old mare that is belly heavy but her ribs are still visible and her back is sinking. Is there any feed suggestions for this? Right now she is only receiving hay. Is alfalfa the right choice?

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

First, I would ask have you had your mare’s teeth checked and made sure she is free of internal parasites? It may be that she has a few health related issues that should be addressed by your veterinarian. A good quality hay including alfalfa, mix or grass can be used, however you might find that feeding a concentrate supplement like a Senior Feed or one of the high fiber high fat feeds to be useful. If your horse weighs about 1000 pounds she would need around 20 pounds of good quality feed daily. Using 14-16 pounds of hay and 2-4 pounds of a senior feed may help improve your mare’s condition.

 

4.  ” How much, how often & what kind should we feed. …”

My vet has recommended feeding our pregnant mares brand mash, starting about 4 to 6 weeks before due date. How much, how often & what kind should we feed?

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

I tend to use a wet bran mash (wheat bran) just after my mares foal. Many horses do not consume a dry bran mash very well, but adding a 1 pound coffee can of bran mash mixed with water would not be a problem for your horses. If consumption is a problem you can add a little grain, vegetable oil, or molasses which may make the wet bran mash more palatable. Bran when moistened is an excellent hydration method for your horses. When mares foal it helps rehydrate them and gives them an opportunity to readjust to their regular feeding schedule. Best of luck.

 

5.  “What is the difference between Energy and Protein? Can too much protein cause a founder or laminitis case?…”

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

Energy is a term which describes the amount of calories an animal needs or takes in each day. Energy comes primarily from carbohydrates in the form of non-structural carbohydrates (grains) or structural carbohydrates (hays or pasture). These sources make up most of the energy used by horses. However, energy can also come from fats or oils and these are 2.25 times the energy value of typical carbohydrates or protein. Protein when in excess above the requirements of the horse can be turned into some energy but most is voided from the horse through urinary excretion. Protein alone probably is not likely to create founder or laminitis but if one is feeding high levels of protein contained in concentrates which are also high is grains this could be associated with the problem. Best of luck.

 

6. “What exactly is “crude” Protein? …”

Thank you so much, that reply helps!!! I just have one more Question, what exactly is “crude” Protein? Thank you so much, I’m now hooked on reading all the questions that you reply to, I find it very use full.

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

Thanks for your kind words. Crude protein is the term which describes all the nitrogenous materials that are in a particular feed. It is measured by determining the nitrogen content of the feed and then multiplying it by 6.25. So if something was 2% nitrogen it would have a crude protein content estimated as 12.5%. When you look at a feed tag and see CP or crude protein that is 12.5% or someone says the hay has 10% crude protein that is what is being described. One needs to understand that the crude protein does not mean that all the protein is available to the horse. Only what is actually digested and absorbed by the horse is what is going to be used. Best of luck.

 

7. “How much Protein does a horse need and what happens if they get to much” …”

I recently discovered your web page. I enjoy reading it and find it very use full!!! Right now I’m in the middle of a pony club research project ” researching How much Protein does a horse need and what happens if they get to much” I was wondering if you knew what would happen if a horse gets to much protein? Any thing about protein would rely help

if it’s already on your web site just tell me to keep reading because I probably haven’t gotten to that part yet… Thank you so so so much I absolutely love the information that is on your web site. Sandia Creek Ranch Pony Club Riding Center

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

All horses need protein in their diet. Adult none working horses only need about 8% crude protein in their diet or about 1.5 pounds of protein quantity. The horse requires 10 essential amino acids in their diet and these must come from what is in the feed provided. Young growing horses have the highest % protein requirements early in their life and it gradually goes down toward the 8% crude protein level as they reach adults. Depending on the class of horse and their physiologically state protein quality and quantity will be higher than that needed at maintenance. Generally, once the need for protein is met the fate of additional protein is that a high amount is excreted in the urine. There is some protein above needs that can be metabolized to provide some energy but this is a costly way to provide energy. With the cost of protein being quite high it doesn’t make sense for horse owners to over supplement a horse with protein above the requirements. However, again depending on physiological and environmental situations some extra protein quality and quantity will be justified.

I generally am not concerned with excessive protein intake as long as plenty of clean fresh water is available and the horse has no urinary or kidney problems which might require dietary limitations of available protein. Best of luck.

 

8. I am a racehorse trainer in Marianna, Fl….”

I have a couple of horses that I would like to increase the percentage of fat in the feed to 10%. I am now feeding 4 lbs. of 14% sweet feed with 6% fat and 4 lbs. of oats per day. I am adding 1 cup of corn oil to each feeding. Am I close? I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you, Chad

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

Based upon what you are currently feeding you are meeting or slightly exceeding the amount of fat you are trying to reach. The amount of oil that you are adding provides your diet with about 4Mcals of additional calories which should be an adequate boost to your horses needs.

 

9.  “Can I feed a broodmare sand clear? …”

VA pastures are horrible this year, and I am concerned about the excess of dust everywhere. Thank you

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

I don’t know of any reason that would be detrimental to your broodmare in feeding sand clear. You may want to discuss the issue with your local veterinarian as your horse may not really need such a product. Best of luck.

 

10.  “They have just been weaned and I am looking for advice for their feed schedule. …”

We have two 6 month old Oldenburg (warmblood) colts. They have just been weaned and I am looking for advice for their feed schedule. I was told to feed them a complete feed which consists of 20% protein 2.5% fat 8% fiber and the feed also contains calcium, phosphorus, copper, selenium, zinc and vitamins A, D, E. This is a pelleted feed, and recommended to feed 3 lbs. per day. I was also told to feed 2 cups of rice bran and 1/2 cup of canola oil as well as good quality grass hay. These foals at 6 months old are already 670 lbs. and will mature at approx. 17 to 17.2 HH. I understand the warmblood horses need the added protein to their diet, but I am a little confused on the added rice bran and oil to their diet. Do you think this is too much of a good thing at such a young age. Thank you very much.

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

The need for high quality protein is essential for all young growing equine animals, however at 20% that may be a bit excessive since these horses probably require only 16% crude protein in their diet at this time. I would look for a complete feed which has 16% crude protein, between 6-8% fat and a fiber level of 15%. Feeding at 3 pounds per day would not be excessive as most 6 month olds would need about 11-12 pounds of total intake of hay and grain each day with about 70% of the total coming from grain and 30-35% from good grass hay. If you provide a high energy low starch concentrate with high levels of fat and fiber you should not need to add rice bran and more oil. The use of rice bran and oil allows you to increase caloric density, more protein and higher levels of vitamin E which all probably are not needed if you are using a good premium feed and grass hay. Best of luck.

 

11. “We did not get good information on what to feed him and he has acquired some bone growths just above his fetlocks …”

My 13 year old daughter wrote an essay for 4H and won an orphaned weanling. Because he was an orphan we’re concerned about making sure he gets the right nutrition. We did not get good information on what to feed him and he has acquired some bone growths just above his fetlocks – our vet took xrays and and says he will be fine and will grow into them. There is no lameness. He is 7 months old – I am told because he was an orphan and he is behind on growth etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

Since you don’t indicate at what part of the country you live in, I will just make a very general recommendation. This foal should be eating solid food easily at this time. Generally we would feed about 1.5 to 2% of body weight daily of total feed. The total intake for your foal again depends on weight of the animal but somewhere between 11 to 14 pounds of total feed daily would be reasonable. If it was available I would likely use a mixed hay and find a 16% pelleted commercially prepared concentrate to use. I would probably offer this at about 30-35% of the total as hay and the balance in the concentrate. Many commercial companies have foal developer, growth formula and junior type feeds which might be appropriate for your situation. The important issues are to find high quality feeds that will supply this youngster a balanced diet of necessary nutrients. You should continue to work with your veterinarian in monitoring growth and development. Best of luck.

 

12. “I have recently been introduced to tiffany teff grass/hay…”

And would like to know more about it. Would you be able to give me a comparison on the nutritional values between brome/alfalfa/tiffany teff. I currently feed a grain ration and brome hay with limited grazing right now due to the time of year. Thank you!

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

Many people are asking about tiffany teff grass hay for horses. Based on nutrient composition information this hay when put up appropriately has nutrient composition higher than most of the common grass hays and somewhat lower than alfalfa. The protein, energy value and generally a more consistent and close calcium to phosphorus ratio makes Teff hay look very desirable as an alternative hay product for maintaining horses. In Arizona, teff hay does not grow quite as well as bermuda grass hay but it again does have a higher quality nutrition value. The average Teff has about 11.5% crude protein and about 27% crude fiber. I believe that if horse owners find it difficult to find traditional brome, orchard grass, timothy or bermuda grass hay this product may be an alternative to consider. Best wishes.

 

13.  “We buy feed in bulk…”

We buy feed in bulk they offer rice meal, corn gluten(staley), soya hulls, ground corn, hominy, wheat midds, and cottonseed hulls. What would you suggest out of those or which ones to mix?

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

It will depend on the availability of the forage you are offering your horse and what you are asking your horse to accomplish. Generally I like forage (hay or pasture) to provide maintenance needs. That is eating forage to have the horse maintain it’s weight. The use of a combination of rice bran, wheat midds and soy hulls along with some added fat in the form of vegetable oil could create a concentrate to supplement above the hay or pasture feeding as needed by working horses. An appropriate mineral/vitamin supplement may be needed as well depending again on the type of forage being fed and how well it and the concentrate meets the overall nutrient requirements. Best of luck.

 

14.  “I need nutrional guidance about my horse’s diet….”

I have a 10 yr/old Percheron/Morgan gelding in light work. He is pasture boarded and is turned out 24/7. When I got him in Feb 07 he was severely overweight with a very cresty neck and fat patches behind his shoulders, around his belly and rump. Following my farrier’s advice I put him in a grazing muzzle, restricting his access to grass. I am constantly battling thrush and white line disease. He looks much better now but I want to make sure what I’m feeding him is ok to feed together. I don’t want to overdo it trying to help him with his metabolic issues and end up doing more harm than good.

This is what he gets daily:

Spiller’s CoolMix (1/8 quart sized scoop)

Quiessence (2 oz)

Super Bio-Zin hoof supplement (3 oz)

Immune Herbal mix (200 ml) (Echinacea Root, Gotu Kola, Milk Thistle Seed, Cleavers, Nettle, Burdock Root and Rosehips)

Please let me know if you have questions. Your advice is much appreciated. I look forward to hearing back.

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

I am assuming that you allow the horse to eat grass a portion of each day. If that is the case, the grass is most likely meeting or exceeding maintenance requirements. The mix that you have provided should provide supplementation above the nutrient needs from the grass and I would not see any metabolic issues associated with the use of any of the products you listed.Best of luck.

 

15.  ” could feed(s) cause this? …”

My 12 year old mare has come down with a swollen/misshapen stomach area – she had vac’s on Nov 2 – I have had to change hay – 2 different sources/types of grass/mountain grass and add in alfalfa over the last month – grass hays in CA are in extremely short supply – anyway – could feed(s) cause this? Thanks

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

It is possible that the type of hay you have fed could create a “hay belly” on your horse. If your horse is being fed hay that is not of good quality and significantly more than it needs the result could be some abdominal distention. The use of better quality hay, an increased exercise program created after you have had the horse evaluated carefully by your veterinarian may improve the physical appearance. If grass hay is had to find you might look for pelleted hay or cubes along with use of a complete low starch high fiber feed. The improved diet quality might be the factor to aid your situation. Best of luck.

 

16.  Which is the most fattening? Grass/alfalfa mix hay, Oats (Sprout brand) broodmare/foal feed?…”

I am trying to figure out a good balance between all three for my 6 year old mare – she is still nursing her 4 month old colt – he is grazing, eating grain and hay as well. My vet said he wouldn’t like to see her any heavier. Thanks for your help!

Dr Bill Schurg’s Answer:

The oats and broodmare/foal feed will likely be the most dense relative to calorie density than the mix hay. At 4 months the colt is nearly to weaning stage and it sounds like your mare is in very good body condition. At this stage of foal development, your mare will be producing less milk and her maintenance needs can be met mostly on a good mixed hay fed at 1.5 to 2% of her body weight and only limited (probably less than 2 pounds of grain) per day. If the mare has been rebred and is not maintaining her weight the level of grain fed would need to be greater.

It sounds like the combination that you are providing has maintained the mare in good body condition and thus as weaning is approaching you should be able to feed mostly a forage based diet daily. Best of luck.

 

17.  “I am looking into feeding my horses flax seed…”

I am looking into feeding my horses flax seed. However, I have read in a couple of articles that it needs to soak overnight and then boiled for several hours. Is this true?

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

It is not necessary in my opinion to have to soak or boil flaxseeds in order to get the fiber, and essential fatty acid offered by the feeding of flaxseeds .In fact, boiling of the flaxseeds may actually cause you to lose some of the benefits that the feeding of flaxseeds offers.

 

18. “He seems to still be ribby…”

I have a show horse that I have been feeding quite well for the past three years, but yet he seems to still be ribby, not starved looking but when the sun hits him just right you can see the outline of his ribs, and you can always feel them. Each day he gets: One flake of alfalfa in the morning; four pounds of pellets, one pound of rice bran, two ounces of biotin, a 1/4 cup of corn oil,and two pounds of wheat bran in the afternoon; in the evening he gets one and 1/2 flakes of alfalfa. He does get a hay belly sometimes when I cut back on riding, and I usually ride three to five times per week, but it does go away when I start riding him again. For some reason this year he did not shed his winter coat. Actually he did not grow his winter coat until it started warming up. A friend said he may have a digestive problem, but I figured the reason he grew hair and did not shed was when it became warm I put him in a stall without lights and he grew his first coat and just cannot get rid of it. What do you think? I really appreciate your input.

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

You mention nothing about your worming program. I would assume that you worm your horse at least 4 times a year since you do such a good job on his ration. The ration sounds very adequate. It sounds as if he is putting weight on his belly when he gets a little heavy. Be sure he is on an adequate worming program, and increasing the corn oil to 1/2 or 3/4 cup would also be helpful in putting a little more weight on him if you think it is necessary.

 

19.  “A farm burnt down killing everyone but one horse….”

A farm burnt down killing everyone but one horse…he is here with me..I have never owned a horse..I have two hundred acres of farm land and a barn so he was brought here…I love him but do not know anything at all about a horse..I do know from what they have told me he is a ten year old Arabian gelding….He is absolutely handsome and seems to be all right with me but no one else…I bring him in the barn at 6pm at put him back outside around 8am. I have been giving him a grain mixture in the am and again at the time he comes in the barn…I have been brushing him out daily and of course he seems to be losing his winter coat…I have no clue what I should be doing for this poor horse..He has gained weight and his coat looks shiny and nice but I feel I should be doing more… My neighbor measured him and he is 15.6 hands…a bay colored with black tail and mane…white feet and a white blaze in the front of his face..His name is Blaze….seems to know his name..Help me..I have no clue what to do? But I have bonded with him and I just want to do the right thing for him. Please e-mail with some advice to as having a horse.

Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:

 Sounds like you are enjoying your new horse. You also sound like you are doing a pretty good job of caring for him. The most important thing at this stage is your feeding program. A grain mixture twice a day is fine. I would also offer this horse some hay twice a day. Bermuda grass hay, alfalfa hay, timothy hay, or a mixture would be good. It depends on what is available in your area. It is recommended that horses receive at least 50% of their diet as a roughage, such as one of these hays. Horses normally consume 2% of their weight in feed a day. Most adult Arabians will weight from 850 to 1,000 lbs. It would be wise to visit your local library or book store to check out a book on general horse care.