| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Sep 14 2011 : 10:52:42 AM
There are so many hoof problems-it seems like most horse owners deal with them at one point in their lives. My adopted TB REALLY needed a trim when I got him. It was BAD. Anyway, I got him trimmed and his feet looked great for a few weeks. (He's barefoot) he's got a bad case of thrush now and his hooves are chipping. I just know if I put shoes on him he'll just pull them off in the mud. He's on alfalfa grass mix and a scoop of sweet feed every night. What do you all suggest? He's got cracks going up the middle of his hooves, too. I feel bad for him. I'm hoping in a few months his feet will look better-I don't want to have the shoer out too much and over-trim him, though.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| leigh12354 |
Posted - Feb 12 2012 : 07:24:00 AM
I was just reading on another forum about beet pulp, boy were they beating it up. But it was also a cattle forum. Some do use it but some have a difficult time with it. Just wanted to hear another side of it and boy did I. |
| leigh12354 |
Posted - Jan 20 2012 : 05:51:01 AM
There are so many ups and downs to this beet pulp issue. i guess a person just should try it out for themselves and see. |
| mudpony farmgirl |
Posted - Jan 14 2012 : 07:06:51 AM
I have always fed beet pulp to all my horses. My easy keepers get just a little scoop with vitamins, and the hard keepers got a couple scoops in with their senior feed.
I always soak mine, 2 parts water to 1 part beet pulp, to reduce the risk of choke. |
| leigh12354 |
Posted - Jan 03 2012 : 09:07:12 AM
I took a good look at the link you provided MEWolf. It had a lot of information on it. Thanks a bundle. Sorry it took me so long to get back< I'm a busy lady. |
| queenmushroom |
Posted - Dec 23 2011 : 2:14:18 PM
If you use beet pulp, use only a small amount of it. I helped a close friend of mine rescue her own horse that she free leased (long story won't get into it). The woman that had the mare had fed nothing but beet pulp to her, besides what little grazing she had available. When my friend got her mare back and finally got her off the beet pulp, the mare lost a pile of weight and was hungry all the time. Please please please becareful with it.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
| queenmushroom |
Posted - Dec 23 2011 : 2:09:18 PM
If you can, get him off the alfalfa. You could be setting up for founder where alfalfa is a very rich legume. try sticking to timothy/clover hay mix with some hay stretcher or a complete feed with timothy/clover hay.
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
| MEWolf |
Posted - Dec 23 2011 : 07:09:32 AM
Hi Leigh!
Here is a great link that gives you great info about feeding beet pulp to horses:
http://www.understanding-horse-nutrition.com/beet-pulp.html
Hope this helps!
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
| leigh12354 |
Posted - Dec 23 2011 : 07:06:19 AM
This is such a good convo. I have learned a lot from this thank you all for your input. I'm curious though how much beet pulp do you give a horse? Does it go by the weight of the horse? |
| leigh12354 |
Posted - Dec 16 2011 : 2:23:06 PM
This is such great information. I will recommend this forum for those who need good info. |
| leigh12354 |
Posted - Dec 04 2011 : 11:44:21 AM
Thank you so much for the information. All I have seen is articles about beet pulp getting beat up. Guess I will have to try it. |
| RedHoopWoman |
Posted - Sep 22 2011 : 09:18:25 AM
Hi Gracy,I agree with you on alot of what you said but as far as beet pulp having no nutritional value,that is innacurate,it is as I said of "negligible" nutrient value,meaning that it will not fill in for any gaps in your horses nutrition,you can get the actual nutrient analysis of beet pulp from extension service resources and other resources like TheHorse.com which is a more veterinary minded magazine for those interested in horse health topics,it does have a nutrient value but is barely worth considering and that's why I say you would want to make sure you are already feeding a balanced ration that supplies all of your horses's nutrient values as you can't count on much at all from beet pulp.
There has been research done that says you can feed beet pulp dry,it is not dangerous to feed dry and will not overly absorb water from your horse's gut and dehydrate,cause impaction,etc..otherwise there would be alot of horses suffering from the dry content of beet pulp in thier formulated feeds but most people,myself included,feed it soaked with water for the extra hydration benefits it offers.
A horse can colic on anything at anytime and my vet has even told me he's treated horses who were impacted by very wet and heavy material such as soaked beet pulp and grain mixture,that can definitely happen too when feeding large volumes or making changes that a horse is unadapted to in thier diet,anyways,there's studies that have been done in veterinary colleges that have determined it is safe to feed beet pulp dry if you desire to do so.
Teeth are definitely one of the most important factors as Gracy said,my vet does an annual tooth floating on my horses and I check regularly throughout the year for any hooks or uneven wear as some horses wear thier teeth down unevenly and need more care than some other might,particularly aged horses or those with any kinds of maloclusion of the jaw.
I think that the teeth are the most important element and like Gracy said,without good tooth care all the feed you put into them will be going to waste.
"Today's Mighty Oak is just Yesterday's Nut" |
| gracylfreebush |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 11:19:52 PM
After rehabing neglected and abused horses I just want to throw in here, that beet pulp is good for adding fiber to the diet and for keeping the stomach working as mentioned by Kathryn but you need to remember when feeding beet pulp that it has to be soaked until very wet and soft and Beet pulp has no nutritional value. It is great for older horses and horses that are being rehabed or if your horse is not getting sufficient fiber in grass, hay, alfalfa etc. Horses do not metabolize grains well. They do better with a extruded pellet made from hay's, grasses etc. In an older horse that has experienced poor nutrition and even a younger horse the best way to beef them up is beet pulp mixed with senior feed and alfalfa. Alfalfa is very high in calcium so it is very good for feeding a horse with ulcers. Teeth floating is imperative when working on a skinny horse. Although pasture grazing is better than being stall bound pasture fed horses do grow points on their teeth and those points will cause ulcers on the tongue and in the cheek. Also, if you are not getting teeth floated at least once a year you won't catch problems like broken or cracked teeth caused from biting down to hard on something or getting kicked by another horse. I am speaking from first hand experience. I got a mostly pasture fed horse who had not had his teeth checked in years and he had three broken teeth. Checking the teeth yearly is important in pasture grazed horses or stall bound horses.
If your horse has bad, teeth, i.e. broken chipped or uneven, they will not chew their feed properly and the body will not process it properly. So you might as well be throwing it in the garbage because they will just poop it out again without getting the benefit of the feed.
Thoughts are things choose the good ones. |
| RedHoopWoman |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 5:17:14 PM
Beet pulp is a good high calorie and fiber supplement for hard keepers and seniors but I would make sure that your horse's ration is well balanced whether you feed grain or not as it has very negligible nutrient values,only about eight percent protein and scarce amounts of other nutrients or minerals.
I use it as a supplement for my Thoroughbred and my Appendix Quarter horse,my vet recommending feeding no more than ten pounds (dry weight) daily as a general rule though I do not feed that much as I give my horses a good quality senior feed and alfalfa/grass hay.
Hot water absorbs faster and I only fill enough water to a couple inches above the dry beet pulp,add more if necessary but I find it is usually enough for shreds or pellets.
"Today's Mighty Oak is just Yesterday's Nut" |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 4:36:34 PM
hmm. How much beet pulp to water ratio are we talking as a baseline? This convo is going great. Maybe I should start one on "This is my horse/problems/this is what I feed type thread.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 10:51:52 AM
Beet pulp (without molasses, of course) is also an excelllent low-starch feed for laminitic or metabolic horses.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery, and Today is a Gift.
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| traildancer |
Posted - Sep 20 2011 : 09:04:33 AM
I second the suggestion to use beet pulp. I ride my horses so much that they go in to winter thin. When I started feeding beet pulp twice a day when I was camping or packing in, they kept weight on going in to winter.
From what I understand, it is easy for the horse to digest, it gives their stomach something to work on (read--have food in their stomach when they are on the highline all night without continuous access to feed) and it keeps moisture in their gut to help prevent colic.
I mix it with whole oats and salt. One feeding a day I add vitamins. The formula I use is one or two parts beet pulp and one or two parts oats, using whatever container I chose. Remember to soak the beet pulp well. It expands about six times the dry amount. When I'm camping, I soak the next feeding right after the previous feeding, if I remember!!! If you use hot water it seems to soak up faster. Some horses like it with all the water soaked up. Others like it soupy.
When I first started feeding beet pulp, the horses didn't like it so I added a little more grain to the mix. Now they whicker for it. Even at the sound of the pellets hitting the bucket or when the dog food hits the bowl. It's kind of funny. I think I could feed it plain and they would scarf it down.
The trail is the thing.... Louis L'Amour |
| MEWolf |
Posted - Sep 18 2011 : 9:14:04 PM
I worked for an Equine Vet for three years, and have worked with rehabbing horses. I agree, anytime you transition from shod to barefoot, takes a good couple of months for their hooves to stabilize. As for chipping, if you live in a dry climate, chances are his hooves will chip. One thing that has worked for our guys, is a mustang trim, rounded toes with a bit of a break seems to help with chips and flares. It took our Paint horse four months to transition completely from shoes to barefoot after he came to us for rehabbing.
As for the thrush, a ten percent solution of chlorox and water has always worked with my guys. It is cheap, easy and very effective.
I am not a fan of sweet feed for any horse. Horses' digestive systems do not process sugars and starches well. And if your guy does have ulcers, sweet feed could be exacerbating the problem. Best thing I have ever used to put weight on a horse was beet pulp and flax. The Alfalfa hay will help balance out gut acid, but if you really think he has ulcers, you probably need to have him scoped. However that said, I would recommend starting him on something like Succeed first. Try that for 60 days and see if he doesn't start to gain some weight. If he is still not gaining weight after that trial, I would contact your Vet about scoping him. Ulcers can be so painful for horses, but they can be managed.
Good luck, it is hard to see one's horse suffer. For all their size they certainly are delicate creatures!
Margaret
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thoughts are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden and keep out the weeds, fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1808-1882)
Farmgirl #3020
www.grey-wolf-farm.com |
| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 07:44:34 AM
Hi Sherry,
I'm totally uneducated about bovine hooves. I've trimmed goats, but never cows. About the nutrition aspect though I would believe is true...what goes in the mouth shows in the feet.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
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| sherrye |
Posted - Sep 17 2011 : 07:35:30 AM
i do not want to hijack this thread BUT paula could this true of cows also? i have rescued a cow with BAD feet. her legs are knock kneed. she was born deformed. she is 4. i trimmed 6 inches off her feet tops. what about under. she walks like she is on a round spot.????? thanks girls for letting me cut in. happy days sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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| arabianhorselover |
Posted - Sep 15 2011 : 1:39:55 PM
I had a stallion I brought home and he was very underweight. We started him on the Wendland's brand of feed and in a reasonable amount of time he was looking fantastic. He isn't my only one that I had this happen too. I had lots of suggestions for senior feed also and it may be what is right for you horse but don't worry you are on the right track to getting him better. Just takes time!
Breeder of Straight Egyptian Arabians and SportHorses
www.whisperwindsarabians.com
Farmgirl Sister #561
Never squat with your spurs on!!!
www.throughjenslens.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/arabhorselover
http://kountrybumkinfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://fancyfeathersfarmgirls.blogspot.com/ |
| StrawHouseRanch |
Posted - Sep 15 2011 : 1:27:12 PM
Hi Gracy,
Typically a horse on pasture has a wider variety of things they munch on than a horse in a stall. So their teeth get more of a workout. On pasture, they eat with their head down in a natural position, whereas a horse in a stall usually has their feed elevated so their jaw alignment and muscle utilization is not natural, potentially causing uneven wear.
Paula
Farmgirl Sister #3090
A Beehive is the ultimate Home Sweet Home
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| gracylfreebush |
Posted - Sep 15 2011 : 12:33:41 PM
That is very interesting, I have never heard before that there is a difference in tooth wear between pasture and stalled horses. Mine are on pasture 85% of the time and graze pasture. I am interested to hear why there would be a difference. I am always ready to learn something new.
Thoughts are things choose the good ones. |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Sep 15 2011 : 03:54:34 AM
I've had him wormed, and vetted. My vet also recommended my farrier. He hasn't been floated in a few years-he's been on pasture, so his teeth wear down naturally. I'm kinda on the fence about floating on a regular basis for a horse that's on pasture, personally. If he's in a stall full time then yes, but not in a pasture.
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| gracylfreebush |
Posted - Sep 14 2011 : 6:46:47 PM
Good suggestion about the teeth, that is so important. May I also suggest that unless you really really know your farrier that you get maybe a second opinion. Having done equine rescue I have dealt with numerous farriers and getting a really good one can be hit and miss. My own horses have had three different ones and I wouldn't change now unless mine retired or something. I have seen farriers do a lot of damage. You can even get recommendations on farriers from your local equine vet. If you have a vet school in your area they will sometimes give recommendations as well.
Thoughts are things choose the good ones. |
| oldbittyhen |
Posted - Sep 14 2011 : 6:30:32 PM
I too came back to this post to recomend Senior feed, its great for under weight and horses that are trying to come back from bad feed or health problems,...also have you checked his teeth, he may need floating, and remember all of our suggestions are not to be taken without a grain of salt, since none of us are seeing him in person, has he been veted, and wormed, blood work done, etc... a good equine vet, is worth their weight in gold...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
