Another feed question!

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Fimbacob

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Hi, sorry, I know this has been done to death but I really cant make a decision.
Cob is currently fed as much good quality hay as he can stuff in plus 2 mugs of lo-cal balancer. He is also unshod.
He normally is great on this however this winter he has dropped more weight than usual and is not as lively as he normally is. Hes not underweight as yet but if this carries on he may well do. He is hacked and schooled/lunged 3-5 times a week. Also I feel his hooves are becoming worn down more but would prefer not to have put shoes on.
I have heard wonderful things about micronised linseed but struggle to find anything other than those icky lozenges. He is normally a good doer so dont want to feed him anything that will make him put on too much weight, but I dont think he is getting enough from what I am feeding him. Any suggestions?? P.s. Teeth etc all done and fine end of nov.
Sorry for long post!
 
You can obtain micronised linseed from Charnwood Milling, there are low sugar/starch feeds out there, maybe your boy would benefit from a small feed or even just a couple of handfuls of feed with his balancer, most brands do a breakdown showing the amount of starch. I think if you're trying to keep shoes off under 10% sugar is a good guide.
 
Thanks for the info. Just a bit concerned the micro linseed would put too much weight on. Normally I struggle to keep it off but this winter seems to have taken its toll.
 
I've never fed it, but have read really great things, maybe start with a small cupful and see how you go, you can always cut it down or increase it, also if you're worried about his hooves magnesium is very good and adding zinc and copper can be very beneficial but the initial purchase can be a bit dear for all three though not expensive compared to a set of shoes every few weeks.
Mine are barefoot and I would prefer it stayed that way but it doesn't suit everyone, what does your farrier/trimmer think about your boy's hooves and as important do you trust their judgement?
Everything I've read seems to suggest that the hooves respond to the amount of work, obviously it doesn't happen overnight but if he has been getting the same amount of exercise regularly the theory is his hooves will grow at a rate to match the exercise but I think a lot of people have been having problems because of the very wet ground but at least all the while he isn't shod you don't have to worry about a shoe being pulled off in the mud:D
 
Thanks LD&S! Use farrier who actually recommended he go unshod a couple of years ago. Normally grows a lot of horn so never been a problem. Think the weather has taken its toll this year.
 
Will try the m.linseed and see how he goes. Just didnt want him too put too much weight on. Reckon 150g per day? Also have researched the good stuff is a powder, which might be a pain to feed as his balancer is tiny pellets. Dont want to have to start feeding chaff or something if he doesnt need it, just to mix powder in, but dont like sound of lozenges
Ohhh im rubbish at decision making!!
 
Could you try damping the pellets so the powder sticks to it? Mine have pony nuts as I add zinc etc and all I do is add a little bit of water and leave it for a few minutes till it's sticky, though usually I make their feed in advance and make it quite wet so that it is moist and expands, it takes them longer to eat like that and they think they're getting more for their money, I'm cruel lol.
 
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