Bit of feeding advice please

little_critter

little_critter

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My mare is usually a good doer so is on 'fatty' diet of baileys lo cal balancer and hifi lite am & pm then haylage over night.
She's just started to drop a little weight due to the poor quality grass. She doesn't need massive feeding up but I'd like to stop the weight loss.
Do I give her more haylage (currently has equivalent of 2.5 - 3 slices hay) or should I add something extra to her feed (was thinking just 1/2 Stubbs scoop pony nuts am & pm just to give a little extra)
As I said, she's not ribby or poor but i don't want her to lose any more weight.
 
If your mare is usually a good doer then I would allow for a little weight loss this side of winter. If however she loses more than a little weight then yes I would increase haylage or perhaps add a little sugar beet. Is there any haylage left by morning?
 
Any other opinions? More haylage or more feed? Or leave as is and let her go into spring a bit lean (mind you it feels a bit early for this option, she'd be more than a bit lean)
 
I let my good doers lose over winter so they start summer a little lean, rather than having to restrict in summer. But, lean not thin. If yours is already on the lean side, I'd just up the forage so she maintains current size.
 
I always up hay or haylage before upping hard feed. Extra haylage will keep her occupied if the grazing is sparse and will help keep her warm in this cold weather.
 
Thanks. Will up the haylage and keep an eye on her.
She's going to love it, I had to do her a bit earlier than usual on Thursday and gave extra haylage to make sure she wasn't left too long without. You should have seen her face when I walked towards her stable with 2 haynets!
 
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