wizzlewoo
Well-Known Member
Iv just been told by someone that you are not supposed to feed alfa to geldings over the age of 15 years!? What next in feeding rumors, this is surly daft and I'v certainly never heard it before, has anyone else?
feeding alfalfa to geldings over 15?!
- Thread starter wizzlewoo
- Start date
Enfys
Well-Known Member
What reasons were given specifically for + 15 geldings?
There MUST be lots of variables, age, type, condition, workload, I can see that a retired horse with soundness/weight issues will not need the same as a fully fit hunter of the same type and age, but I don't quite get the specific age/gender thing.
Interesting to hear.
There MUST be lots of variables, age, type, condition, workload, I can see that a retired horse with soundness/weight issues will not need the same as a fully fit hunter of the same type and age, but I don't quite get the specific age/gender thing.
Interesting to hear.
AngieandBen
Well-Known Member
What a load of tosh!!
SirenaXVI
Well-Known Member
Good God, it never ceases to amaze me the absolute rubbish some horse people can spout with total confidence!
Ignore the complete numpty who passed on that particular piece of codswallop!
Ignore the complete numpty who passed on that particular piece of codswallop!
L
lilym
Guest
absolute crap they are talking out of their arse....
Box_Of_Frogs
Well-Known Member
Drivel.
wizzlewoo
Well-Known Member
Good good i was hoping that would be the reply, some people do talk rubbish!
Enfys
Well-Known Member
I have everything, from minis and weanlings through broodmares and a stallion on the stuff, AND they graze it in the late autumn early winter. Only one young gelding though.
No colic, behavioural or skin problems from any of them.
dressagecrazy
Well-Known Member
Actually it states something on my bag of Topchop Alfa about feeding it to 15+ geldings?
Will read bag again later, think it was something to do with high amount of Alfa fed to older gelding can create some sort of stone.
Can't remember fully, but it was the first time i had ever heard this.
Will read bag again later, think it was something to do with high amount of Alfa fed to older gelding can create some sort of stone.
Can't remember fully, but it was the first time i had ever heard this.
AngieandBen
Well-Known Member
If you go onto TopSpec website and click nutritional advise for veterans, it reccommends TopChop!!
Doesn't say anything else * confused*!
Doesn't say anything else * confused*!
Enfys
Well-Known Member
http://www.equi-sense.com/DrSparks3.htmlThe Great Hay Debate
The full article is on the link, I have taken what may be relevant:
Most mature pleasure geldings and non-producing mares doing only occasional light work need only the nutrients supplied by good quality grass hay. However, growing horses, lactating or heavily pregnant mares and horses in training or doing heavy work need large quantities.
Alfalfa is usually much higher in protein and energy that any of the grass hays, so less protein supplement and grain must be fed than when the roughage is a grass hay
Most of the concerns over dangers associated with hay center around alfalfa. Some of these concerns are of no consequence while some are very real. Many times I have been called to look at horses with "kidney problems" caused by alfalfa. Alfalfa does increase frequency and volume of urination but this is of no consequence unless the horse is deprived of water. The urine of horses fed alfalfa can develop a stronger ammonia odor and contain more crystals. This is because alfalfa is very high in protein and ammonia is a natural breakdown product when high protein levels are fed. The crystals are simply due to the fact that alfalfa has a high level of calcium and excess calcium is excreted this way.
Alfalfa hay does not cause kidney problems.
Dave Sparks, D.V.M.
The full article is on the link, I have taken what may be relevant:
Most mature pleasure geldings and non-producing mares doing only occasional light work need only the nutrients supplied by good quality grass hay. However, growing horses, lactating or heavily pregnant mares and horses in training or doing heavy work need large quantities.
Alfalfa is usually much higher in protein and energy that any of the grass hays, so less protein supplement and grain must be fed than when the roughage is a grass hay
Most of the concerns over dangers associated with hay center around alfalfa. Some of these concerns are of no consequence while some are very real. Many times I have been called to look at horses with "kidney problems" caused by alfalfa. Alfalfa does increase frequency and volume of urination but this is of no consequence unless the horse is deprived of water. The urine of horses fed alfalfa can develop a stronger ammonia odor and contain more crystals. This is because alfalfa is very high in protein and ammonia is a natural breakdown product when high protein levels are fed. The crystals are simply due to the fact that alfalfa has a high level of calcium and excess calcium is excreted this way.
Alfalfa hay does not cause kidney problems.
Dave Sparks, D.V.M.