Feeding Oil

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Cobalt

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Does anyone do it these days?

I used to give my pony a glug of sunflower oil in his evening feed, but that was years ago and after a 15 year break from horses I notice no one does this anymore. Not sure if its because there's enough oil in preparatory feeds or its just gone out of fashion.

Any thoughts?
 
Cobalt said:
Does anyone do it these days?

I used to give my pony a glug of sunflower oil in his evening feed, but that was years ago and after a 15 year break from horses I notice no one does this anymore. Not sure if its because there's enough oil in preparatory feeds or its just gone out of fashion.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

I don't think it has gone out of fashion but many people are now using linseed rather than oil, feed very little, never use mixes or cubes but do give linseed if I want to add some oil to the feed they do get, it is very palatable, more so than oil can be and has other benefits for their general health.
 
Oil does tend to be less used now. There is more research about the potential issues with pressed vegetable oils and pure oils are far more expensive. But I suspect the main driver is that micronised linseed is cheap, readily available, doesn't go rancid (as quickly - it will in time) and easier to feed.
 
I feed rapeseed oil called Equine R-Oil and only 50ml a day for big horse.
In the summer when she works harder she goes up to around 100ml and if I had concerns about weight in winter I'd increase too.

I use a 25ml syringe to add to her feed so very easy and no mess :)
 
millitiger said:
I feed rapeseed oil called Equine R-Oil and only 50ml a day for big horse.
In the summer when she works harder she goes up to around 100ml and if I had concerns about weight in winter I'd increase too.

I use a 25ml syringe to add to her feed so very easy and no mess :)
Click to expand...

Thanks
 
It depends on what you are feeding oil for. I looked up the oil mentioned by the poster above - its great for vitamin E support which you need if you are feeding for support for a broodmare. But it is really low in Omega 3 and 6 compared to something like linseed. You need Omega 3 if you feed a cereal based diet (Cereal based diets are often low in Omega 3) or are feeding for immune support, skin or joints. If you are feeding for weight gain / weight support you need a higher rate of fatty acids - again the oil above is actually quite low in that compared to others. But is is absolutely the highest oil in Omega 9 if you want the antioxidant and vit E.
 
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