Feeding question for the experts

[Stinkbomb]

Now i was always brought up that you should try and feed your horse at least 2% of their bodyweight a day. I understand how to calculate hard feed and hay obviously, but how do you decide how much of their grazing is contributing to this amount???

 

[Chex]

I tried to find this out before, but didn't get very far! Found it was near impossible to calculate without knowing exactly how much your horse takes in each mouthful and how many hours a day they eat for, quality of grass etc. I did find a rough guide, but I can't for the life of me think what it was or where I found it

 

[custard]

[ QUOTE ]
how do you decide how much of their grazing is contributing to this amount???

[/ QUOTE ] I too have often wondered this, let me know if you find out!

 

[lilym]

i *think* i read somewhere, that a 500kg horse can take in upto 11kg of grass over a 24 hour period....i just guess lol!!

 

[maggiehorse]

i just look at the horse , if its in good condition its getting enough feed from the grass alone , we compete our tbs in summer purely off grass , if they need supplimenting i go for alpha a oil with competition mix , but fibre is the most important part of thier diet

 

[rubyred]

I work on the principle that a horse in its natural enviornment will eat for 18 hours a day (if thats correct). As mine do their resting whilst they are in, for the most part, I reckon that 12 hours in the field equates to roughly 65% of their required intake. From that point I adjust acording to body condition. Please correct me if this sounds like complete nonsense!