limestone query

[tashyisaudrey]

Just wondering - is it true that you can only feed limestone to young horses, as it can have reverse effect on older horses? A friend of mine said she fed her horse limestone supplement and that now her mare has a splint as a result. If this is true, then why do so many feeds have limestone in it? confused ......

 

[pocket]

Hi, I have never heard of this and feed it with biotin to help with feet problems. Have always fed it in small quantities and all my horses have been fine

Also feeds like bran deplete horses of calcium, adding lime stone will counteract this. If this is a problem then obviously, I would stop using it and would like to see the evidence that your friend has come up with for my own interest as stated above

 

[not_with_it]

Ive always been taught that limestone is only really needed if you are feeding straights such as oats or bran to balance things out. Most mixes on the market are balaced so limestone isnt really needed. It definatly wouldnt cause a splint, its more likely the hard ground thats done that!

 

[tashyisaudrey]

I find it very confusing - some chaffs seem to have it in.

 

[allijudd]

i have always fed limestone..it is a very old type of supplement that was always fed with bran and straights...it balances the calcium to phos ratio......

on the plus side it is good for bones and feet and a damn sight cheaper!