Oats for weight gain

[ashlingm]

I was just wondering which way you all fed oats for weight gain? Whole or rolled? Soaked or not?

I have fed barley in the past but always got a much better result from oats. Haven't fed it in years so I'm sure it's all different now!

 

[leflynn]

I feed micronised oats and don't soak them as its not practical time wise I know PS/NMT feed theirs soaked

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

rolled and soaked overnight in cold water

 

[Birker2020]

I was always under the impression that oats were fed for 'heat' i.e. energy requirements and that barley was fed for weight gain. I used to feed Burgess Supa Barley rings for my first horse who never put on a shred of weight. Also Baileys number one which was a cereal mix.

I would have thought that something that is specifically made for weight gain would be more suitable, although much more expensive.

I stand to be corrected though if I am wrong.

 

[Cragrat]

If you feed more energy than they use, it will be stored and show as weight gain. Barley contains more starch, therefore more energy, but it is poorly digested by horses. Things like barley rings try to address the digestibility.

Feeds specifically designed for weight gain tend to be oil based, often soya oil. That can raise issues with the omega 3 and 6 balance, which may be of concern especially for older horses with arthritic changes.

Personally, I feed rolled oats (£8.30 / 25kg from an agricultural store) soaked over night with the UMSB, and micronized linseed.

 

[Goldenstar]

I always feed oats and linseed if the horses need a little more condition I just use bruised .

 

[whizzer]

My poor doer does very well on oats. I've fed whole soaked but seems to do as well on rolled. He turns down most food but loves oats!

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

I was always under the impression that oats were fed for 'heat' i.e. energy requirements and that barley was fed for weight gain. I used to feed Burgess Supa Barley rings for my first horse who never put on a shred of weight. Also Baileys number one which was a cereal mix.

I would have thought that something that is specifically made for weight gain would be more suitable, although much more expensive.

I stand to be corrected though if I am wrong.

Oats are lower starch than barley (and barley lower than maize).

oats actually have a very high fibre content and soaking them makes them more easily digested. Proof is in the pudding as our very feed reactive horse piled on topline when we introduced oats but DID NOT heat up on them as he does on alfalfa,rice bran,sugar beet,peas,maize,seaweed and many other things (!).

Once the 3yo is under saddle he will probably get them too, to build him up for stallion grading.

 

[amandaco2]

I feed soaked whole oats. Work brilliantly for mine