Query for anyone feeding oats.

E

Evelynmary

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 September 2008
Messages
159
Visit site
I have been feeding oats for two or three months and the result has been more energy without insanity.

This morning I schooled earlier than usual and he was super-charged and fantastic. I am wondering if its possible this was due to the time between feeding to the time he was schooled. He was fed two hours before I got on him. Has anyone noticed that the time lapse between feeding oats and schooling/competition has an affect on performance? If so what is the optimum time?

My understanding has been that oats kick in at about four days. But, although fed regularly, do they also produce a quick energy boost?

Sorry, not sure my question is particularly clear! Hope someone can make sense of it, thanks.
 
I think he was probably just feeling lively this morning. If you want to test you could go back to riding at your normal time and then ride early again and see if he is the same.

Grains are quite hard to digest (unless you are soaking them) so I would have thought two hours was too soon for any turbo effect. If it's any help, it was nippy here this morning and my two (both fed oats) were buzzing when we went out
grin.gif
 
Yes, he was fresh! But it was more than being fresh, the energy was sustained throughout the session. When he's fresh he "gets over it" once he's been convinced he has to work! It really felt as if he was 'on' something! YO commented how good his rhythm was throughout - he's an idle chap and avoids work by prevarication and varying rhythm is one of his usual wiles.

Whatever the reason I wish I could replicate the moment!
 
Yep, you're quite right ChicoMio, I doubt he had time to begin to digest the oats. What a pity, would love to get the 'moment' again. Great to have an automatic accelerator and only having to use legs as intended, dressage so much easier when you have found the on button.
 
Posts crossed CM. Nope everything else just the same which made me wonder about feed times. Maybe try it again tomorrow and see if I get the same result. Thanks for your thoughts.
 
Actually, feeding grain can cause a marked increase in blood glucose two to four hours after feeding. If exercise is started with a high blood glucose there is also a secondary effect of adrenaline release. That, combined with the cold weather is probably why your horse was buzzier than usual.

To avoid this it is better to feed any grain 4-6 hours before exercise, especially if you are competing as the glucose/insulin/adrenaline response can affect performance.

The energy in oats is from starch, which is digested and released quicker from oats than any other grain. So in answer to your other question, yes they do provide an energy boost even if fed regularly. Although the overall energy is less than in barley and maize it is released quicker into the bloodstream, hence its reputation for a 'heating' effect.
 
Thank you teddyt. I'm really interested in your explanation and quite sure he was experiencing the effects you describe. This morning I was able to use the buzz to my advantage and would certainly like to take into a competition environment if it can be harnessed, he was fantastic! Of course, if I can't keep it under control I will be in difficulties.

Its really good to use the Forum to understand our horses better. Thanks again.
 
Glad i could help. Would just add that if you are doing a short competition, such as SJ, then that may help. However, for XC or a ODE or say several dressage tests in one day it would be better not to feed a couple of hours before. Instead feed 4-6 hours before. This is because the glucose/insulin response is detrimental to stamina and you will find the extra help is short lived, followed by a 'slump' in energy, just when you need it!
 
Thanks again teddyt. I've been thinking about this some more and did wonder about a 'slump'. I only compete at dressage, usually doing two tests. We're out next week and will try feeding four hours before first test and see if we can capture some of the ommph but avoid a slump.

Its been a really interesting topic for me. I have struggled to find a diet that suits him, now I'm learning to manage it. You never stop learning!
 
This is very interesting but could someone answer what the difference is between naked, bruised, rolled and whole oats??? Does one produce more energy than another?
 
Whole oats are exactly that, they are the whole grain. Naked oats have the outer husk removed, so they are lower in fibre. Bruised are where the outer husk is slightly damaged and rolled it has been damaged a bit more by rolling. Traditionally the latter two were said to improve digestability. In reality though the horse can digest whole oats just as easily so it is fine to feed whole oats. Once they have been processed they need to be fed within 3 weeks otherwise the air makes them go off, so whole oats are also better practically.

Except for naked oats, depending on the quality they have the same amount of energy, just differing amounts of fibre. i.e. if you had a sample of each from the same batch of oats they should have similar energy. Naked oats have more energy per kg because the outer husk is removed.
 
Interesting post. I've been thinking alot about oats today, following on from the post of price of feed.

Can anyone tell me are they suitable for horses not in work but as part of a 'straights' diet. I have fed compound feeds for years and never oats on the basis they would be over heating. But as a base feed rather than an extra to the compound would they be suitable?

Sorry I'm not making myself very clear! it would be for a retied horse and an unbroken 4 year old. Would another straight grain be more suitable?

thanks.
 
Not really. They have a very poor calcium to phosphorus ratio, not ideal for a young nor an old horse.

Cereals are not ideal for horses full stop really because of the starch content.

A cheap way of feeding and better for the horse would be grass, ad lib hay and if more energy for condition were needed unmollassed sugar beet, soaked alfalfa nuts and a high oil chaff such as D&H Fibergy.
 
Thanks again, I shall stick to what they are on now then, which is pretty much as you described, chaff and sugar beat, only with too much mollasses! I've got my linseed soaking tonight too so hope that will help with their coats over the winter too.

All very helpful thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top