Wheat vs Linseed for weight gain without the fizz

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samhorse

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Following on from my previous post, thoughts please on wheat rather than micronised linseed for weight gain. Something recommended in my feed store so would be interested in your experiences before making decisions
 
Wheat is not usually fed to horses, it is very high in starch, low in fibre and I am not sure in what form it would be fed.
Linseed is oil rich and a small amount will make a difference without the dangers of high starch levels, it can be added to the feed gradually without other changes being required because it is easily digested.
 
Was probably the starch but back in the day no-one would feed wheat because it was considered to risk laminitis. I think that may have been due to ponies who got into the farm store and gorged on it (major starch overload and corresponding imbalance in the large intestine) but I'm not sure whether you can get it rolled or cooked - whole it wouldn't be a lot of use because of the hard outer shell.
Barley was what I always used to use for weight gain (micronised) but because of the starch it still needs feeding little and often. Otherwise plenty of top quality fodder, if you can get a horse to eat lots of that you are on the right lines.
 
Wheat would have to be fed cooked and flaked (micronised) - never whole or bruised. It is high starch and therefore fast release energy so would/could contribute to fizziness. You can also upset the hindgut if any undigested stuff excapes digestion in the foregut so really wouldn't go that route. Linseed Meal or Full fat soya will provide oil and protein, amuch safer way to provide energy without fizz and you have to feed much less of it to get the desired effect which in turn, means you have to feed less which keeps the gut health ok. Feed forage, forage , forage too :)
 
Im not sure why she would reccomend wheat, its high is starch, low fibre so fast release energy = fizz. linseed is high in oil and low in starch whilst being high in calories without the fizz. its also good for hooves, coat ect. No brainer really. I get mine from farmandpetplace.com for £24 including delivery. 2 mugs a day, lasts ages. :)
 
Was she talking about wheatfeed or middlings? This is an excellent food for weight gain. I've had faster results with this than linseed!
If you do feed it don't forget to feed alongside sugarbeet or alfalfa to keep the calcium/phosphorus levels right.
 
be positive said:
Wheat is not usually fed to horses, it is very high in starch, low in fibre and I am not sure in what form it would be fed.
Linseed is oil rich and a small amount will make a difference without the dangers of high starch levels, it can be added to the feed gradually without other changes being required because it is easily digested.
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^^^^6
this
always go for an oil based option to feed with fibre rather than a starch based product which is usually cereal based.
 
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