which is the best for putting on condition?

[popsicle]

Ordinary Sugar Beet (Unmolassed) or Alfa Beet (Sugar beet with Alfalfa) Needs to be un molassed versions though as horse has tied up in the past. She doesn't seem to like Alfa Beet much. Do you think Sugar Beet has more or less cals?

 

[Chico Mio]

I use unmolassed sugar beet as a slow energy release feed, rather than a weight/condition feed. I feed straights so I don't know about the nutritional vlues of manufactured feeds. I do know I would not be feeding alfalfa (the baled plant) as it contains a lot of protein, which can cause tying up. Many straights feeders use soaked oats or barley to add condition.

There is a comparison chart for beet on this site:

http://www.shady-acres.com/susan/beetpulp.shtml

 

[popsicle]

Thanks Chico Mio. That is very, very interesting. Think I shall go back to Molassed Sugar Beet. Seems the sugar content is pretty much the same as a few apples. Thanks again.

 

[TGM]

Normal mollassed sugar beet (like Supabeet) has a sugar content of 20% and has 12.5 MJDE/kg (horsey calories)

Unmollassed sugar beet (like Speedibeet) has a sugar content of 5% and has 12.4 MJDE/kg

AlfaBeet has 10.5 MJDE/kg.

 

[ottodyl1]

If you put azoturia in search there have been some articles in H&H previously. One advocated use of unmolassed oil-based alfalfa chaff and unmolassed sugar beet.

 

[KatB]

I would go with Speedibeet tbh! As TGM says the MJDE/Kg is more than alfa beet.

 

[maggiesmum]

I'd use coolstance copra instead, its a coconut meal which is fed wet like sugar beet but which is high oil and low sugar and starch. Its great for putting condition on.

 

[1chestnutmare]

Equi jewel is better, been feeding alpha beet and other for years - had my 33 year old for 20 years now. got equi jewel as is last chance - yes expensive but you feed 1-4 cups a day. He has put on unbelievable topline going into winter. everyone is shocked.