Undernourished Horses
When a horse looses weight, he looses his fat first, just as we humans do, and then the muscle tone goes next. By the time you actually see a weight-loss, your horse has already lost a significant amount of weight. Usually a horse has a large amount of fat in reserve that he has stored during summer months to prepare himself for the cold winters. As with many animals, it is inherent in their nature.You must monitor your horses weight regularly, especially if he is prone to weight loss or a "poor keeper". A "poor keeper" is a horse that is hard to keep a stable weight on and must be monitored to make sure he doesn't get sick. They sell "tapes" that you use once a week to measure certain areas of the horse. This tape is about 90% accurate. There are of course scales you can set up to weight your horse, but the tape is accurate and cheap enough for most people needs.
If your horse needs more weight, feed more grain than your horses usual portion. Use a feed that is higher in fiber and lower in starch as this reduces the chances of your horse from getting too hyped up from the added energy. More protein and energy intake builds weight. Low energy feeds can be fed from 1kg to 6 kg without your horse going thru the roof with energy.
If you don't have good grazing land, offer more hay during the day to provide extra roughage and nutrients. Fresh coastal or alphalpha grass is preferred, but the hay will still provide "gut fill" which creates heat from the process of fermentation. Try to stay away from large round bales as they can develop mold and are not suitable for horses.
Always consult your veterinarian if you are unsure how to best feed your horse to build weight. They can suggest a good nutritionist that can guide you in proper feeding and supplements.
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 9:12 AM
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