How should I go about this?????

doodlebug · 04-04-2008, 02:45 PM

how should I go about switching feed I am currently feeding my TWH/QH mare 10 lbs of Purina Stratagy but decided to switch her to Seminol wellness show and sport which I'm only supposed to feed 1.5 lbs a day with such a difference in amounts I don't know how to work this please help

Dawn · 04-04-2008, 07:21 PM

If you're having to feed 10 lbs of Strategy to maintain condition, you'll likely have to feed more than 1.5 lbs of the new feed to maintain condition. Unless some other part of the diet is changing.

I also think you might be mistaken about the amount of feed needed unless your horse is 600 lbs or less.

2.5 lbs is the minimum amount for a 1000 lb horse idle through moderate work. Max amounts would range from 10-15 lbs depending upon which work class he fell into.

doodlebug · 04-05-2008, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawn

If you're having to feed 10 lbs of Strategy to maintain condition, you'll likely have to feed more than 1.5 lbs of the new feed to maintain condition. Unless some other part of the diet is changing.

I also think you might be mistaken about the amount of feed needed unless your horse is 600 lbs or less.

2.5 lbs is the minimum amount for a 1000 lb horse idle through moderate work. Max amounts would range from 10-15 lbs depending upon which work class he fell into.

I knew I must have missed something I didn't see where it said feeding rate is per 100 lbs

stupid me

countryacres · 04-05-2008, 08:55 AM

I would say changing it over several weeks. Just slowly ad more of the new feed and less of the old feed until you are on just the new feed.

twistedwire · 04-05-2008, 08:59 AM

10 pounds of strategy is really a LOT of feed-which would make me feel nervous about extra nervous energy, colic, and founder.

Yes, switch it over time-gradually is key. I usually mix about 3/4 old feed with 1/4 new feed for a day or so, then a bit less than 3/4 and more than 1/4, then half and half, then 3/4 new, 1/4 old, then a bit less, then just new.

If that makes any sense...

Dawn · 04-06-2008, 05:29 AM

You can usually go by percentages or fractions. But when you're dealing with larger volumes of feed, I (personally) think you should do it more by weight. It's not quite as crucial here since you're lowering the amount, not raising it.

If you're going to be going from 10 lbs of strategy to say 4 lbs of the new feed.

If it were me with a horse that didn't seem to be at risk for any complications. I would decrease the Strategy by 2 lbs every 4ish days. And add the new feed in at about 3/4 lb as you decrease the Strategy.

04-04-2008, 02:45 PM	#1
doodlebug Full Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: bushnell, florida Posts: 123 Images: 32	How should I go about this????? how should I go about switching feed I am currently feeding my TWH/QH mare 10 lbs of Purina Stratagy but decided to switch her to Seminol wellness show and sport which I'm only supposed to feed 1.5 lbs a day with such a difference in amounts I don't know how to work this please help __________________ http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com...orse_thumb.jpg http://www.horsegroomingsupplies.com...057s_thumb.jpg

04-05-2008, 08:55 AM	#4
countryacres Senior Member+ Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,192 Images: 65 Blog Entries: 1	I would say changing it over several weeks. Just slowly ad more of the new feed and less of the old feed until you are on just the new feed. __________________ The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse's ears. ~Arabian Proverb It's a lot like nuts and bolts - if the rider's nuts, the horse bolts! ~Nicholas Evans Be yourself b/c those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

04-04-2008, 07:21 PM	#2
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,484 Images: 1390	If you're having to feed 10 lbs of Strategy to maintain condition, you'll likely have to feed more than 1.5 lbs of the new feed to maintain condition. Unless some other part of the diet is changing. I also think you might be mistaken about the amount of feed needed unless your horse is 600 lbs or less. 2.5 lbs is the minimum amount for a 1000 lb horse idle through moderate work. Max amounts would range from 10-15 lbs depending upon which work class he fell into.

04-05-2008, 08:59 AM	#5
twistedwire Full Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 69	10 pounds of strategy is really a LOT of feed-which would make me feel nervous about extra nervous energy, colic, and founder. Yes, switch it over time-gradually is key. I usually mix about 3/4 old feed with 1/4 new feed for a day or so, then a bit less than 3/4 and more than 1/4, then half and half, then 3/4 new, 1/4 old, then a bit less, then just new. If that makes any sense...

04-06-2008, 05:29 AM	#6
Dawn Senior Member+ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 31,484 Images: 1390	You can usually go by percentages or fractions. But when you're dealing with larger volumes of feed, I (personally) think you should do it more by weight. It's not quite as crucial here since you're lowering the amount, not raising it. If you're going to be going from 10 lbs of strategy to say 4 lbs of the new feed. If it were me with a horse that didn't seem to be at risk for any complications. I would decrease the Strategy by 2 lbs every 4ish days. And add the new feed in at about 3/4 lb as you decrease the Strategy.