free choice grain?

lbequ4002 · 10-30-2009, 11:00 AM

sounds crazy but i recently read an article in equus i think about it being better for horses. it made a lot of sense to me. my horses are all in good weight some are a little overweight but they all go crazy at feeding time. Does anyone do this? if so what kind of concentrate do you use?

dunamovin · 10-30-2009, 11:24 AM

WOW!

I can't imagine giving mine free choice grain. I might as well call the vet before they start eating. My little pigs would all colic

Hideaway · 10-30-2009, 11:33 AM

I could see maybe an automatic feeder that fed small portions through out the day but I don't know how you would feed completely free choice. I have pigs too and they'd never stop until it was gone. Perhaps if you started them as babies it may be possible ...

pagcam · 10-30-2009, 11:36 AM

Haven't done the research; but I'd be pretty wary. . . I know a breeder who grains his pasture daily; there's about thirty head, and he uses a cattle trough, and it's a two hour process making sure no one eats so much they colic or shows any sign of colic afterwards.

Red Gate Farm · 10-30-2009, 11:45 AM

I wouldn't do it. May as well give kids free choice sugar

MoneyPitFarm · 10-30-2009, 11:49 AM

OMG I could NOT imagine this with my Fatties!!!! My Appy pigs out on hay as it is and very rarely do you see her step away from the hay bale!!!!

Horsie Michelle · 10-30-2009, 11:50 AM

I read the article as well. I think if it's done right and with care and caution, as the article pointed out, it could probley be very effective.

I personally don't do it but we do offer free choice hay (in slow feeder bags). I noticed when I first start doing this they wouldn't leave the bags...now they walk away do their thing and it's not an all out gorge fest until it's gone like it used to be.

theoldbear · 10-30-2009, 05:10 PM

Folks here used to feed this way. Stood a stallion, and "free choice grain" fed the broodmares. They wound up having to sell their place to pay the damages when a high-dollar mare foundered. The sad part was that the stud owner was an M.D. Should have known better!

He'd dump two or three bags of Omolene 300 in a long trough and here would come the mares! The one that foundered was a big Impressive bred QH mare, agressive and dominant and a pig. Sadly, the owners kept her alive as exhibit A until the lawsuit was over, and then put her down. She had just retired after a successful show career, and this was to be her first (of many high dollar) foal.

singing tree · 10-30-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theoldbear

Folks here used to feed this way. Stood a stallion, and "free choice grain" fed the broodmares. They wound up having to sell their place to pay the damages when a high-dollar mare foundered. The sad part was that the stud owner was an M.D. Should have known better!

He'd dump two or three bags of Omolene 300 in a long trough and here would come the mares! The one that foundered was a big Impressive bred QH mare, agressive and dominant and a pig. Sadly, the owners kept her alive as exhibit A until the lawsuit was over, and then put her down. She had just retired after a successful show career, and this was to be her first (of many high dollar) foal.

Wow, that is a sad story. I read the same article, and was not sure just how it would work either. I don't think the insulin resistant horses (Haffies, ponies, Morgans) would be good candidates for sure - which would rule all of mine out! Perhaps a hard keeper TB might be able to handle it. Just not sure....

algae · 10-30-2009, 05:44 PM

That's odd, I've never heard of that. My horses would probably be walking lumps of fat if I did that or they'd be colicing.

Kingpin · 10-30-2009, 06:07 PM

Just say NO!

Chrystalstar · 10-30-2009, 06:46 PM

I'm not a big fan of feeding grain at all. The only horses that get grain here are the ones that are truly underweight-- my old stallion, but he is also on senior feed, my young stallion who runs his weight off, and the weanlings get oats and foal ration. These horses all so get all the hay they can eat. The babies will be off grain by Jan, as I don't like them to grow to fast or get too fat as it's just not good for their joints. The rest of the horses do just fine on browse and hay in the winter.

Horselady44 · 10-30-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theoldbear

Folks here used to feed this way. Stood a stallion, and "free choice grain" fed the broodmares. They wound up having to sell their place to pay the damages when a high-dollar mare foundered. The sad part was that the stud owner was an M.D. Should have known better!

He'd dump two or three bags of Omolene 300 in a long trough and here would come the mares! The one that foundered was a big Impressive bred QH mare, agressive and dominant and a pig. Sadly, the owners kept her alive as exhibit A until the lawsuit was over, and then put her down. She had just retired after a successful show career, and this was to be her first (of many high dollar) foal.

thats so sad and horrible!
I too would def say NO! For one...it could...and probably would kill them or do ALOT of damage...and 2...grain is SOOO expensive! Grain should only be fed to horses that NEED it...and even then...it should be fed in small amounts not free choice...thats just unhealthy! IMO

Range · 10-30-2009, 08:07 PM

Just FYI, there are "all-in-one" feeds that are made for this. They are mostly forage and are larger chunks.

The idea is, you start with small amounts and leave it out there in feeders. When they get used to nibbling all day, you can increase it and not worry about founder or colic.

Probably would be better to start a horse that's used to all pasture than one used to daily feedings.

It would be better, health wise, since a horse really is made to eat consistently through the day. Having a daily feed time gets them wound up, excited, and introduces a rush of carbs into their systems...somewhat like when we eat a candy bar.

lbequ4002 · 10-31-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Range

Just FYI, there are "all-in-one" feeds that are made for this. They are mostly forage and are larger chunks.

The idea is, you start with small amounts and leave it out there in feeders. When they get used to nibbling all day, you can increase it and not worry about founder or colic.

Probably would be better to start a horse that's used to all pasture than one used to daily feedings.

It would be better, health wise, since a horse really is made to eat consistently through the day. Having a daily feed time gets them wound up, excited, and introduces a rush of carbs into their systems...somewhat like when we eat a candy bar.

That's what I'm trying to find out more about Range. I do not agree with dumping Omelene 300 that's begging for trouble. I'm interested in what you would use. My guys get free choice hay and pasture and still get crazy for their feed so I was just wondering if it would really work and there would be less pasture drama.

Range · 10-31-2009, 09:38 AM

Purina has an all-in-one, can't remember its name, though.

Then there's one called One and Only.

sj2004 · 10-31-2009, 10:16 AM

Wendlens make the One N Only, Nutrena makes Equine One, and I forget the name of Purinas. Some tractor supplies carry X-factor but those are the only "grains" I know to be free choice. And they aren't really grains. Like Range said, they are mostly fiber. I feed the One N Only to my old horses and love it! It takes them forever to eat any way and they eat the same amount whether I just leave a days ration out or split it up into two feedings.

fishing_trex · 10-31-2009, 12:01 PM

I've heard of the feeders that dump a little feed every now and then. I know my horses would stand there and the dominant mare would get most of everything anyway. I've see this happen in other herds with free choice hay. Even thought the dominant horse isn't eating, she'd keep all other away from the hay. We bought a horse a year and a half ago that was in a large field with four other horses and a big bale and he was thin as a rail because the lead mare guarded the hay. We have come to find that he is a terribly easy keeper, so she must have not let him have much of anything. If it gets that bad with hay, I can't imagine what would happen with feed, even if it is mostly roughage.

I can see giving some sort of free choice grain (even the complete feed) for a horse that might need it due to age, teeth, etc.

I suppose much of this depends on the horse, its health, herd dynamics, etc. But it's something I would never do -- I don't feed grain, but even if I did, I think I'd prefer to know exactly how much each horse was getting.

recklesshoundog · 10-31-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Range

Just FYI, there are "all-in-one" feeds that are made for this. They are mostly forage and are larger chunks.

The idea is, you start with small amounts and leave it out there in feeders. When they get used to nibbling all day, you can increase it and not worry about founder or colic.

Probably would be better to start a horse that's used to all pasture than one used to daily feedings.

It would be better, health wise, since a horse really is made to eat consistently through the day. Having a daily feed time gets them wound up, excited, and introduces a rush of carbs into their systems...somewhat like when we eat a candy bar.

I can see that theory. It's all about trying to make an unnatural lifestyle more natural fo rhorses. I too saw the original post and was like YIKES! but a specially formulated blend makes more sense.

singing tree · 10-31-2009, 12:18 PM

I still think it would be hard with the easy keepers. I can't even leave mine on pasture full time...

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10-30-2009, 11:00 AM
lbequ4002 Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Central AL Posts: 962	free choice grain? sounds crazy but i recently read an article in equus i think about it being better for horses. it made a lot of sense to me. my horses are all in good weight some are a little overweight but they all go crazy at feeding time. Does anyone do this? if so what kind of concentrate do you use?

10-30-2009, 11:24 AM
dunamovin Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: where the blacktop ends Posts: 182	WOW! I can't imagine giving mine free choice grain. I might as well call the vet before they start eating. My little pigs would all colic

10-30-2009, 11:33 AM
Hideaway Started Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: PA Posts: 2,627	I could see maybe an automatic feeder that fed small portions through out the day but I don't know how you would feed completely free choice. I have pigs too and they'd never stop until it was gone. Perhaps if you started them as babies it may be possible ... __________________ Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History

10-30-2009, 11:36 AM
pagcam Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 19	Haven't done the research; but I'd be pretty wary. . . I know a breeder who grains his pasture daily; there's about thirty head, and he uses a cattle trough, and it's a two hour process making sure no one eats so much they colic or shows any sign of colic afterwards.

10-30-2009, 11:45 AM
Red Gate Farm Started Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,362	I wouldn't do it. May as well give kids free choice sugar __________________ "Humans is sneaky" - Scotty

10-30-2009, 11:49 AM
MoneyPitFarm Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 124	OMG I could NOT imagine this with my Fatties!!!! My Appy pigs out on hay as it is and very rarely do you see her step away from the hay bale!!!! __________________ When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When you're my age and you fall off, you splatter. ~ Roy Rogers

10-30-2009, 11:50 AM
Horsie Michelle Yearling Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Summerfield, FL Posts: 910	I read the article as well. I think if it's done right and with care and caution, as the article pointed out, it could probley be very effective. I personally don't do it but we do offer free choice hay (in slow feeder bags). I noticed when I first start doing this they wouldn't leave the bags...now they walk away do their thing and it's not an all out gorge fest until it's gone like it used to be. __________________ ~~"All that we love deeply becomes part of us" ~~ Helen Keller

10-30-2009, 05:10 PM
theoldbear Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Arcadia, Florida Posts: 771	Folks here used to feed this way. Stood a stallion, and "free choice grain" fed the broodmares. They wound up having to sell their place to pay the damages when a high-dollar mare foundered. The sad part was that the stud owner was an M.D. Should have known better! He'd dump two or three bags of Omolene 300 in a long trough and here would come the mares! The one that foundered was a big Impressive bred QH mare, agressive and dominant and a pig. Sadly, the owners kept her alive as exhibit A until the lawsuit was over, and then put her down. She had just retired after a successful show career, and this was to be her first (of many high dollar) foal.

10-30-2009, 05:44 PM
algae Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 258	That's odd, I've never heard of that. My horses would probably be walking lumps of fat if I did that or they'd be colicing. __________________ Proud 'owner' of: RogueBellaCottia

10-30-2009, 06:07 PM
Kingpin Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lancaster, Ky Posts: 728	Just say NO! __________________ Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's the result of something...hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication. Roger Staubach

10-30-2009, 06:46 PM
Chrystalstar Halter broke Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 185	I'm not a big fan of feeding grain at all. The only horses that get grain here are the ones that are truly underweight-- my old stallion, but he is also on senior feed, my young stallion who runs his weight off, and the weanlings get oats and foal ration. These horses all so get all the hay they can eat. The babies will be off grain by Jan, as I don't like them to grow to fast or get too fat as it's just not good for their joints. The rest of the horses do just fine on browse and hay in the winter.

10-30-2009, 08:07 PM
Range Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 6,739	Just FYI, there are "all-in-one" feeds that are made for this. They are mostly forage and are larger chunks. The idea is, you start with small amounts and leave it out there in feeders. When they get used to nibbling all day, you can increase it and not worry about founder or colic. Probably would be better to start a horse that's used to all pasture than one used to daily feedings. It would be better, health wise, since a horse really is made to eat consistently through the day. Having a daily feed time gets them wound up, excited, and introduces a rush of carbs into their systems...somewhat like when we eat a candy bar. __________________ "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all... you just might get it all, and then some you don't want." Chris Daughtery

10-31-2009, 09:38 AM
Range Kid Safe Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 6,739	Purina has an all-in-one, can't remember its name, though. Then there's one called One and Only. __________________ "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it all... you just might get it all, and then some you don't want." Chris Daughtery

10-31-2009, 10:16 AM
sj2004 Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 13	Wendlens make the One N Only, Nutrena makes Equine One, and I forget the name of Purinas. Some tractor supplies carry X-factor but those are the only "grains" I know to be free choice. And they aren't really grains. Like Range said, they are mostly fiber. I feed the One N Only to my old horses and love it! It takes them forever to eat any way and they eat the same amount whether I just leave a days ration out or split it up into two feedings.

10-31-2009, 12:01 PM
fishing_trex Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,432	I've heard of the feeders that dump a little feed every now and then. I know my horses would stand there and the dominant mare would get most of everything anyway. I've see this happen in other herds with free choice hay. Even thought the dominant horse isn't eating, she'd keep all other away from the hay. We bought a horse a year and a half ago that was in a large field with four other horses and a big bale and he was thin as a rail because the lead mare guarded the hay. We have come to find that he is a terribly easy keeper, so she must have not let him have much of anything. If it gets that bad with hay, I can't imagine what would happen with feed, even if it is mostly roughage. I can see giving some sort of free choice grain (even the complete feed) for a horse that might need it due to age, teeth, etc. I suppose much of this depends on the horse, its health, herd dynamics, etc. But it's something I would never do -- I don't feed grain, but even if I did, I think I'd prefer to know exactly how much each horse was getting. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.

10-31-2009, 12:18 PM
singing tree Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hartville, Ohio Posts: 1,025	I still think it would be hard with the easy keepers. I can't even leave mine on pasture full time...