Ridecamp: Re: [RC] feeding program for 2 yr old

> Hi all- just purchased a 2 yr old Arab filly and would greatly appreciate
> some advice regarding feeding for optimal future.  I do not have access to
> pasture so she is in a moderately large paddock with nearly daily turnout
for
> exercise but no grazing opportunity.  As she is at a boarding stable, she
is
> currently getting their routine forage- alfalfa in the AM, oat in the PM.
I
> shudder at the alfalfa but wonder if it's OK with a growing horse....She's
> not being "worked" so I don't know if any supplementation  is needed. I'm
in
> northern CA- notoriously selenium deficient area. This is my first young
one,
> so those who are so inclined please help me out!  Thanks!!


A couple of points:
1) The alfalfa being an issue depends on how much is being fed.  If it's
less than 50% of the forage ration, and so much isn't being fed that it's
essentially free-choice, you're probably okay there.  Personally, I prefer
only 25% of the forage ration being in the form of alfalfa for young horses,
as there's some empirircal data that free choice alfalfa produces a
significantly higher incidence of developmental orthopedic disease.

2)  Any extra supplementation at this age doesn't depend so much on whether
she's being worked, as it does on providing the minerals, amino acids and
vitamins that growing tissue (especially bone) requires.  You can just add a
vitamin-mneral supplement, but my strong personal preference for horses
under three is to feed a commercial feed formulated for growing horses.
There are just too many easy errors to make that will effect the long-term
quality of the bones and connective tissues.  You might consider seeing if
your barn will provide some foal/growth pellets, possibly as a partial
replacement for some of the alfalfa?  As to what brand, there are lots---I
like Buckeye Grow N' Win alot, and it's concentrated enough that you only
have to feed a pound or two a day to get a good nutrient profile.  Might be
difficult to find in CA, though.  I like the Purina line as well, it's what
I feed my kids.  If you feed a local brand, take a look at the guarenteed
analysis tag---you want something that's between 14-18% protein (don't get
wigged by the percentage, you're only feeding a small amount), with soybean
meal listed somewhere in the ingredients list---there are other protein
sources, but soybean meal is most likely to provide the right amino acid
profile.  You want zinc at somewhere around 220 ppm (the same as mg/kg), and
copper somewhere around 55-60 ppm.  Both of those minerals are especially
critical to the yowens.

3)  Next point, if your kiddo really doesn't have access to grazing, try to
include a regular dose of carrots.  The commercial mixes do contain vitamin
A, but there's some research that it's not nearly as well utilized as
naturally-derived carotenes, to the point that horses maintained solely on
the synthetic versions can still develop deficiencies.  Vitamin A is a biggy
in producing good, strong tendons and ligaments, regardless of age, so do
what you can to hand walk over to some grass, hand out some carrots or some
other dark green veggie (my guys go nuts when I bring them the bolted
leftovers from my garden's spinach beds).

4)  Last point, whatever you do, don't let your kid get fat.  Shouldn't be a
walking hatrack, either, but just in good condition without being plump.
Fatness (or conversely, extreme thiness as well, though that usually relates
to protein deficiency) is the strongest connection there is between
nutrition and DOD, because too much energy in the diet translates to rapid
body mass being put on without a concurrent increase in bone tissue.
Result, orthopedic problems.  So keep her in good condition, but not too
skinny and not too fat.

5) Oops, forget about the selenium.  Before you go supplementing for
Northern California conditions, make sure your hay is actually being grown
in Northern California---soil selenium content can vary widely just down the
road in So Cal or other the mountains into NV.  If your hay is local (and
you're right, therefore probably deficient), ask your local vet what his
recommendations are for supplementing, he/she will have a better handle on
local conditions.  If the supplement also provides some extra vitamin E, all
the better.

Don't forget to put out free choice salt as well.  Have fun with your new
kid.  My filly just turned two as well and I wish I had more time to go play
with her, she's a hoot.

Good luck,
Susan G



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