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[RC] feeding for the cold weather (Susan G?) - A. Perez

 For the first time this winter, the forcast for my area (D.C.
metro area) calls for overnight lows in the single digits.  I
field board my TWH gelding and my 20-month-old filly of unknown
origin.  They are in a 20 acre field with about 20 horses, with
a dense wind-break of cedar trees they like to huddle in during
the cold weather.  They get grain in the AM only because it's
pitch black when I get home from work and trying to get them in
the dark to feed is a major hassle (playing 'find-the-herd' is
bad enough during daylight hours).  I avoid blanketing if at all
possible, so I am wondering if during these cold snaps I should
adjust my feeding to provide extra calories.  I do up their
grain (Purina Complete Advantage with Glanzen 3 supplement) by
about 25% (from 2 to 2.5 scoops, probably about 5 lbs at most)
on really cold days.  I've read here (from Susan G? I think)
that alfalfa is a 'heating' feed: would adding some alfalfa
pellets help my guys stay warm?  Or would oil be better?  In a
perfect world I'd up their hay allowance but unfortuantely
that's beyond my control unless I buy extra hay for all 20
horses, which is not going to happen.  I should add that I have
never seen any signs that either of my critters are
uncomfortable - no shivering, but I have not checked in on them
at 3:00 am when the temps are at their lowest.  So far I have
seen no signs of weight-loss, which is what I want to avoid
(along with blanketing).

Comments/suggestions?

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