 |
Re: [RC] [RC] Beet pulp. - Ridecamp GuestPlease Reply to: Nicole z_arabs@xxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================== Perhaps I am mistaken, but I thought the goal of using beet pulp was to get roughage and water into the gut as efficiently as possible. We use the hard, molasses-free pellets and let them soak at least 12 hours. We then add the appropriate grain/feed/supplements for each individual horse, and then additional water to make a sloppy mash. We have assumed there is virtually no nutritional value to the pulp itself. Since the primary risk to the horse is dehydration why wouldn?t you soak as much water into the pulp, regardless if it is pellets or shavings? << While I agree with you that *one* of the benefits of feeding soaked beet pulp is to get water into your horses, it's certainly not the only goal. Beet pulp is 10% protein & 18% fiber. It is far from lacking in nutritional value. I would suggest you take a look at Susan's breakdown on beet pulp: http://www.shady-acres.com/susan/beetpulp.shtml Beet pulp is GREAT stuff for hard keepers, and particularly for older horses and metabolically challenged horses (Cushings, IR, laminitic). As for the sugar content in beet pulp: I totally agree that the residual sugars or even added molasses in beet pulp should not be enough to cause any problems for normal healthy horses. The horses where rinsing and draining are a good idea are those that are NOT normal & healthy. And, this whole thread started over a horse that is being tested for IR -- if that horse should test as IR, rinsing & draining would be a good idea, IMO. And FWIW, most of my horses seem to prefer their beet pulp really wet and sloppy with lots of extra water. My special needs horse likes it that way, and she also appears to like it even more now that I rinse, drain, and then add a bit more water to make it sloppy again. Oh, and if you haven't read it, you *must* read the "Beet Pulp Safety Warning" on Susan's site. :-) ~Nicole =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
|