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[RC] {RC] Rice bran and beet pulp - Nat NelsonI raise APHA and AQHA halter horses and have several tricks of getting a horse to put on weight ;) Alfalfa hay has approx. 1,000 calories per lb, beat pulp has 1,059 calories per lb - so yes they are about the same in calories. However, beat pulp can help increase calories in a grain ration without the risks of grains. Oats are 1450 calories per lb, barley 1620 per lb. To reduce the risks of over graining you can add "safe" calories into the mix - beat pulp is one of those safe calories substances. Beat pulp is considered more of a fiber than a grain. Rice bran has 1,550 calories per lb is a little higher in calories - however it is a high energy feed and can make your horse hot. So if your horse gets hot on grain, stay away from the rice bran. Other high calorie sources are vegetable oils which are approx. 1,000 calories per cup, and commercially made weight supplements,
such as Farnams Weight Builder. I recently learned of purge worming, and have used it on my halter horses to help aid in gaining weight. The thought process behind it is to rid the horse of all parasites, so the horse can process their food more effectively. The active ingredient Fenbendazole found in Panacur and Safeguard is what is used in order for it to work properly. You can order "Power Pacs" of both products from Valley Vet, Jeffers or Country Supply and use as directed. Probiotics are also beneficial to get the horse's systems to utilize their feed efficiently, therefore allowing weight gain. I highly recommend Ration Plus. Several of the commerically made weight gaining supplements contain probiotics as well, if you wish to go that route. Two of my favorite weight gain supplements that contain probiotics are Hard Keeper Solution made by Vita Flex and Su-per Gain Weight by Gateway.
If your problem is your horse won't clean his bucket up . . . then top dress his feed with Anise seed - it is a natural appetite enhancer. You can buy Anise seed in bulk at health food stores or natural grocery stores such as "Sprouts". Just feed 1 to 2 tbsps once daily. I hope this helps, ~Nat~ Buckeye, AZ >>It was suggested I start AJ on rice bran and beet pulp to help keep his weight on. Since he is being ridden alot his weight just keeps dropping. Nothing is wrong with him physically just not holding the weight. I was giving him athlete but my friend I ride with said rice bran and beet pulp
might be the answer. Any suggestions would be appreciated. He eats Perfect 10 at this time.>>
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