Re: Sweet feeds & performance

VMAXEPT@aol.com
Thu, 16 Jan 1997 23:22:53 -0500 (EST)

Part of the problem with the packaged sweet feeds is you dont know for sure
what is in it.
The molasses can cause problems. I posted on this b4.. the molasses mfgr for
animal use adds many chemicals that prevent mold.. one is ethyiquine ..sp..
it is deadly builds up in the liver. they also use anti-freeze to keep it
flowing in the winter.. the vats get 'gunked' up .. for these reasons alone i
stay away from sweet feed.
i have found by using oats corn beet pulp rice-bran and ABC Power Plus/
Energy I am able to mix a ration for each horse.. what each one requires, not
as some mill thinks my horse needs to be fed.

I like to believe the performance and recoveries are better.. and that is not
really proven.. I do believe there can be a problem with molasses feed during
a race.. sugar high then low.. of course some of the things we feed during a
race can produce the same effect.
cost of buying grains seperate is higher.. wounder why sweet feed is cheaper
then good steam cleaned oats and clean corn?? maybe a quality thing here.

also consider most seet feed has some form of 'supplement' pellet added.. i
prefer to select my own additive from a mfgr who makes the stuff.

watch purina athelete in hot humid rides.. i did have problems with recovery
when using that supplement. its in omelene 200 also.

if i were to use a mixed feed i would get all grain.. no pellets and most
likely use a major mfgr like purina.. and as stated b4 keep protein low 10%
on grown horses.

Roger R