Amanda Auman
Auman Farms
Posted:
2/15/2010 | Alfalfa Cubes used to help make hay last
This is the first winter that it looks like we are going to have hay problems. I have 6 horses that are on no work schedule as of now because of the deep snow and lack of indoor arena. They are turned out however. Each horse is fed about 2 flakes of hay per feeding depending on if they wasted the previous feedings amount. I'm looking into using alfalfa cubes to try and make my stored hay last. I'm not real sure how much to feed each horse though, does anyone have any ideas that could help me out? |
Deb Weiler
Willow Creek Stables of Lebanon
Posted:
2/16/2010 | Re: Alfalfa Cubes used to help make hay last
While I have not used it to extend my hay, I do use the hay cubes for my older horses that are unable to eat regular hay. Both of the horses which weigh about 1200 labs each get 1 large scoop of cubes, this is a 3 quart scoop I think, (I know that if if fill the scoop with pelleted feed the weight is about 2.75lbs.) I place the cubes in a 1 gallon bucket and fill with water till cubes are just covered and let soak overnight. Neither horses has had a weight loss and seem content with what they get. I have another horses that get Beet Pulp, that may be another alternative. Whichever route you take be sure to introduce slowly. |
Dorothy
JAC Equestrian Training
Posted:
2/18/2010 | Re: Alfalfa Cubes used to help make hay last
I feed alfalfa cubes to suppliment my hay and on the 50 lb bags, the manufacturer has instructions to feed 1% of the body weight of the horse. If it is a 500 kg tote, with no instructions, contact the manufacturer. As it is winter, my 1,000 & 1,098 lb horses each receive 15 lbs of hay split into three feedings, I feed them 5 lbs (less then what the manufacturer recommends) of cubes as their fourth feeding. As Deb says, introduce it slowly. They get alot of hay because both are hard keepers and they need it even if they are idle.
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Joe
Stable
Posted:
2/20/2010 | Re: Alfalfa Cubes used to help make hay last
It is all good until something happens, then it come down to the vets. Is your vet cute and do you pay her well? |
Cathy
Left Hand Percherons
Posted:
2/20/2010 | Re: Alfalfa Cubes used to help make hay last
Cubes replace hay at the same weight. Weigh your hay then figure out the same weight of cubes. If you're replacing grass hay with alfalfa cubes, you will be adding slightly more calories (5-10% depending upon quality) but not enough to worry about. |
