abi
Intermediate Sh*t Shoveller
Posts: 593
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Post by abi on Oct 4, 2008 18:43:50 GMT
arund this time of year sox lacks energy- last year it was so bad we thought she had a virus, but she didnt.
now the grass is dying off a bit, shes lethargic again.
shes currently fed a scoop of chaff, 4 mugs of paddock cubes and one and a half scoops sugarbeet a day- would it be better to increase this feed (she gets fed twice a day) or change it to a mix or higher energy feed?
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Post by lizziebrandy on Oct 4, 2008 21:40:31 GMT
I think just adding a bit of energy food, but not to much to make her hyper.
Its a problem I know because my ponio always goes ultra lazy in autumn, but I found rugging up has helped, no need for him to change coats or keep warm then. But genrally I have to just wait till winter to get energy back.
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Post by fleabitten on Oct 5, 2008 11:46:47 GMT
hmmm... i would maybe go for a higher energy mix but i think it would be best to speak to a nutritionist  |
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Post by racaille on Oct 5, 2008 19:51:27 GMT
This is difficult Abi ....
If this has happened before and you had her checked out by a vet, then I imagine you are sure there is nothing physically wrong with her. I'm not sure I can be of any real use to you as we have no grass-fed horses (there isn't any grass but that does make it easier as you can tell exactly what each horse is eating when you have to dish it out yourself).
But if this is a seasonal thing it strikes me that she could be using more of her feed energy to keep herself warm - assuming that later on when it gets really cold you rug her up?
I would be tempted to up her hay ration rather than the hard feed.
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Post by maximum on Oct 5, 2008 21:39:26 GMT
I think you need to choose a feed company and ask their advice- they are the experts.
Have you had he blood tested? It could be a lack of vitamin B12 which means she is not utilizing the feed you are giving her correctly. a simple injection will help if it is that
BUT
I agree with Racaille that she may be using her energy to keep warm and it could be as simple as rugging her and more hay- the process of actually digesting fibre gives an internal heating system the 'hay burn'. I dont like to increase the amount of cereal but it may be what she needs.
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Post by fleabitten on Oct 6, 2008 18:17:55 GMT
maxi - the mention of the B12 really rung a bell - i cant believe i forgot about it because i used it with connie. She got the injection, plus propell plus which is a B12 supplement a good few days in the week to keep her eating. Then again she was nearing 30!
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