|
|
Post by cschory on Jul 3, 2010 21:36:50 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
I have a 9 year old gelding that I got off the track about 2 years ago. I have been trying to put more weight on him. I've been using weight builder and beet pulp and it seems to be working to a certain point and then never really seems to progress. He has access to hay all day, but he picks at it and doesn't seem to really want to gobble it down. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
|
Post by niaru on Jul 4, 2010 7:53:09 GMT -5
I would try a gastric aid and see if that helps. It helped my mare who was a picky eater and wasn't skinny, but wasn't thriving either.
I put her on Neighlox for a month, and could see a difference in her appetite within a week. She's currently on Ugard pellets and she'll probably get those for a while as I've been very happy with her weight and attitude.
You can of course also get the "big guns" and dose the horse wih Omeprazole (Ulcergard or GastroGuard) for a week and see if it makes a difference.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lisann on Jul 4, 2010 8:55:55 GMT -5
What sort of hay is he getting? An alfalfa or alfalfa mix may be more palatable to him, and they tend to have more calories. If it's tastier, he'll eat more. Other factors that can restrict weight gain this time of year are bugs. Are you able to keep him in under fans during the day?
|
|
|
|
Post by cschory on Jul 5, 2010 11:24:35 GMT -5
Thanks for info. I'm not sure if his issue is gut related. He always eats his oats and beet pulp - never leaves a bit behind, he just ignores his hay (which is a Timothy mix). I gave him alfalfa cubes for a period of time, but they did make him noticably hotter. Not fond of that  However, I think I might try the Ugard and see if it works. P.S. He does have fans! Plus, I give him a feed through bug repellent. He is spoiled  |
|
|
|
Post by Big Tee© on Jul 5, 2010 20:14:45 GMT -5
I would try some different hay, if at all possible. I have never had a horse eat timothy willingly.
|
|
|
|
Post by fancyhorse on Jul 8, 2010 13:59:44 GMT -5
I'd also ad 1 cup of Veg. oil to his feed. Performance Plus 606 seems to be helping mine tack on the weight as well...
|
|
|
|
Post by CC on Jul 10, 2010 11:19:46 GMT -5
If the timothy is cut early, ours love it! Once it gets too mature, it might as well be bedding!
I have had great luck feeding Triple Crown Senior for weight gain and maintenance. It is a bit pricey but really seems to do the trick and has not caused any of ours to get hot.
|
|
|
|
Post by easychoice on Jul 10, 2010 20:10:24 GMT -5
Also add a pro-bio
|
|
|
|
Post by bonesmom on Jul 10, 2010 21:22:19 GMT -5
Agree on the Senior Feed. I feed my gelding Step 6, it has really helped put weight on and keep it on. He also seems to like it.
I also have heard pro-biotics are a good addition, but I haven't tried that.
We feed an 29-year-old TB with barely any teeth Fibre Max and soaked alfalfa cubes, and he carries great weight. Don't know if that would be appropriate for your horse.
|
|
|
|
Post by manders445 on Jul 12, 2010 13:47:41 GMT -5
Cocosoya has worked wonders for my guy! Not only is his weight finally maintaining but his coat looks gorgeous!! Through Big D's it's also very easy on the wallet which always helps
|
|
|
|
Post by bonesmom on Dec 7, 2010 17:45:39 GMT -5
Just wanted to throw this out there, because I have had major problems with getting and keeping weight on Bones.
Along with his pellets (step 6), beet pulp, and vitamins, I have been feeding him rice bran for 2 months now, and I can tell you, the stuff works. He has started to finally put weight where there never was before.
I have also been doing lessons with him, working on him building up his hind end and back, getting him to reach into the bit, and his flexibility. I think this has also helped to make him look like a horse rather than a stick figure.
|
|
|
|
Post by flingndirt035 on Jun 18, 2011 15:01:18 GMT -5
The best advice i have from having track horses in our family all throughout my life is first and foremost make sure they are worm free. They pick up so many different things at the tracks.
Once you take a stool sample to the vet and rule that out, a probiotic will help to stailize your guy internally and assist in getting the most out of your feed. I would start with a basic feed along with beet pulp shreds, vegetable oil and red vinigar... Beet pulp is good for carbs. Vegetable oil is cool calories and wont make your horse "high" like canola oil will and red vinigar will help to disperse and utilize the fat.
We keep a mineral block out and feed alfalfa to some of our older off the track mares... I have never been a big fan of these big fancy weight builders because all they really are is fats and vitamins... And thats what your essentially feeding with the above mentioned steps.
|
|
However, I think I might try the Ugard and see if it works. 
