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At 11:51:16 on 18.09.09, farasi wrote: http://www.stanceequine.co.uk/horsefeedproductslist.php This is a relatively new concept to the British feed market, really work a look, this is suitable for horses with al sorts of problems, and those who are barefoot. It is suitable for laminitis, and I love it as it says no other supplements will be required, as in this day an age most feed rooms have more supplements in them than horse feed! And I have always believed a good balanced ration has no need for added extras (unless there is a specific problem). This product also recommends a suitable amount to feed, as if I followed the guidelines on my current feed bag my horse would eat a whole bag of food in 5 days, and just by looking at him you can see that would be a total waste of money, it would go in and pass right out of him!!!! Please have a look and post your views on it. I am starting this feed next week as my local feed merchant is going to stock it for me, so I will keep you all updated, but remember posts will be slow as I have to gradually change the feed over and wait to feel the benefits too.
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At 17:05:50 on 20.09.09, Angelalain wrote: I have to say that I don't remember the name, but I had a sample of a coconut based feed, and our old boy wouldn't give it the time of day! But he is a fussy blighter, so hope you have more success. Even my pony wasn't keen, she ate it, but not with any enthusiasm.
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At 08:25:32 on 21.09.09, Flicka wrote: You wouldn't have thought that Coconut was a natural thing for horses to eat-what do they say about why they use it? Mind you I give my horses Seaweed as a supplement!! It's an interesting point you make about how if you feed a large amount of feed in one sitting, as some feed makers recommend, that a lot of it gets passed out the other end without being absorbed. I knew about that myself but am not sure of the figures. How much is the gut capable of utilizing in each feed-does anyone know??
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At 10:11:44 on 21.09.09, farasi wrote: After feed particle size is reduced through chewing and feed is mixed with saliva in the mouth, it moves down the esophagus and into the stomach. The stomach stores, mixes, digests and propels feed into the small intestine. Very little of the feed nutrients are absorbed in the stomach. Proteins and carbohydrates are only partially digested in the stomach, and fats are only slightly hydrolyzed before the food passes into the intestine. The stomach of the horse contains about 10% of the capacity of the intestinal tract compared to about 70% for ruminants. This means the horse's stomach has only 14% the capacity for feed as the mature ruminant and cannot handle large amounts of feed at one time. On the other hand, if the stomach remains empty, the excess gas produced can cause the stomach to rupture, leading to death. Therefore, the horse must eat frequent, small portions of feed to avoid overeating and possible injury from colic, laminitus, or damage to the stomach. Once in the horse's stomach, feed passes rapidly into the small intestine. Feeding a large meal limits the mixing action of the stomach and may prevent feed from coming into sufficient contact with gastric secretions in the stomach. This can have a negative effect on feed digestion. A horses stomach is most efficient when only half full. Capacity is 12 to 17 litres, ideally you want to only put half that amount in at any one time, to gain the full benefit.
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At 20:55:26 on 03.10.09, farasi wrote: My feed has arrived thought you may like to see a picture of it!
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At 21:00:06 on 03.10.09, farasi wrote: I am gradually introducing it to them in with their current feed, and hopefull in next week or so they will be on this fully. First night I put it in feed I just used that small blue scoop that I put in the bag. One did not even bother and ate feed as normal, the other started eating feed stopped turned his top lip up then carried on eating, they are fine and have not refused to eat it or left any feed. They are TB's who are supposed to be fussy!!! If you hate the smell of coconut, this is not the feed for you, my feed room smells of macaroons when you open the feed bin lid, and its a lovely smell makes me feel hungry! What will take a bit of getting used too is how little you feed of it, I know I will feel like I am starving them when they move completely on to it!
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At 22:13:32 on 06.10.09, farasi wrote: Horses have no problem with it, happy to eat it and feed bowls all clean, another week then will just be on coconut food, then can see how they do on that. One thing I have noticed with the horses now being on a cereal and sugar free diet the amount of hay they eat has increased, long gone are the days of two sections a night and on comes half a bale if not more, with not an ounce of waste. which is very interesting as all were on cereal diet this time last year. Looks like I need to get more hay in for this winter. Bedding change too as all barefoot!
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At 22:00:39 on 07.12.09, farasi wrote: Horse look great on the feed, love it eat it no problem. Don't have to feed huge amounts. Lovely shine, and enough petrol in the tank. A friend uses it now and has problems getting her horse to eat it, but still mixes it with cereal feed, also the introduction must be gradual, tiny amounts to begin with, all too often the change is too quick and too much, as it is a feed they would never have come accross before and after lovely cereal mixes to go to this would be a shock!
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