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Discussion on Too much protein for adult horses?
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Member:
Etesta
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Posted on Friday, Oct 17, 2003 - 1:57 pm:
Our grass/alfalfa hay was analyzed at 20.4% protein. Right now our adult horses are on pasture with supplementation of the hay so the protein is probably all right. However, once the snows come, all they'll get is the 20.4% stuff. Is that amount of protein harmful to adult horses in moderate to light exercise, winter climate?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Oct 18, 2003 - 10:58 am:
Though you often hear that this much protein is hard on the kidneys there is no proof of this in otherwise healthy horses. However other problems are associated with feeding straight alfalfa do to the high mineral, in particular calcium, content. Specifically enteroliths (hard concretions) in the intestines that result in impactions are highly correlated with high alfalfa diets. It would be a good idea to find a good quality grass hay and mix the two for the winter.
DrO
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