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Discussion on Cubes for 2 yo?
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Member:
Galatea
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 8, 2004 - 12:34 pm:
Hi Dr. O,
I posted several months ago about my TB gelding, who, at the time, was diagnosed with Physitis in both front knees. With a feed change (no more alfalfa) and supplemental feed formulated for non-alfalfa diets he came out of the brief episode quickly and now looks completely normal with no enlargment. My vet didn't see the need to take radiographs as he was not in training and never once took a lame step. Thankfully his Physitis was very mild and caught early and had a good resolution.
He has now turned 2 and we are moving barns so he can be put into light training. The barn feeds cubes (60% alfalfa 40% grass). With the history of Physitis should I be concerned about adding alfalfa back to his diet at this percentage? Would it be wise to feed a small amount of Rice Bran or other high phosphorus feedstuff to offset the high calcium in the alfalfa, or is he old enough now to tolerate the imbalance better? By special arrangement it may be possible to have him on Cubes AM and Grass Hay PM, but I only want to pursue that if it's your opinion that 60% alfalfa in cubes is too high for a horse with his history. Thanks very much for your help, as always.
nicole
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Member:
Galatea
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 11, 2004 - 3:39 pm:
Does anyone have any input about feeding cubes to a 2 yo? And experiences? Thanks.
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 13, 2004 - 11:39 am:
Galatea,
Our colt has eaten 70/30 alfalfa/oat hay most his life. He started eating them at about 8 mo. and has never had a problem. Our friends feed only the 70/30 cube to their herd of thirty, ages from 2 to 35. They had one that was 42 and eating cubes just fine but he has passed on now (not from the cubes either ).
Good day,
Alden
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Member:
Presario
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 13, 2004 - 12:56 pm:
I personally wouldn't worry about a 60 alfalfa/40 grass balance. It's the 100% high quality alfalfa (or close to that) which can cause problems.
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