Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
Welcome to my forum.
Here you will find more than 6 years of questions and my answers. It is searchable and offers a great deal of information.
Currently, I am discontinuing new questions. This may change in the future, but in the meantime, please know that It has been a true pleasure serving you.
Take a look at my Nutrition Library and Tips of the Month for a variety of answers on selected topics. Be sure to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter, Forage for Thought.
I also have a growing number of recordings on "Teleseminars on Nutrition Topics that Concern You" as well as the new, Spotlight on Equine Nutrition Series -- printed versions of favorite teleseminars.
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
Hello Jean,
Feeding the alfalfa is the best way to go since it provides the additional protein and calcium that they require. To balance this, I would suggest that you also offer a forage energy source such as beet pulp or rice bran, instead of so much corn. Corn is one of the least digestible grains for horses and over time, can result in an increased risk of insulin resistance and even chronic laminitis.
If you would like to feed a grain, I would suggest oats that have been rolled (not whole). And, I would limit their intake to no more than 1 lb at each feeding. Beet pulp can be added to this for additional energy. It is a very economical source of calories that also has the benefit of slowing stomach emptying while being more efficiently digested.
Happy weaning!
Dr. Getty
