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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.

And finally, look for my articles in a variety of local publications and online newsletters, as well as the Horse Journal, where I am the Contributing Nutrition Editor.  

 

All the best,

 Dr. Getty 

 



Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Re:GROWING RATE

"I HAVE A AN 8 MONTH OLD FILLY(PAINT), AS SHE IS MY FIRST (YOUNG)HORSE...I WAS WONDERING, WHAT IS THE BEST DIET FOR HER.,AS I AM ALSO IN QUESTION ABOUT HER SIZE!, I WAS TOLD BY HER BREEDER THAT SHE SHOULD BE ABOUT 15-2 HANDS WHEN GROWN,.SHE IS "BETTER BONED" THAN OTHER FILLY'S HER AGE,ALTHOUGH SHE IS SHORTER, SHOULD I BE CONCERNED??...MY VET TOLD ME THAT SHE HAS GOOD BONE, AND SHOULD GET BIG!, BUT MY FARRIER,SAID SHE WON'T!,....DO THEY HAVE "GROWTH-SPURTS" AT CERTAIN AGES??

Where are you from? OJAI,CA.

How did you locate this forum? LOOKING UP A HORSES DIET

Re: Epiphisytis

Hi Dena,

While I cannot help you predict her adult height, I can tell you that it will depend on her receiving adequate and correct nutrition in order to help her reach her potential.

Growing horses require a full complement of minerals, so a commercial feed designed for growth, fed at directions, or a supplement such as Mare/Foal IIP, for growth, is appropriate.

You'll also want to evaluate your hay for its lysine content, since growing horses need at least 44 grams of lysine (an essential amino acid) per day. If you're not sure, consider supplementing lysine.

Add alfalfa to her diet to provide the additional protein and calcium she needs. She should get approximately 30% of her hay intake from alfalfa.

And, finally, stick with low starch -- too much starch (and sugar) can lead to osteopathic disorders in growing horses. So, avoid sweet feeds that are cereal-grain based.

All the best,

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO