Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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Dr. Getty
Hi Jennifer,
If at all possible, have your new hay analyzed to make sure that the protein content is not above 10-12% crude protein. This is because mules (and donkeys) should not have too much protein and could cause digestive upset (as well as laminitis).
To make the transition easier, I would add a prebiotic to their diet each day. This consists of "fermentation products" that feed existing microbes. The product I often suggest is called Ration Plus (which you can look at to see what it contains). But, if this type of product is not available, go with a probiotic (contains live microbes). These are easy to obtain. Give your horses a dose twice a day to keep the hindgut bacteria in good condition.
From what you describe, softer manure is generally not a problem and should get better as your mules adjust to the new hay. The concern would be if they had runny diarrhea.
Keep me posted!
Dr. Getty 
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
I'm back with another question.
Our two mules are on grass hay 24/7 and three hours pasture now. The hay we feed is very high in fiber, not very nutritious and while this has lead to my molly growing a tad too thin in the winter it has eliminated any kind of diarrhea (or "cow poop" to get a better vison of it, haha!) which I used to find one to three of in the dry lot in mornings.
Now this year we have a different supplier who was able to bring in the hay earlier, so now the new hay will be more nutritious, very good quality and less coarse than the old hay.
I'm afraid the transition might lead to upset digestion (as in finding "cow poop" again...). We cannot mix old and new hay, they would leave the old behind.
So my question is, apart from feeding the new hay from small meshed hay nets so that they can't eat so fast, what can I do/ give to make the transition easier on the mules' digestion?
I'm in Germany, so if you would like to recommend products it would be best to tell me what ingredients exactly to look for, as very likely the US products are not available here.
Thank you!
Jennifer from Germany
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO
Thank you so much, Dr. Getty! I'll let you know how it went. Great advice, highly appreciated! :D
Jennifer from Germany
If at all possible, have your new hay analyzed to make sure that the protein content is not above 10-12% crude protein. This is because mules (and donkeys) should not have too much protein and could cause digestive upset (as well as laminitis).
To make the transition easier, I would add a prebiotic to their diet each day. This consists of "fermentation products" that feed existing microbes. The product I often suggest is called Ration Plus (which you can look at to see what it contains). But, if this type of product is not available, go with a probiotic (contains live microbes). These are easy to obtain. Give your horses a dose twice a day to keep the hindgut bacteria in good condition.
From what you describe, softer manure is generally not a problem and should get better as your mules adjust to the new hay. The concern would be if they had runny diarrhea.
Keep me posted!
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Germany
How did you locate this forum? internet research
Hi Jennifer,
Glad to help!
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Lika A Horse
Jennifer from Germany
If at all possible, have your new hay analyzed to make sure that the protein content is not above 10-12% crude protein. This is because mules (and donkeys) should not have too much protein and could cause digestive upset (as well as laminitis).
To make the transition easier, I would add a prebiotic to their diet each day. This consists of "fermentation products" that feed existing microbes. The product I often suggest is called Ration Plus (which you can look at to see what it contains). But, if this type of product is not available, go with a probiotic (contains live microbes). These are easy to obtain. Give your horses a dose twice a day to keep the hindgut bacteria in good condition.
From what you describe, softer manure is generally not a problem and should get better as your mules adjust to the new hay. The concern would be if they had runny diarrhea.
Keep me posted!
Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO