colts

Question
i have a seven month old paint . i can feel ribsand the back of his buttocks are is indented ion both sides. i feed him ultium 13/4 cup in the morning and night-also 2 flakes of hay 3 times a day.. What could i change in the food to fill him out

Answer
Hi Lucille,

To ensure that your young horse grows to his potential, it is a good idea to balance his ration.  This will ensure that he has enough energy to grow and maintain body weight, have enough protein to build muscle, and enough mineral to develop healthy bones and joints.  The Ultium Growth is a good choice of feed for your young horse, perhaps we just need to find the correct feeding rate.  I calculated a quick ration for you using my new 'Ration-X' ration balancing software, and came up with an Ultium feeding rate of 2kg (or 4.4lbs per day).  Feeding rate of hay for any horse should always be free choice, so make sure he always has hay available (the minimum amount should be 5.92kg (or 13lbs) per day. This ration will accommodate your horse's growth and allow enough extra for a safe weight and muscle gain. I ran the program making a guess at your horse's body weight and an estimate of hay value but I could make a more accurate ration if you provide me with your horse's actual body weight and a hay analysis (or a description of what kind of hay you are feeding).

You will also want to ensure that your young horse is not burdened by parasites so establish a good worming program.  If you are unsure of what product to use, your local veterinarian can help with that decision.  

If you try this diet, make sure your horse is parasite free, and don't see any improvement within 2-3 weeks then you may want to try a good quality pre-biotic or pro-biotic that is yeast based as it will help ensure the health of your horse's hindgut and help maintain body condition.  The Ultium has yeast included in it, but an additional source may be more therapeutic.

I hope that is of some help, and if you provide me with more info about your horse I would be happy to balance his diet more accurately.

Thanks, Corlena