I just want to as much info as possible before deciding on a feed for my broodmare. I am currently feeding her southern states solutions, which is 14% protein and 6% fat plus some soaked beet pulp (which she really isn’t to fond off but will eat), but she is a VERY VERY hard keeper and know that I need to switch her over to a “broodmare” feed. I was looking at the Legends mare and foal, it’s a 16% protein, 4% fat. Is this a good feed, especially for such a hard keeper, do I add something on top of it, like rice bran, or beet pulp? What about the TC 30% supplement? I forgot to add that she gets about 14quarts of the solutions and about 1 1/2 quarts beet pulp (before soaking), like I said she gives new meaning to HARD keeper :eek:. Thanks for everyone’s advice!!!
Have you tried any fat supplements with her? It’s no doubt that the fact she is pregnant will only exacerbate the hard-keeper status, but I’d imagine there are a handful of supplements safe for use in foal. I had a lot of luck with rice bran oil on my hard keeper (though not a broodmare). I especially liked it because it didn’t involve pouring feed into her at such an excessive rate. Also, she always had free choice hay and I think that helped as well. Safer alternative to supplements, but can be pricey depending on your location/hay prices.
As far as feed brands, Legends is good in the South, though I really liked Seminole… all my horses (breeding, competing, growing) are on it down here. FABULOUS product, very healthy/natural…
If she is a hard keeper, I highly recommend Buckeye Cadence Ultra. It has good protein and very high fat. I use it with Buckeye Gro N Win for my lactating mares and it keeps them in super weight and glowing.
Also, I have found that hard keeping mares often have ulcers and that they can really benefit from gastro gard followed by maintenance with Foxden Equine’s Tractgard.
