WWYD: horse loosing weight in summer heat

[MrsMontana]

I’ve got a mare that has been steady at a Henneke body condition score of 5, but we’ve had crazy 100 degree heat for weeks now and combined with steady work she is dropping weight. I was reviewing the descriptors and she’s at a 4 now, and I’m worried she’ll drop more.

Right now she gets free choice alfalfa- it’s always in front of her- and 6 pounds of Triple Crown Complete. Used to be Senior, but I switched to the Complete for the extra calories. (She gets a few supplements, too.)

I feed her once a day, and I am thinking the easiest way to get more concentrated calories would be be to up the amount of TC Complete I feed. (Instead of adding anything different and more complicated). She gets it all at one meal now, and I am wondering what amount folks feed of concentrate in one meal. I would really like to avoid having to drive out and grain twice a day, but heaven knows I don’t want a colic! Anyone feeding 7 or 8 pounds? Or is that just trouble, and up the grain but feed 2x/day?

Any other ideas? Thanks!

[DawningDreams]

You may try adding in oil for extra calories. Easy, cheap, and effective. Plus you don’t have as much of a risk of colic because you aren’t increasing the amount of concentrates. Slowly work up (you don’t want to cause diarrhea- a whole other bucket of problems!) to 1-2 cups and see if that helps.

[allons-y]

OP, try more fly protection also

My OTTB lost weight too this summer. His was mostly the flies, he runs away from them. I had to split up my herd of 3, put him alone. Alone, next to them, he wears his fly mask and shoo fly leggings. The other two wouldn’t leave those on him otherwise. I also doubled his feed – very frustrating with all the grass I have. It seems insane that he looses weight after the grass came in! Last year the bugs weren’t as bad, more mosquitos, less ‘Big Horribles’. I have no power to the barn so I can’t leave them in during the day. He gets fed twice daily, more now than in winter, gah

[Simkie]

Are you sure it’s not just dehydration making her look lean? My old lady definitely has some of that going on. Some salt in her grain can help her drink more.

[AppaloosaDressage]

Cool her down. Please. Have a friend who recently lost a horse to this. Feed 2x /day give her a fan and don’t let get dehydrated

[Palm_Beach]

@DawningDreams

You may try adding in oil for extra calories. Easy, cheap, and effective. Plus you don’t have as much of a risk of colic because you aren’t increasing the amount of concentrates. Slowly work up (you don’t want to cause diarrhea- a whole other bucket of problems!) to 1-2 cups and see if that helps.

^^This, and also make sure she has access to salt, and add electrolytes.

I wish the heat would drop my body score down to a 4 but no, it just makes me switch from wine to bourbon slushes.

[findeight]

Try adding electrolytes to her feed or just use table salt in the feed. It’s about water in this heat, not about upping the calories. Can’t recall ever knowing anybody free choice feeding alfalfa plus 6lbs of concentrate plus supplements.

Any horse that’s sitting at a 4 or better really doesn’t need more grain in scorching temps with high humidity and a 5 is the most you want to see in a healthy horse. Also a good idea not to put so much faith in your interpretation of the descriptors. There’s a great deal more that goes into determining if a horse is at a healthy weight when they are floating between a 4 and a 5. Most of them will drop some when they sweat and stomp flies all day.

It’s good you noticed some weight loss but it is most likely dehydration. Most of them will down at least 15gal a day in this heat and many need more. Be sure to check his water source and be sure it’s clean and add electrolytes or salt to get him drinking more. If you board out, don’t assume those buckets are getting topped off when you aren’t there.

[JB]

@MrsMontana

Right now she gets free choice alfalfa- it’s always in front of her-

Straight alfalfa and heat tend to not go well together. Electrolytes aren’t balanced, and all that alfalfa can actually increase internal temperature.

and 6 pounds of Triple Crown Complete. Used to be Senior, but I switched to the Complete for the extra calories. (She gets a few supplements, too.)

It’s an average of 50 cal/lb more, so you really didn’t gain much of anything other than an increase in NSC.

I feed her once a day, and I am thinking the easiest way to get more concentrated calories would be be to up the amount of TC Complete I feed. (Instead of adding anything different and more complicated). She gets it all at one meal now, and I am wondering what amount folks feed of concentrate in one meal. I would really like to avoid having to drive out and grain twice a day, but heaven knows I don’t want a colic! Anyone feeding 7 or 8 pounds? Or is that just trouble, and up the grain but feed 2x/day?

Any other ideas? Thanks!

6lb/feeding is already pushing the general rule of 5lb/meal so no, I would not increase that feeding.

I too am wondering if the “weight loss” is actual weight, or dehydration. All that alfalfa in that heat makes me very uncomfortable, as it automatically increases urine output to manage the high protein. Is there any way to replace 50% of it with grass hay?

[S1969]

@JB

6lb/feeding is already pushing the general rule of 5lb/meal so no, I would not increase that feeding.

I too am wondering if the “weight loss” is actual weight, or dehydration. All that alfalfa in that heat makes me very uncomfortable, as it automatically increases urine output to manage the high protein. Is there any way to replace 50% of it with grass hay?

Agreed, I would definitely not feed more if you can’t do it in two feedings.

I would also wonder if there is any way to measure what your horse is eating - it’s tough with free choice hay. Is she eating the same and losing weight, or is she eating less - and if so - why? (Dehydration, location of hay, etc.)

How is water consumption? (Same, more, less?)

Maybe part of the solution is changing the work schedule - different time of day and/or fewer workouts when it is so hot?

[warriorhorse]

@JB

Straight alfalfa and heat tend to not go well together. Electrolytes aren’t balanced, and all that alfalfa can actually increase internal temperature.

It’s an average of 50 cal/lb more, so you really didn’t gain much of anything other than an increase in NSC.

6lb/feeding is already pushing the general rule of 5lb/meal so no, I would not increase that feeding.

I too am wondering if the “weight loss” is actual weight, or dehydration. All that alfalfa in that heat makes me very uncomfortable, as it automatically increases urine output to manage the high protein. Is there any way to replace 50% of it with grass hay?

I feed straight alfalfa in summer never an issue,but my horse’s drink a lot of water. Op needs to split feeding into two feedings a day. Once a day works if only feeding 4 or 5 lbs a day. But heat and bugs make for weight loss in summer it just is what happens. Mine went from a bsc of 5 to a 4 since summer and heat ,plus working every day. I’m ok with it as long as they don’t lose anymore weight.

I’m feeding Tc 30% & empower boost, alfalfa when horse’s are in barn. Only 4 lbs of feed a day horse’s are a bsc of 4. They also are on pasture at night so getting just grass no alfalfa at night. What i’m currently feeding seems to work and can feed once a day grain.

[S1969]

@warriorhorse

I feed straight alfalfa in summer never an issue,but my horse’s drink a lot of water. Op needs to split feeding into two feedings a day. Once a day works if only feeding 4 or 5 lbs a day. But heat and bugs make for weight loss in summer it just is what happens. Mine went from a bsc of 5 to a 4 since summer and heat ,plus working every day. I’m ok with it as long as they don’t lose anymore weight.

I’m feeding Tc 30% & empower boost, alfalfa when horse’s are in barn. Only 4 lbs of feed a day horse’s are a bsc of 4. They also are on pasture at night so getting just grass no alfalfa at night. What i’m currently feeding seems to work and can feed once a day grain.

Well if your horses are on pasture overnight they are not getting just alfalfa. I don’t think the OP mentioned anything but alfalfa hay, so presumably there is no pasture at all.

That said, if horses have hay all day and are on pasture at night and are still losing weight, I’d be reevaluating something - turnout, fly protection, work load, etc. That’s assuming the pasture is actually providing enough; that definitely varies and some areas of my pasture are starting to wane in the heat without enough rain.

[JB]

@warriorhorse

I feed straight alfalfa in summer never an issue,

Good for you. Again, your sphere of the world does not make things true for everyone else. The facts are the facts about alfalfa - those are big reasons why Endurance riders will not feed all that alfalfa to their horses when they are in training. And no matter what, a straight alfalfa diet is very high in calcium and protein, and that has a negative effect on many horses.

But heat and bugs make for weight loss in summer it just is what happens.

And most people don’t accept that as just a matter of fact. Most people want to avoid it. Most people look to find out how they can minimize it, or at least keep it from being worse.

I’m feeding Tc 30% & empower boost, alfalfa when horse’s are in barn. Only 4 lbs of feed a day horse’s are a bsc of 4. They also are on pasture at night so getting just grass no alfalfa at night. What i’m currently feeding seems to work and can feed once a day grain.

So no, you aren’t feeding straight alfalfa, are you?

[MrsMontana]

Thanks for all the replies, guys! She does get 1 Tablespoon of salt with the grain, to encourage water intake, along with MSM, and U-7 (aloe vera juice based). Fascinating to hear concerns about alfalfa and heat. We’re in the mountain west, and alfalfa is the hay du jour here. She does really well on it, and I’ve never had any problems before. I remember long ago learning about the high calcium and protein, but as she was doing well, I wasn’t worried too much. Good reminder, thought, and will keep an eye out! I ride at 6 in the morning when it’s still nice and cool, but our workouts have upped in intensity the last month.

She used to have problems with ulcers and the alfalfa seems to help with that, too. But I’m glad to learn more and will keep an eye on her if she ever seems to have issues! Is hypocalcemia something you can check with a blood test? The next time I have the vet out I could do that as a way to check on her. We did have a blood panel workup in the spring and all was good then.

I think she isn’t eating as much hay, and upon reflection, she did this last summer, too. (Didn’t eat as much). No that I blame her. The heat always suppresses my appetite. (But then I want spiked lemonade so the calories don’t get cut She has an automatic waterer, so it’s hard to monitor water intake as much as hay. But I can definitely make sure it’s always working and clean. And I can do the rubbing alcohol/water rinse then scrape to make sure she’s cool post-workouts.

I think I will keep with the salt in her feed, and fly spray, and monitor. And if needed, I can add some oil, or even do two feedings with wet beet pulp or grass cubes to up her water intake. But great idea to make sure it’s not just dehydration!

Appreciate the ability to bounce ideas off of you all!

[Zu_Zu]

@JB

Straight alfalfa and heat tend to not go well together. Electrolytes aren’t balanced, and all that alfalfa can actually increase internal temperature.

It’s an average of 50 cal/lb more, so you really didn’t gain much of anything other than an increase in NSC.

6lb/feeding is already pushing the general rule of 5lb/meal so no, I would not increase that feeding.

I too am wondering if the “weight loss” is actual weight, or dehydration. All that alfalfa in that heat makes me very uncomfortable, as it automatically increases urine output to manage the high protein. Is there any way to replace 50% of it with grass hay?

^ This !

[warriorhorse]

@JB

Good for you. Again, your sphere of the world does not make things true for everyone else. The facts are the facts about alfalfa - those are big reasons why Endurance riders will not feed all that alfalfa to their horses when they are in training. And no matter what, a straight alfalfa diet is very high in calcium and protein, and that has a negative effect on many horses.

Never said it makes things true for others in different parts of usa. I feed what I can get thats decent quality and alfalfa is it. Grass hay is for most part is junk hay low quality. Again I’m aware not the case for others in other states.

And most people don’t accept that as just a matter of fact. Most people want to avoid it. Most people look to find out how they can minimize it, or at least keep it from being worse.

And I’m trying to avoid more weight loss, Alfalfa helps and is eaten way better, than grass hay. Aware what works for my horse’s doesn’t necessarily work for other peoples horse’s.

So no, you aren’t feeding straight alfalfa, are you?

When they go out on pasture no not feeding only alfalfa. Currently living in barn 24/7 so only straight alfalfa. Just saying what I feed, op can take or leave it.

[warriorhorse]

@JB

Good for you. Again, your sphere of the world does not make things true for everyone else. The facts are the facts about alfalfa - those are big reasons why Endurance riders will not feed all that alfalfa to their horses when they are in training. And no matter what, a straight alfalfa diet is very high in calcium and protein, and that has a negative effect on many horses.

And most people don’t accept that as just a matter of fact. Most people want to avoid it. Most people look to find out how they can minimize it, or at least keep it from being worse.

So no, you aren’t feeding straight alfalfa, are you?

Never said what I feed works for others in other parts of usa. I’m aware things are different for different parts of the country.
Nothing wrong with sharing what I feed. Didn’t say what I do is an be all end all, if op doesn’t like my info then ignore it…simple as that.

I’m trying to keep my horse’s from getting thinner, by feeding what they are currently on. No not on straight alfalfa when they go out to pasture. Currently horse’s are living in barn 24/7 so on alfalfa only free feed.

So I’m minimizing weight loss by keeping horses in barn out of bugs ,and out of blazing heat. Again not saying I’m right or anyone else should do the same. It’s what works here.

If it doesn’t work else where, then do what works for you and your horse’s. Never claimed to know it all maybe what I do is totally not right…but it is what it is.

[Simkie]

@warriorhorse

They also are on pasture at night so getting just grass no alfalfa at night.

@warriorhorse

Currently horse’s are living in barn 24/7 so on alfalfa only free feed.

Huh?

[JB]

@warriorhorse

Never said what I feed works for others in other parts of usa. I’m aware things are different for different parts of the country.
Nothing wrong with sharing what I feed. Didn’t say what I do is an be all end all, if op doesn’t like my info then ignore it…simple as that.

Just curious why you regularly share what you’re doing, when it usually has nothing to do with helping the OP - not just this thread, but many of them. You feed less food than the OP does, which clearly is not helpful.

No not on straight alfalfa when they go out to pasture. Currently horse’s are living in barn 24/7 so on alfalfa only free feed.

So I’m minimizing weight loss by keeping horses in barn out of bugs ,and out of blazing heat. Again not saying I’m right or anyone else should do the same. It’s what works here.

If it doesn’t work else where, then do what works for you and your horse’s. Never claimed to know it all maybe what I do is totally not right…but it is what it is.

Your posts are so confusing, contradicting themselves between and within threads, adding in comments about how you run your management that are totally irrelevant to either the OP, or the entire post. Nobody knows what you really do or how it relates to many threads.

[findeight]

OP says she feeds once a day and it’s free choice alfalfa-the horse has it in front of them all day.

I also fed alfalfa for years, in the heat, BUT not free choice in front of them all the time. (two or three times a day totaling about 20 pounds, 2nd or 3rd cutting, preferably). That struck me as excessive (and expensive) in any weather but particularly in heat. JB makes a good point about the sky high protein and increased urination as well as nutritional imbalance. That could certainly cause a drop in weight despite large quantities being consumed.

[Lord_Helpus]

I am really confused. Is OP’s horse in a barn full time? With an automatic waterer so she has no idea how much water the horse is drinking? Ummmm. Maybe hanging a bucket (or 3) would help. What about fans? If a horse is not drinking well, put sweetened ice tea in the water.

How does the OP know that the horse has the alfalfa in front of him all day, if she only goes out 1x/day?