by Ruth » Sun Sep 25, 2005 1:12 pm
#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#No, it is probably not a conformation issue, much more likely rapid growth or a mineral imbalance. The vet recommended weaning, no grain and just a vitamin/mineral supplement. The farrier comes every 2 weeks to take a little off the heels, the right looks great now, but the left, which was looking quite good has started to get more upright again since adding the JD back. I'm not blaming the JD per se, it probably wouldn't matter what I fed her, she seems to be one of those foals that any attempt to add concentrates results in vertical spurts.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#And to add fuel to the fire Benji is also going this way, so he is getting weaned tonight. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I probably will consult with a Purina rep as this needs to get sorted before next year's foal. #ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#I am actually wondering if the problem may be related to our very hard water. Could also be a decline in pasture quality, but once it's grazed down at all I add hay.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#So I'm just looking at ideas for a good vitamin/mineral supplement for foals that can be fed alone for now.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#Leena, the hay looks good (am going to get an analysis done soon, to be sure - but I have been getting hay from this supplier for years), they are not supposed to be having ANY foal food (which is why I need something other than the Optimal as a supplement), they are out at least 12 hours a day in a big field and have access to salt.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#