In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of Fibre-Beet as a way to help horses gain or maintain weight. This is because Fibre-Beet is high in fibre and energy, making it an ideal feed for horses that are underweight. As such, many horse owners have turned to Fibre-Beet as a way to supplement their horse’s diet. But does Fibre-Beet really put weight on horses? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence and answer this question.
What is Fibre-Beet?
Before we can answer the question of whether Fibre-Beet puts weight on horses, we should first look at what Fibre-Beet is. Fibre-Beet is an extruded feed product made from sugar beet pulp. It is high in fibre and energy, making it an ideal feed for horses that are underweight. Fibre-Beet is usually fed as a supplement to hay or pasture, and can be fed either wet or dry.
The Benefits of Feeding Fibre-Beet
Feeding Fibre-Beet to horses has a number of benefits. Firstly, Fibre-Beet is high in fibre, which helps to promote gut health and keep horses regular. Secondly, Fibre-Beet is high in energy, making it an ideal feed for horses that are underweight or are struggling to maintain their weight. Finally, Fibre-Beet is palatable and easy to digest, meaning that horses are more likely to eat it.
Does Fibre-Beet Put Weight on Horses?
Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of Fibre-Beet, let’s answer the question of whether Fibre-Beet puts weight on horses. The answer is yes, Fibre-Beet can put weight on horses. Studies have shown that horses that are fed Fibre-Beet as part of their diet can gain or maintain weight, depending on the horse’s individual needs.
How Much Fibre-Beet Should You Feed?
When it comes to feeding Fibre-Beet, it’s important to know how much to feed. The amount of Fibre-Beet you feed will depend on the weight and body condition of your horse. If your horse is underweight, you should feed them more Fibre-Beet than if they were at a healthy weight. Generally, it is recommended that you feed 1-2kg of Fibre-Beet per 100kg of body weight per day.
What Other Feeds Can Be Combined with Fibre-Beet?
Fibre-Beet can be combined with other feeds to create a balanced diet for your horse. Forage such as hay or pasture should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet, and Fibre-Beet can be used to supplement this. Other feeds such as hard feed, oil, and minerals can also be added to your horse’s diet.
Is Fibre-Beet Suitable for All Horses?
No, Fibre-Beet is not suitable for all horses. Fibre-Beet is high in energy, making it unsuitable for horses that are prone to laminitis or obesity. It is also not suitable for horses that have difficulty chewing or digesting fibre.
Can Fibre-Beet be Used as a Sole Source of Feed?
No, Fibre-Beet should not be used as the sole source of feed. Horses should have access to forage such as hay or pasture, and Fibre-Beet should only be used as a supplement.
What are the Risks of Feeding Fibre-Beet?
Whilst Fibre-Beet can be beneficial for horses, there are some risks associated with feeding it. As Fibre-Beet is high in energy, it can cause horses to become overweight if fed in excess. It is also important to ensure that the Fibre-Beet you feed is of a high quality, as poor quality Fibre-Beet can contain moulds and mycotoxins which can be harmful to horses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fibre-Beet can be beneficial for horses that are underweight or struggling to maintain their weight. However, it is important to feed it in moderation and ensure that it is of a high quality. If you have any concerns about feeding Fibre-Beet to your horse, it is best to speak to your vet or a qualified nutritionist.