Just thinking...
The girls are a tad thin on top, this is unusual, as usually the girls are a tad chubby. I've had reservations about our homegrown hay, but it's what I have. It's dryland grass/alfalfa mix. Most of the minis (2 are on specialty feeds, can't afford to feed to everyone) are on 15% protein, 6% fat pellet, mixed with a complete pellet (12% protein, 2% fat); I mix because I have to make a special trip for the 15% protein pellet (only so much room for storage), and the complete pellet isn't enough on it's own (too low in fat, I think). I have limited choices. Anyway, Shayne brought home a hay corer to sample straw for nitrates, so I sampled the horse hay and sent off for protein, sugar and starch levels. Still waiting on the results, but the lab has received the sample. will let you know how it goes. They also get some soaked beet pulp and alf/tim mix pellets every other day or so, not a bit meal, but enough to get some extra water into them and encourage them to drink.
The girls are getting nearly free choice hay, so it's not for lack of quantity. A couple are looking promising in the baby department, they should be 6-7 months along depending when they took during the 3-4 week time Topper was out with the mares. Baybe if she is bred is about 6 months along or a bit less. Topper was with mares late June into July; Che` is out with Baybe daily, but he was handbred late July.
Just thinking, so thought I'd share thoughts.
