|
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656
  
| Has anyone had a problem feeding alfalfa hay cubes? I had a gelding choke on them and scared me to death. I think the mini cubes are the ones he choked on. Would like to feed the hayrite cubes. |
|
| |
|
 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
  
Location: Alberta | We've never had issues with them and we've been feeding them for a few years......if your unsure just soak them.... |
|
| |
|
  Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | It can happen.. I wet soak them before I feed them |
|
| |
|
I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I soak them for at least 15 minutes before I feed them. I had a horse choke badly on alfalfa pellets, so I soak all pellets too |
|
| |
|
Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Always soak them. I got tired of soaking them so I just feed pellets now. |
|
| |
|
 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | We have a horse that gets the cubes soaked in warm water for 15-20 mins and then we go through with our hands and check before he gets to eat them just in case. it only takes an extra 2 minutes to go through by hand. no problems with him at all
Edited by Crowned Image 2015-05-27 8:34 AM
|
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 564
Location: South Dakota | I've had this happen and it scared the living crap out of me. I soak them, and then break them into smaller chunks now if I do use them at all. I typically only feed a few pounds of them per day in the winter for protein. |
|
| |
|
 That's White "Man" to You
Posts: 5515
| I have used the cubes for years and never had a problem. |
|
| |
|
 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | I would think the mini cubes would be worse to feed if you're not soaking because they wouldn't chew them as much as the big cubes. I've fed them for years soaked for at least 15-30 minutes without issues. |
|
| |
|
 Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | You should be able to feed cubes dry to most horses. We feed 30 horses dry Danco cubes daily and never had one choke. A horse can choke on anything and it is usually horses that bolt feed. The smaller cubes I feel are less prone to choke than larger and the worst thing for a choke prone horse is alfalfa pellets. The cubes you mentioned trying, I know of several horses that have choked on them. Many horses are fed those dry with no problem (I fed them dry without any choke issues) but they are more likely to choke on them than the Danco Mustang Sally cubes, my opinion.
The solution to your issue is undoubtedly Omnis Complete Performance by Danco Forage. I will guarantee it is the softest cube you have ever seen and we feel it is one of the safest products available. You can break them apart easily with your hand. You do not soak these cubes. The softness and safety of feeding the Omnis cubes are one if the things I and many other customers like most about them.
Disclaimer about me: I am currently a Danco Distributor. I have previously been a HayRite and Manzanola Top of the Rockies dealer and user. We have a training facility in Midland Tx where we extensively use cubes. The information that I provide, I take great pains to be honest and represent my experience and opinions based on real world use. I would encourage everyone to use the products for yourself and I am confident you will see the same results that I have had. I will not stretch the truth about my product not claim a superiority to other products when there is none. Feed companies routinely do this and I detest it. There are many ways to feed one well and there are many good products available. Thanks.
Edited by Tdove 2015-05-27 11:15 AM
|
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | I would disagree with the presumption that mini cubes are worse. I have fed several brands and both large and small cubes. It is really the hardness of the cube, I think that increases the risk most. When a horse properly eats a cube, they break it apart and really chew the chopped hay inside. This is very safe. It is when they get a larger piece that doesn't get chewed well that will get stuck as they try to swallow it. A larger cube will have larger pieces in this scenario and that definitely will increase the risk of it getting stuck. A big problem I see is that a larger and harder cube will then also be harder to dislodged once it is stuck. A softer cube will be more likely to dissolve on it's own or be easier for a vet to treat.
So while I do think the smaller cubes are safer, it is really the softness or hardness that I think is the biggest factor. Although all things equal a larger cube will be harder than a smaller cube. As far as 100% alfalfa cubes go, the softest cube I am aware of are Danco Mustang Sally mini cubes. They are much softer than the HayRite or Top of The Rockies cubes that I had fed before them. The Danco Omnis cube is in a class all it's own and I definitely prefer them to any other cube or pellet that I have ever tried. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 656
| Thanks, I will see if I can find a dealer |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | Where are you located and I will try to assist you? |
|
| |
|
 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 492
| I love love love feeding alfalfa cubes. I just started feeding them a few months ago and I will honestly not go back to baled hay. I love the results, the convenience, and the fact that my horses are looking amazing on them. I feed Hay-Rite to all of my horse, except for one. He gets the Danco cubes due to them being smaller and softer.
A good quality hay cube makes all the difference in the world!! I would recommend it to anyone. :) |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 395
| Blondes Are Wild - 2015-05-27 11:36 AM
I love love love feeding alfalfa cubes. I just started feeding them a few months ago and I will honestly not go back to baled hay. I love the results, the convenience, and the fact that my horses are looking amazing on them. I feed Hay-Rite to all of my horse, except for one. He gets the Danco cubes due to them being smaller and softer.
A good quality hay cube makes all the difference in the world!! I would recommend it to anyone. :)
approximately how much do you feed per horse and how often? Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 492
| Right now I do have good pasture that my horses can go out on. They spend the night on the pasture, so I only am having to feed once a day. I give one 8 quart bucket of the cubes to each horse in the morning. This equals 8 1/2-10 pounds. Then I just sprinkle their THE Muscle Mass and Ulc-R-Aid on top. If I am not able to turnout, I give the bucket of cubes twice daily.
Easiest, most cost effective, and best feed plan I have found! I love it! |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1207
| I would like to know also as I am beginning to wonder how the hay situation in my area is going to be with all the rain. |
|
| |
|
 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Blondes Are Wild - 2015-05-28 11:29 AM Right now I do have good pasture that my horses can go out on. They spend the night on the pasture, so I only am having to feed once a day. I give one 8 quart bucket of the cubes to each horse in the morning. This equals 8 1/2-10 pounds. Then I just sprinkle their THE Muscle Mass and Ulc-R-Aid on top. If I am not able to turnout, I give the bucket of cubes twice daily. Easiest, most cost effective, and best feed plan I have found! I love it!
This is what we are doing as well. We have a couple that are up in a lot and they get a small bucket full twice a day. The horses that are on pasture are getting half of one of the little buckets each and 2# of their feed twice a day... They're finally gettting back to a body condition that I'm comfortable with and I can start tapering off their concentrated feed.
I'm very concerned as well for our hay crop this year and am looking forward to having a truckload of the Omnis cubes in my barn for security. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| I am going to break down, and try it. Say I put 10 pounds in a 5 gallon bucket, how much water do I put on them? Just enough to cover them? |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 492
| I just feed them dry! As long as you feed them at ground level, you won't have a problem. |
|
| |
|
Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | Bigfoot - 2015-05-28 12:31 PM I am going to break down, and try it. Say I put 10 pounds in a 5 gallon bucket, how much water do I put on them? Just enough to cover them?
I usually cover mine with 1-2" of water. That way they expand a little more which means they'll get more chew time. |
|
| |
|
 Expert
Posts: 5290
| I picked up some for my horses today and they laughed at me and won't touch them. Lol |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| Bit the bullet, and grabbed a bag today. 15 minutes ain't a start on soaking them things. After 30, still had plenty of cubes to break apart by hand. Did about 2.5 pounds per horse, to see what they would do. All 5 loved it. Let's say I'm traveling with stuff. How many pounds do I feed per feeding to totally replace hay. I'm probably feeding 12-15 pounds of grass hay morning, and again in the evening when I'm on the road. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 5290
| Bigfoot - 2015-05-28 1:49 PM
Bit the bullet, and grabbed a bag today. 15 minutes ain't a start on soaking them things. After 30, still had plenty of cubes to break apart by hand. Did about 2.5 pounds per horse, to see what they would do. All 5 loved it. Let's say I'm traveling with stuff. How many pounds do I feed per feeding to totally replace hay. I'm probably feeding 12-15 pounds of grass hay morning, and again in the evening when I'm on the road.
1.5-2 percent of horse body weight daily in forage so a 1000 pound horse should get 15-20 pounds. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | I'm feeding right around 2% of their bodyweight per day of the Omnis cubes and they seems satisfied. It takes them a long time to finish them up, but it's not because they're hard. These are the only kind of alfalfa cube I would ever feed. I've tried others in the past and they were always too hard to mess with. You don't soak these and it's not necessary. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1207
| So if a 1000 pound horse is to get 15-20 pounds of cubes (and I take that should be daily) they if I have 3 1000 pound horses on them I would go thru a bag and 1/2 per day. Am I looking at that right? |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Sandok - 2015-05-28 4:20 PM So if a 1000 pound horse is to get 15-20 pounds of cubes (and I take that should be daily) they if I have 3 1000 pound horses on them I would go thru a bag and 1/2 per day. Am I looking at that right?
At the rate of 2% per 1000# horse you would feed 60# per day if you were feeding these cubes and no other feed or forage. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 5290
| rachellyn80 - 2015-05-28 2:25 PM
Sandok - 2015-05-28 4:20 PM So if a 1000 pound horse is to get 15-20 pounds of cubes (and I take that should be daily) they if I have 3 1000 pound horses on them I would go thru a bag and 1/2 per day. Am I looking at that right?
At the rate of 2% per 1000# horse you would feed 60# per day if you were feeding these cubes and no other feed or forage.
I bought some today and my horses picked them up once and walked away. They are hard as heck. So I soaked them 15 minutes and they softened up a little and they kind of ate a few but just had to dump them out cause they got nasty in the bucket and to soft. Powder basically. |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | All cubes are not created equal. Here is a video showing the cube softness.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=0WQRiHd2G...
|
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 372
| I'm sure glad no one has ever told the 9-10 that I have eating them every day that they are to hard and have to be soaked.
|
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 5290
|
Ok, where can i get some of those cubes! Lol |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | Where are you located and I'll check?
Here is another video of a 21 year old broodmare and her 3 week old foal eating Omnis Complete Performance. How many cubes can do this?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pJKJrvA0NdY&feature=youtube_gdata_play... |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 5290
| Tdove - 2015-05-28 4:57 PM
Where are you located and I'll check?
Here is another video of a 21 year old broodmare and her 3 week old foal eating Omnis Complete Performance. How many cubes can do this?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pJKJrvA0NdY&feature=youtube_gdata_play...
I LOVE the idea of this cube! My horses waste so much hay. I am in California. Southern California. I googled it and looks like all dealers are in TX/OK |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| I won't say the name brand I bought, but they were hard as superman's forehead. Soaking 30 minutes, and it was still a struggle to get them broken up. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 492
| I think a lot of it is the brand of cube you buy. My horses love their cubes, but I only feed cubes that are sun-dried alfalfa and bentonite. I would never feed one of the brands that have to use artificial colors and flavors. That only means they are using poor quality hay in their cubes.
I use both Hay-Rite and Dacon Mustang Sally. Love both products!! |
|
| |
|
 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | rachellyn80 - 2015-05-28 4:19 PM I'm feeding right around 2% of their bodyweight per day of the Omnis cubes and they seems satisfied. It takes them a long time to finish them up, but it's not because they're hard. These are the only kind of alfalfa cube I would ever feed. I've tried others in the past and they were always too hard to mess with. You don't soak these and it's not necessary.
Are you still feeding Bluebonnet Intensify along with the Omnis Cubes? |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1694
Location: Willows, CA | You can minimize choke risk by being sure that your horses teeth are right. If it hurts to chew they will not break cubes up as much as they should and the risk is greatly increased. I have fed dry cubes off and on for thirty years with no issues. |
|
| |
|
 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4553
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | I love hard cubes. My horses are piggys. If it is eatable they gobble it up. It makes them eat slower and no waste. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Nevertooold - 2015-05-28 8:48 PM rachellyn80 - 2015-05-28 4:19 PM I'm feeding right around 2% of their bodyweight per day of the Omnis cubes and they seems satisfied. It takes them a long time to finish them up, but it's not because they're hard. These are the only kind of alfalfa cube I would ever feed. I've tried others in the past and they were always too hard to mess with. You don't soak these and it's not necessary. Are you still feeding Bluebonnet Intensify along with the Omnis Cubes?
Yes, I am feeding less of the Bluebonnet Omega Force now that I am feeding the Omnis cubes. Ultimately I want to get them on the most natural diet possible. |
|
| |
|
 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 545
Location: Texas | Tdove - 2015-05-28 6:33 PM All cubes are not created equal. Here is a video showing the cube softness. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=0WQRi...
Trey,
So how much do you feed a day of the cubes? Currently I feed a mixture of grass hay and alfalfa. Normally a flake in the morning of alfalfa with a block of grass hay and at night I feed mostly alfalfa (block or a little smaller) along with Total Equine feed twice a day. I have considered the cubes since it's hard to get quality alfalfa and I am currently getting it from my parents' hay raiser out near Andrews and then bringing it to east TX where I live now because I haven't found a good supplier I trust out here. I have too heard about choking so that was my fear, but these seem softer than some. My father-in-law is feeding some now, not sure of the brand, but he loves them. As far as digestablity, is it better with the cubes verses actual hay or what are some statistics on that? I just worry about impaction possiblity etc. Thanks!! |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | Christie, you can feed as much of them or as little as you want, since it is just chopped hay. However, because of the increased surface area and no waste, it is about 25% more efficient than good baled alfalfa, by weight and considerably more than grass hay. I have estimated that 50lbs of top quality cubes, like Danco, will equal about 1 bale of good alfalfa, and almost 1 1/2 bales of grass hay.
The answer to your question lies mostly on how and what you prefer to feed. If you like grass hay then you can continue feeding it and replace some or most of it with cubes. Me I prefer alfalfa and so I feed only cubes. Another thing to consider is what and how much concentrate you prefer feed. Sorry there is no clear answer on how much to feed. Anyehere from 5-25 lbs/ horse/day it can be an effective part or all of your ration.
As far as choke, I have detailed in another post that while I had not had any choke myself when I was feeding the larger/harder cubes of other brands, I did have a couple customers and known others to have had some issue with it. I do believe that our smaller and softer cube reduced that risk significantly. I believe the worst offender of choke are alfalfa pellets. Concerning impaction Bermuda hay is known to increase the impaction risk. I think all cubes are extremely low of impaction problems. It is long indigestible fiber that causes impaction and alfalfa cubes are at the other end of the spectrum there. Dr Randy Lewis in Abilene feeds alfalfa cubes (specifically Danco) for horses he is treating for colic.
If you would like to discuss you are free to call me at 432-212-5889. |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 545
Location: Texas | Tdove - 2015-05-29 2:20 PM
Christie, you can feed as much of them or as little as you want, since it is just chopped hay. However, because of the increased surface area and no waste, it is about 25% more efficient than good baled alfalfa, by weight and considerably more than grass hay. I have estimated that 50lbs of top quality cubes, like Danco, will equal about 1 bale of good alfalfa, and almost 1 1/2 bales of grass hay.
The answer to your question lies mostly on how and what you prefer to feed. If you like grass hay then you can continue feeding it and replace some or most of it with cubes. Me I prefer alfalfa and so I feed only cubes. Another thing to consider is what and how much concentrate you prefer feed. Sorry there is no clear answer on how much to feed. Anyehere from 5-25 lbs/ horse/day it can be an effective part or all of your ration.
As far as choke, I have detailed in another post that while I had not had any choke myself when I was feeding the larger/harder cubes of other brands, I did have a couple customers and known others to have had some issue with it. I do believe that our smaller and softer cube reduced that risk significantly. I believe the worst offender of choke are alfalfa pellets. Concerning impaction Bermuda hay is known to increase the impaction risk. I think all cubes are extremely low of impaction problems. It is long indigestible fiber that causes impaction and alfalfa cubes are at the other end of the spectrum there. Dr Randy Lewis in Abilene feeds alfalfa cubes (specifically Danco) for horses he is treating for colic.
If you would like to discuss you are free to call me at 432-212-5889.
Thanks so much! |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 184
| Here is my feeding plans....if this helps lol
1. Breeding Stallion/1D barrel horse
8lbs Ultium
1 cup of Oxy-Max
25lbs of Alfalfa cubes dry
2. 3D APHA Mare/ 60 days bred
4lbs Ultium
1 cup Oxy-Max
12lbs Alfalfa/Timothy cubes dry
Both are on free turnout at night on pasture and they are super muscled
Good luck!!  |
|
| |
|
 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | Personally, I don't like the cubes. Soaked or not, for some reason my horses aren't crazy about them. Maybe it's the way they have to chew?? I'm not sure. I've fed alfalfa pellets for years, no issues with those. :) |
|
| |
|
 pressure dripper
Posts: 8696
Location: the end of the rainbow | some cube makers add a binder of some sort (I have no idea what it is but the local cube company uses a white powder). My understanding is that how much of that binder is used depends on how hard the cubes are. I cannot feed the cubes made by our local company, my horses flat will not eat them, even if I soak them. But I feed cubes from a place in Utah that my horses all eat just fine (without soaking). All cubes are definitely not created equal. |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 5290
| ktbeasleyze - 2015-05-29 12:32 PM
Here is my feeding plans....if this helps lol
1. Breeding Stallion/1D barrel horse
8lbs Ultium
1 cup of Oxy-Max
25lbs of Alfalfa cubes dry
2. 3D APHA Mare/ 60 days bred
4lbs Ultium
1 cup Oxy-Max
12lbs Alfalfa/Timothy cubes dry
Both are on free turnout at night on pasture and they are super muscled
Good luck!!
8 pounds ultium? Holy moly!!!!!
Edited by FLITASTIC 2015-05-29 9:38 PM
|
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | willrodeo4food - 2015-05-29 8:33 PM some cube makers add a binder of some sort (I have no idea what it is but the local cube company uses a white powder). My understanding is that how much of that binder is used depends on how hard the cubes are. I cannot feed the cubes made by our local company, my horses flat will not eat them, even if I soak them. But I feed cubes from a place in Utah that my horses all eat just fine (without soaking). All cubes are definitely not created equal. Bentonite is used in pellets a lot as a binder and is used in the Mustang Sally Alfalfa cubes I feed. I just checked my tag.
Edited by Nevertooold 2015-05-29 9:46 PM
|
|
| |
|
 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Nevertooold - 2015-05-29 9:43 PM
willrodeo4food - 2015-05-29 8:33 PM some cube makers add a binder of some sort (I have no idea what it is but the local cube company uses a white powder). My understanding is that how much of that binder is used depends on how hard the cubes are. I cannot feed the cubes made by our local company, my horses flat will not eat them, even if I soak them. But I feed cubes from a place in Utah that my horses all eat just fine (without soaking). All cubes are definitely not created equal. Bentonite is used in pellets a lot as a binder and is used in the Mustang Sally Alfalfa cubes I feed. I just checked my tag.
NTO, where are you getting your cubes and what do they cost? Thanks. :) |
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | classicpotatochip - 2015-05-31 8:29 AM Nevertooold - 2015-05-29 9:43 PM willrodeo4food - 2015-05-29 8:33 PM some cube makers add a binder of some sort (I have no idea what it is but the local cube company uses a white powder). My understanding is that how much of that binder is used depends on how hard the cubes are. I cannot feed the cubes made by our local company, my horses flat will not eat them, even if I soak them. But I feed cubes from a place in Utah that my horses all eat just fine (without soaking). All cubes are definitely not created equal. Bentonite is used in pellets a lot as a binder and is used in the Mustang Sally Alfalfa cubes I feed. I just checked my tag.
NTO, where are you getting your cubes and what do they cost? Thanks. : )
Jupe Mills in Helotes. Mustang Sally $14.75. You can go to their FB page and they have a list of dealers. Morales is carrying them also along with a dealer in Sequin.
Matt Heikes (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Abilene/East Abilene, TX
806-786-8768
Ruben Gonzales (Mustang Sally)
Bay City, TX
512-588-0507
Barfield Hay Barn (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Belton, TX
(254) 931-6766
Colt Carter (Mustang Sally)
De Kalb, TX
903-826-1758
Tyler Schaffner (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Roadrunner Ranch
Goldthwaite, TX
512-540-2191
Suzy Moody (Mustang Sally)
Live Oak Training Stable
Kerrville, TX
830-739-9541
Trey Dove (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Shenandoah Bar M Ranch
Midland, TX
432-212-5889
Bobbi Praden (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Praden Barrel Horses
Odessa, TX
432-349-8508
William Burton (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Bronte/San Angelo Area, TX
325-234-8303
Jupe Mills (Mustang Sally)
San Antonio Area (4 locations)
Adkins, Bracken, Helotes, Somerset
www.jupefeeds-sa.com/contact.shtml
Morales Feed & Supply (Mustang Sally)
San Antonio Area (3 locations)
Devine, Lytle, San Antonio
www.moralesfeedandsupply.com
Dwight Thomas (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Seguin, TX
830-609-7337
Stoney & Kimberlee Turner (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
Seminole, TX/Hobbs NM Area
432-661-6714/806-346-7176
Matt and Reta Adkins (2 locations) (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
West Abilene TX/Sweetwater TX Area
North Abilene TX/Anson TX Area
505-730-7881
Kathy Gulley (Mustang Sally, Omnis Complete)
K-R Performance Horses
Whitt/Weatherford, TX Area
940-682-6440 |
|
| |
|
 Regular
Posts: 63
| Tdove - 2015-05-27 10:56 AM
You should be able to feed cubes dry to most horses. We feed 30 horses dry Danco cubes daily and never had one choke. A horse can choke on anything and it is usually horses that bolt feed. The smaller cubes I feel are less prone to choke than larger and the worst thing for a choke prone horse is alfalfa pellets. The cubes you mentioned trying, I know of several horses that have choked on them. Many horses are fed those dry with no problem (I fed them dry without any choke issues) but they are more likely to choke on them than the Danco Mustang Sally cubes, my opinion.
The solution to your issue is undoubtedly Omnis Complete Performance by Danco Forage. I will guarantee it is the softest cube you have ever seen and we feel it is one of the safest products available. You can break them apart easily with your hand. You do not soak these cubes. The softness and safety of feeding the Omnis cubes are one if the things I and many other customers like most about them.
Disclaimer about me: I am currently a Danco Distributor. I have previously been a HayRite and Manzanola Top of the Rockies dealer and user. We have a training facility in Midland Tx where we extensively use cubes. The information that I provide, I take great pains to be honest and represent my experience and opinions based on real world use. I would encourage everyone to use the products for yourself and I am confident you will see the same results that I have had. I will not stretch the truth about my product not claim a superiority to other products when there is none. Feed companies routinely do this and I detest it. There are many ways to feed one well and there are many good products available. Thanks.
Can you explain how they keep blister beetles out of alfalfa cubes? And since excellent forage is usually of high demand, would it be easy to think that feed producers on alfalfa are getting a low quality hay that visually cant be determined because it is processed although it meets the label? |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | As far as blister beetles, I am no expert. They are a problem in southern states more because the warmer temperatures and even then are a problem only in later cuttings, due to the increased temperatures. The farther north you go, and west, the less blister beetles are prevalent. Our hay is grown well into Saskatchewan and beetles are simply not active that far north. We typically only get one cutting and the climate is quite cool at that time. In the wintertime, the temperature routinely drops well below zero and makes it an inhospitable climate for them, and therefore the beetles simply are not present in our fields. All of our hay is locally grown by the plant and it is not shipped in or outsourced, as with most pelleting plants, feed mills, and cubing plants.
As far as the quality of the hay. While it is true that many cubing plants , most all pelleting plants, and all alfalfa meal used in feed mills is a leaser quality and in some cases extremely poor quality forage, this is not true with our cubes. The reason for the lower quality hay used in many other processed alfalfa products is just like you suggested, all of the premium hay is baled and sold to dairies or for equine consumption. The balance of the crops are processed or ground mixed to produce cubes, pellets, and alfalfa meal for use in concentrates. Some cubing plants do use a better quality hay. Ours is one of those. This is for two reasons. One, we feel strongly in the value of cubes over traditional baled hay, we use the products for our own top quality horses and demand the best forage possible , regardless of form, be it bales or cubes. Our fields are private and plant owned. This ensures that we can use horse quality forage to make the cubes. The location of our fields is important too. Since there is an extremely abundant supply of top quality, irrigated alfalfa in Saskatchewan and there is little market locally for top quality hay, most all of that hay must be shipped out of the region. On top of the many qualities of cubes over baled hay, ease and economics of transportation is another area that cubes happen to shine. This means that not only do we demand the best hay goes into our cubes, market forces also allow the cubes to be more economic to produce and ship to the extremely heavily horse populated areas in the southern United States.
Finally, because cubes are coarse chopped instead of ground, it is easy to break apart our cubes to inspect quality visually as well. We also have to meet minimum quality specs, of which our cubes exceed those. The last random test performed on our Mustang Sally cube showed 17% protein and 58% TDN. That is excellent horse hay by any standard. I hope this answers your questions adequately.
Edited by Tdove 2015-06-02 8:47 AM
|
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Thank you for taking the time to explain the sourcing behind the Danco Forage products. |
|
| |
|
Blessed 
Location: Here | rachellyn80 - 2015-06-03 12:18 AM Thank you for taking the time to explain the sourcing behind the Danco Forage products.
I am picking up my first ones hopefully anyday!
I can't wait |
|
| |
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 395
| Where can I get some around OKC? Thanks. |
|
| |
|
 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| booney - 2015-06-04 8:58 AM Where can I get some around OKC? Thanks.
Above post has current dealers. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | For anyone in the Tulsa area or anyone that would be passing through... I will have my first truckload delivered tonight. I'll make sure that I bring plenty with me to any of the barrel races that we attend and if you know that you want some just give me a shout and let me know how many to have on hand for you. |
|
| |
|
 Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791
Location: The Oklahoma plains. | Rach, yours is Danco or Omni? LB likes em! All the others do too but you know he is our hard keeper horse.
We will be buying some.
|
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | TurnLane - 2015-06-04 11:03 AM Rach, yours is Danco or Omni? LB likes em! All the others do too but you know he is our hard keeper horse.
We will be buying some.
Danco Forage is the manufacturer. Omnis Complete Performance is the name of the cubes that I'm carrying. Glad to hear that he's enjoying the new treat :-) I haven't had anything turn them down yet....even the twins have tried them out, lol |
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | If you are interested in Danco cubes please visit our FB page. We have a lot of information, pictures, and video.
https://m.facebook.com/dancoforage
Here are a couple of yearlings that is on our Onnis Complete Cube.
Edited by Tdove 2015-06-04 4:33 PM
 (image.jpg)
 (image.jpg)
Attachments
----------------
 image.jpg (45KB - 261 downloads)
image.jpg (69KB - 260 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 184
| FLITASTIC - 2015-05-29 10:36 PM
ktbeasleyze - 2015-05-29 12:32 PM
Here is my feeding plans....if this helps lol
1. Breeding Stallion/1D barrel horse
8lbs Ultium
1 cup of Oxy-Max
25lbs of Alfalfa cubes dry
2. 3D APHA Mare/ 60 days bred
4lbs Ultium
1 cup Oxy-Max
12lbs Alfalfa/Timothy cubes dry
Both are on free turnout at night on pasture and they are super muscled
Good luck!!
8 pounds ultium? Holy moly!!!!!
Yeah he is quite the HULK. Freaks me out that everything goes to muscle but if I do give him the grain then he looks like a thoroughbred fresh off the track lol |
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Here is my new worry...I see so many new dealers I'm kind of worried I'm going to get hooked on them and then there won't be enough to keep my horse on them year round. |
|
| |
|
 Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | Nevertooold - 2015-06-06 11:54 AM Here is my new worry...I see so many new dealers I'm kind of worried I'm going to get hooked on them and then there won't be enough to keep my horse on them year round.
That is a good question. I just e-mailed Dan and I will get back on here later and let you know what he says. |
|
| |
|
Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | There should not be any problems with year round supply, however there could be shipping delays this winter due to weather. As long as your dealer reorders early enough to keep stock on hand in case of a delay there should not be a supply issue. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | This is what I have been told as well. I was pleased with how quickly I had my order once it was placed. They shipped on Tuesday and I received my truckload Thursday evening. I have been getting great reviews from the people in this area who have tried it so far. |
|
| |
|
 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| I'm going to go ahead and try the omnis as soon as my closest dealer gets restocked. Hopefully this week. I've really got to try and figure out how to cut down on my feed bill and my biggest expenses seem to be keeping alfalfa hay. The last few bales I got were so stemmy they wasted more than anything. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | want2chase3 - 2015-06-08 11:30 AM I'm going to go ahead and try the omnis as soon as my closest dealer gets restocked. Hopefully this week. I've really got to try and figure out how to cut down on my feed bill and my biggest expenses seem to be keeping alfalfa hay. The last few bales I got were so stemmy they wasted more than anything.
This has been one of my favorite things about the Omnis cube....no waste! If they happen to drop any the pieces are big enough that they can pick them up and eat them. My daughter's little mare is a cribber and usually destroys her lead ropes. Since we have started hanging a bucket of Omnis cubes at the trailer for her instead of a hay bag she has stopped her stress cribbing. She just hangs out and picks at her cubes and stays totally relaxed. |
|
| |
|
 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Since the company is growing their own hay, and they are trying to grow their market, what happens when the demand outpaces their in-house hay production capacity? Will they use contract growers? Rent or buy more land? I'm just curious, as this goes with what I think NTO was asking.
Edited by Three 4 Luck 2015-06-08 12:28 PM
|
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | Three 4 Luck - 2015-06-08 12:27 PM Since the company is growing their own hay, and they are trying to grow their market, what happens when the demand outpaces their in-house hay production capacity? Will they use contract growers? Rent or buy more land? I'm just curious, as this goes with what I think NTO was asking.
Exactly...there is no such thing as an endless supply. If there was we wouldn't have hay shortage problems during droughts.
|
|
| |
|
Blessed
Location: Here | Nevertooold - 2015-06-08 4:24 PM Three 4 Luck - 2015-06-08 12:27 PM Since the company is growing their own hay, and they are trying to grow their market, what happens when the demand outpaces their in-house hay production capacity? Will they use contract growers? Rent or buy more land? I'm just curious, as this goes with what I think NTO was asking. Exactly...there is no such thing as an endless supply. If there was we wouldn't have hay shortage problems during droughts.
I wondered that too. But I did get mustang sally picked up today going to feed some tonight |
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | SG. - 2015-06-08 7:30 PM Nevertooold - 2015-06-08 4:24 PM Three 4 Luck - 2015-06-08 12:27 PM Since the company is growing their own hay, and they are trying to grow their market, what happens when the demand outpaces their in-house hay production capacity? Will they use contract growers? Rent or buy more land? I'm just curious, as this goes with what I think NTO was asking. Exactly...there is no such thing as an endless supply. If there was we wouldn't have hay shortage problems during droughts.
I'm been feeding the Mustang Sally and in a week or so I should be getting some of the Omnis Cubes.
I guess if I really like it I will just have to buy enough so I won't run out. |
|
| |
|
Blessed
Location: Here | So far they are all liking it |
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | SG. - 2015-06-08 8:44 PM So far they are all liking it
Mine prefers baled Alfalfa as I'm still giving him one flake of that with all the coastal he wants. Once he eats that Alfalfa he goes and picks on the cubes. |
|
| |
|
Blessed
Location: Here | Nevertooold - 2015-06-08 9:03 PM SG. - 2015-06-08 8:44 PM So far they are all liking it Mine prefers baled Alfalfa as I'm still giving him one flake of that with all the coastal he wants. Once he eats that Alfalfa he goes and picks on the cubes.
Mine are hogs. They think it is a treat after eating beet pulp |
|
| |
|
Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Are the Mustang Sally cubes alfalfa only? My horse is allergic to oats. |
|
| |
|
 Veteran
Posts: 164
Location: Oregon | As far as i could tell no dealers around or near salem oregon huh? I definitely like the sound of the omnis cubes lol
|
|
| |
|
Elite Veteran
Posts: 851
Location: West Texas | Mustang Sally is 100% alfalfa with a small amount of natural bentonite binder.
Sorry there are no dealers on Oregon , but as always we are open to prospective dealers and can ship truckload wholesale orders.
There is pretty much and endless supply. The hay is all irrigated and there is virtually thousands and thousands of irrigated alfalfa in production and the plant is has capacity for growth. If growth out paces workforce at the plant, you could see temporarily increased wait times, but more labor indeed would be added. Also trucking delays in winter could be an issue too, but again, temporary delays. We will add trucking and labor. We do not for see either being an issue, but it is a possibility, and it will be very temporary delays of just a few days, as dealers will work to make sure they have stock.
As far as the hay, oats, and flax there is plenty of current production and we are set for any expected growth. We are even putting in new irrigated alfalfa fields this year to be ready for any future growth as well. I hope this eases your concern. We have more private land in irrigated alfalfa, owned by a cubing plant than probably any other plant in North America. |
|
| |
|
Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | Thank you for the response. I will try to get a bag. I like feeding cubes, but the ones I was feeding are so hard and I don't like letting them soak in the summer heat. |
|
| |
|
Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| I'm wondering how the omnis would work being fed with renew gold. Currently I'm using blue bonnet omega force and I love it but feeding 5 horses ... I'm feeling the pinch. I actually have one horse on the renew gold right now she looks just as good as the boys on the OF. so I was thinking I might be able to cut back a little by putting everyone on the rg. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | want2chase3 - 2015-06-09 11:15 AM I'm wondering how the omnis would work being fed with renew gold. Currently I'm using blue bonnet omega force and I love it but feeding 5 horses ... I'm feeling the pinch. I actually have one horse on the renew gold right now she looks just as good as the boys on the OF. so I was thinking I might be able to cut back a little by putting everyone on the rg.
We feed BB Omega Force and have cut WAY back since we started feeding the Omnis cubes. Some of our horses only get 2# of Omega Force twice a day and most don't get any at all. |
|
| |
|
Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| rachellyn80 - 2015-06-09 11:23 AM
want2chase3 - 2015-06-09 11:15 AM I'm wondering how the omnis would work being fed with renew gold. Currently I'm using blue bonnet omega force and I love it but feeding 5 horses ... I'm feeling the pinch. I actually have one horse on the renew gold right now she looks just as good as the boys on the OF. so I was thinking I might be able to cut back a little by putting everyone on the rg.
We feed BB Omega Force and have cut WAY back since we started feeding the Omnis cubes. Some of our horses only get 2# of Omega Force twice a day and most don't get any at all.
Are you feeding any hay ? Because that's what I'm wanting to replace with the omnis. I'm really only feeding the hardest keepers 4lbs PER DAY of the OF right now. My easy keeper is only getting 2lbs PER DAY. if I can cut back even more that'd be great. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | want2chase3 - 2015-06-09 11:33 AM rachellyn80 - 2015-06-09 11:23 AM want2chase3 - 2015-06-09 11:15 AM I'm wondering how the omnis would work being fed with renew gold. Currently I'm using blue bonnet omega force and I love it but feeding 5 horses ... I'm feeling the pinch. I actually have one horse on the renew gold right now she looks just as good as the boys on the OF. so I was thinking I might be able to cut back a little by putting everyone on the rg. We feed BB Omega Force and have cut WAY back since we started feeding the Omnis cubes. Some of our horses only get 2# of Omega Force twice a day and most don't get any at all. Are you feeding any hay ? Because that's what I'm wanting to replace with the omnis. I'm really only feeding the hardest keepers 4lbs PER DAY of the OF right now. My easy keeper is only getting 2lbs PER DAY. if I can cut back even more that'd be great.
We are using Omnis cubes as a replacement for Alfalfa hay for our horses in stalls. Many of ours are out on pasture, but I have one that only gets Omnis cubes...no other hay or feed and he looks great. I posted pictures of him earlier in this thread. He's a bay roan. |
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 164
Location: Oregon | How would i become a dealer? I know lots of people who feed the harder types of cubes and pellets :-) |
|
| |
|
Expert
Posts: 1694
Location: Willows, CA | We have quite a few horse owners who feed RG along with hay cubes with great success. If you are feeding a combination of cubes and coastal you really get a lot more out of the coastal by using the cubes to slow the hind gut down along with the prebiotic in the RG and no hind gut disruption because of the lower concentrate amount you are now feeding. This gives the system more time to digest the tougher grass hays more completely without excess starch causing an ineffeciency. I have fed a lot of cubes over the years, and if they are not super hard there should be no coke risk. Don't feed cubes in a feeder that is high off of the ground. If you feed them low to the ground so the horse eats in a more normal posture you should be fine.
Edited by winwillows 2015-06-10 6:02 PM
|
|
| |
|
I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | winwillows - 2015-06-10 5:57 PM We have quite a few horse owners who feed RG along with hay cubes with great success. If you are feeding a combination of cubes and coastal you really get a lot more out of the coastal by using the cubes to slow the hind gut down along with the prebiotic in the RG and no hind gut disruption because of the lower concentrate amount you are now feeding. This gives the system more time to digest the tougher grass hays more completely without excess starch causing an ineffeciency. I have fed a lot of cubes over the years, and if they are not super hard there should be no coke risk. Don't feed cubes in a feeder that is high off of the ground. If you feed them low to the ground so the horse eats in a more normal posture you should be fine.
I'm phasing out my baled alfalfa with the Mustang Sally Cubes. I also Feed RG and very choice Coastal. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | BKC2112 - 2015-06-09 4:27 PM How would i become a dealer? I know lots of people who feed the harder types of cubes and pellets :-)
You can PM Tdove on here or Trey Dove on FB or message the Danco Forage FB page to get more information. |
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | Nevertooold - 2015-06-10 8:23 PM winwillows - 2015-06-10 5:57 PM We have quite a few horse owners who feed RG along with hay cubes with great success. If you are feeding a combination of cubes and coastal you really get a lot more out of the coastal by using the cubes to slow the hind gut down along with the prebiotic in the RG and no hind gut disruption because of the lower concentrate amount you are now feeding. This gives the system more time to digest the tougher grass hays more completely without excess starch causing an ineffeciency. I have fed a lot of cubes over the years, and if they are not super hard there should be no coke risk. Don't feed cubes in a feeder that is high off of the ground. If you feed them low to the ground so the horse eats in a more normal posture you should be fine. I'm phasing out my baled alfalfa with the Mustang Sally Cubes. I also Feed RG and very choice Coastal.
We will not be buying any baled alfalfa this year either....and it's so nice! The Omnis cubes are the easiest forage we have ever been able to travel with. Hotbox stands quietly at the trailer now munching on her cubes instead of destroying lead ropes with her nervous cribbing |
|
| |
|
Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| I gave up on coastal a while ago because I just couldn't get any. I'm hoping to soon but who knows with all that flooding my source hasn't been able to do anything. So I've just been feeding straight alfalfa for several months. The omnis cubes should be here Saturday. I'm looking forward to trying them out. |
|
| |
|
Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| rachellyn80 - 2015-06-11 12:06 AM Nevertooold - 2015-06-10 8:23 PM winwillows - 2015-06-10 5:57 PM We have quite a few horse owners who feed RG along with hay cubes with great success. If you are feeding a combination of cubes and coastal you really get a lot more out of the coastal by using the cubes to slow the hind gut down along with the prebiotic in the RG and no hind gut disruption because of the lower concentrate amount you are now feeding. This gives the system more time to digest the tougher grass hays more completely without excess starch causing an ineffeciency. I have fed a lot of cubes over the years, and if they are not super hard there should be no coke risk. Don't feed cubes in a feeder that is high off of the ground. If you feed them low to the ground so the horse eats in a more normal posture you should be fine. I'm phasing out my baled alfalfa with the Mustang Sally Cubes. I also Feed RG and very choice Coastal.
Edited by rodeomom3 2015-06-11 8:47 AM
|
|
| |
|
Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | rodeomom3 - 2015-06-11 8:45 AM rachellyn80 - 2015-06-11 12:06 AM Nevertooold - 2015-06-10 8:23 PM winwillows - 2015-06-10 5:57 PM We have quite a few horse owners who feed RG along with hay cubes with great success. If you are feeding a combination of cubes and coastal you really get a lot more out of the coastal by using the cubes to slow the hind gut down along with the prebiotic in the RG and no hind gut disruption because of the lower concentrate amount you are now feeding. This gives the system more time to digest the tougher grass hays more completely without excess starch causing an ineffeciency. I have fed a lot of cubes over the years, and if they are not super hard there should be no coke risk. Don't feed cubes in a feeder that is high off of the ground. If you feed them low to the ground so the horse eats in a more normal posture you should be fine. I'm phasing out my baled alfalfa with the Mustang Sally Cubes. I also Feed RG and very choice Coastal.
Yes, she is rarely unattended....She's my daughter's little princess. These truly are the softest cubes I've ever seen. I've been keeping an eye on all of the horses since I've never fed cubes before and they are all eating very quietly and slowly even in groups. You don't hear them biting into them at all or hear them break. |
|
| |
|
Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Tdove - 2015-06-11 11:23 AM
You can put them in a bucket on the trailer, stall, or fence and leave tied the same way you would feed grain or a hay bag. We use wall feeders at the barn and put them in the grain bin portion.
I never leave a horse tied long to eat off of the ground. I have always thought that was a good way to get them hurt, if left unattened. These cubes do not need to be fed at ground level. Some cubes, I agree that it is best if you do, but not Omnis or Mustang Sally.
Ditto, I don't tie long either. I will probably still hang hay bag with coastal. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 5
| My company, Hay-Rite, has been mentioned in this post. If anyone would like a FREE sample of any of our products, please text your name and address to 817-599-3200. Please let us know which products you would like to receive. All products are listed at www.Hay-Rite.com. We can also be found at facebook.com/hayrite. When you get the samples, please let everyone know how they look, feel, smell and feed. Jim Willey, Pres., Hay-Rite, Inc. 2280 Mineral Wells Hwy. Weatherford, TX 76088
|
|
| |
|
Veteran
Posts: 113
| I live in New Mexico. Is there a dealer around Albuquerque. The Omnis alfalfa cubes.. Thx |
|
| |