| Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2715766] |
Sat, 04 August 2012 09:12  |
|
About 12 months ago I was given information on getting a mineral supplement made based on an actual soil analysis, but I can't find the information now. Anyone?
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716332 is a reply to message #2715766 ] |
Sat, 04 August 2012 23:32  |
|
I second what FCEH said ...leaves others for dead....
Happy Hacks
Equine Massage Therapy
Servicing Victoria 0403305997
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716382 is a reply to message #2715766 ] |
Sun, 05 August 2012 08:44 |
|
I've contacted both at this stage, and will probably make a decision after a closer look at actual quantities of individual components, but it's an eye opening process, once you actually start looking at what is in some of the big brand name supplements. (Thanks to FTD for putting me onto one that at least doesn't contain iron).
Most of the mainstream brands, contain significant amounts of iron and manganese, despite the fact that fodder from south east Australia at least, is rich in these minerals. Allowing that an excess of these two minerals blocks the uptake of copper and zinc, it is quite possible, even likely, that a significant component of the expensive mineral supplement you are feeding, is in fact cancelling itself out and could even be doing more harm than good.
Our primary goal at this point is to correct the imbalances in the soil, so we haven't done a plant tissue analysis, which would give a more precise picture of mineral imbalance in the pasture than the soil test we have had done, so we are fudging it a bit. Hopefully in 12 months when some of the issues have been addressed it will be worth doing that and we can gain an accurate indication of what we need to be supplementing with.
Given that a plant tissue analysis costs less than 3 months of supplements, I think anyone would be mad to not get it done.
[Updated on: Sun, 05 August 2012 08:46]
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.”
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716383 is a reply to message #2715766 ] |
Sun, 05 August 2012 08:49 |
|
Exactly, Ive sent my winter pasture analysis away to the US only this week...
Will top off the 4 seasons and show any seasonal changes that need addressing.
For $26 plus postage...its crazy not to have a crack at a more precise way of formulating diets
Are you using the US company Phil? Because I had a hard time finding an Australian one to do the plant tissue analysis, only soil testing seems available
[Updated on: Sun, 05 August 2012 08:52]
|
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716838 is a reply to message #2716383 ] |
Sun, 05 August 2012 21:04 |
|
I used SWEP for the soil test and I know they do plant tissue, but I suspect they charge more than that also,whoever you buy your mineral mix will probably prefer you use a specified tester for consistency
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.”
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716947 is a reply to message #2715766 ] |
Mon, 06 August 2012 08:44 |
|
Groucho, Feed Test in Hamilton, Vic do all plant analysis, I use them twice a year myself. Much more expensive than the US one for full analysis, but I prefer it because I can not fathom how the process you have to follow to send it to the US doesn't alter the nutritional levels in fresh grass.
Here is the link to Feed Test. http://www.feedtest.com.au/
Soil testing is good for assisting with the grasses you are wanting to grow, but your horse doesn't eat soil, so make sure you get the pasture tested.
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716954 is a reply to message #2715766 ] |
Mon, 06 August 2012 09:01 |
|
Its weird, some of the sample information says to microwave the grass, which my first thought would have been destruction of nutrients
The other says to freeze it, which makes more sense to lock the nutrients in.
I froze my samples before sending...sure they wont be frozen by the time they reach the US
Thats great I might use the Australian company next time 
|
|
|
| Re: Custom mixed mineral supplement wanted [message #2716959 is a reply to message #2715766 ] |
Mon, 06 August 2012 09:04 |
|
Yeah, Feed Test want you to send it on a Monday so no chance of weekends etc, and are pretty adament they want it as fast as possible. Freezing is definitely better than microwaving!
|
|
|
Members
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
