What's the benefit of fasting?

[sueandherzoo]

I have read several times that some people "fast" their horses one day a week, but I have not found out why yet. What is the benefit to the horse? I know it would be very detrimental to me - I would be a nervous wreck to have them go without food for that long! I skipped one feeding yesterday and I was so nervous to look in the tank this morning, afraid I would find them dead or starving!
Sue

 

[dingus890]

I remember when I got my horse reading this at some websites.I was concerned also.I asked Pete G. at Seahorse.com and he said it is only when you are adding an enhancement product like selcon or something to boost the fat and nutrition of the shrimp.
So unless you are feeding enriched or gut loaded mysis,I wouldn't fast your horses.
I would be a nervous wreck also...lol

 

[sueandherzoo]

Wow - what a relief - thank you for commenting. I, of course, want to do what is best for my horses but really would not feel comfortable "fasting" them. I can see the sense in fasting if I were using supplements but I'm thrilled to know it's not advisable otherwise.
Thanks for taking that stress off my back!

(how could we resist feeding them when they float to the front of the glass and do that little excited dance when they see you???? I'd have to leave the house for 24 hours to successfully fast them!)

 

[reefnutpa]

Those of us feeding PE Mysis....which is MUCH higher in proteins than other brands, often fast our seahorses for a day. IIRC, the high protein has some correlation to liver function, and it's good to give them a break once a week.
Incidentely, when "fasting", I don't actually with hold food, but rather switch to something like enriched live brine shrimp, frozen brine or a different brand of Mysis for a day.
I don't enrich any frozen foods. Pointless, IMO. If I want to give a vitamin boost or something to my breeding pairs or juvies, I'll gut-load live brine shrimp with Selcon, Phyto, AlgaMac or other enrichment products and feed them out.
Tom