Talking with the vet

I called our vet, Dr. Kyle, on Friday to discuss Tex's nutritional needs, when to castrate, what to do about the hernia, and what to expect. I have the utmost respect for veterinarians. Dr. Kyle advised me that to maintain a horse, you must feed them 3% of their body weight in total pounds of feed, which includes hay, grass, and grain. While growing, horses need 4% of their body weight in total pounds of feed. Also, he said that protein is more important than fat at this time, and he suggested (as a friend did) to put him on some sort of equine junior or youth feed. I'm currently making that switch slowly from his high-fat pellets, which is what we feed all of the other horses that we take care of.
One of the first things Dr. Kyle said is to BE PATIENT. Well, I'm willing. I'm looking forward to moving (we're moving back to the great state of Louisiana in June) because there is actually grass in Louisiana, versus this central Texas drought-bound area. We have a LITTLE grass, but no fencing around it. I think that Tex will do very well when he finally has access to unlimited pasture grazing.
Dr. Kyle also mentioned that testosterone DOES have an affect on growth, so we need to leave Tex as a stud for as long as we can. I can keep him separated for a while, but he must be cut before the move. The vet and I agreed to wait 30 days and re-evaluate the horse's body condition. Apparently anesthesia needs a decent body condition, or could harm the horse. I'd like to learn more about the details of that.
No, he may not reach his full genetic potential for height - He's strongly King bred, and King was 14.3 hands, so I may have a 14 or so hand horse. That's fine with me, because I'm a shorty myself!
After the phone conversation, I felt relieved about my decision to take Tex, and felt even more hopeful for the future. TM