Keywords:
Get the balance right Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. November, pp. 70–72, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_get_2015,
title = {Get the balance right},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-11-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {November},
pages = {70–72},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Get the balance right
If you give more than one feed supplement to your horse, you could be doubling up on ingredients says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
“T his one is for energy. This one is for his coat. And this one is for digestive health…” you may be thinking as you sprinkle powder and pour liquid into your horse’s feed bucket. Many owners provide multiple feeds and supplements for a variety of reasons. For example, the horse may have a specific medical issue, such as arthritis. Or, the owner feels a supplement is needed to calm the horse down, to help develop muscle, or support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In general, supplements are great for meeting nutritional requirements – if you know what it is you need to target – as they tend to be more specific than other manufactured feeds.
however, the more products and supplements you give, the more likely it is the ingredients will overlap. Not only could you be wasting money by doubling up, you may be feeding more than the recommended levels of certain substances. Although individual ingredients in supplements may have health benefits, doubling up on some things is not necessarily good and may have harmful effects. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that if you feed several supplements for the same purpose, you may not be able to tell which one is having the desired effect.
Meeting his needs
Before adding something to your horse’s diet, ask yourself the following three questions:
1. What is my reason for feeding it? If your horse has a particular need, or a product has been suggested by a farrier or vet, then supplements are worth considering. Feeding them for non-specific purposes, however, is not recommended. For example, if you are feeding multiple supplements because everyone else does, or because you have a feeling your horse will generally benefit, you are more likely to waste money. You could also potentially compromise his health.
2. Is a supplement really necessary? It pays to check whether nutritional supplementation is actually required in your horse’s case. grass and forage – such as hay or haylage – may already be meeting his nutritional (and energy) demands. Additional hard feeds which supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals may provide important nutrients that could be missing, but can double up with your horse’s roughage. You can find out how suitable your forage is for your horse by having hay or haylage analysed. This service is offered by independent laboratories and some feed companies. Feeding supplements based on an analysis is more specific and can lead to a better balanced diet and reduction in feed costs.
3. Will I be doubling up on ingredients? giving your horse a supplement for a specific purpose makes it less likely to double up on ingredients with other products you may be feeding, but it can still happen. Always check ingredient lists on labels carefully, and note the amount that the product contains. Avoid feeding multiple supplements with similar ingredients, especially if each supplement is fed according to its maximum recommended daily intake. There is also the chance that hard feeds and supplements offer similar nutrients to what is in your horse’s grass or forage. roughage, especially fresh grass, provides a lot of high-quality protein and vitamins. Supplementation is likely to provide excess protein and vitamins, unless grass is past its best, or if requirements are high, such as for breeding mares, or in horses that are performing at a high level. One supplement that should always be supplied is a salt lick, in both the stable and the field. Salt licks provide sodium and chloride, which are the first minerals to be limited in forage. horses tend to use salt licks as much as they need to, making supplementation very easy.
Consider your options
Some nutritional additives are fed to change how a horse behaves. But bear in mind that behaviour is affected by many factors, only one of which is nutrition. For example, a horse may be excitable when handled or ridden, because he is stabled for long periods of time. Even if giving him a calmer helps reduce any unwanted behaviour, it is not addressing the cause. Instead, consider turning the horse out for longer, or varying his routine to include different activities, like lungeing, long-reining or spending time on the horse walker. Physical issues, such as promoting muscle growth or joint health, generally require further action than solely adding a scoop of a supplement. For example, a supplement that contains the right ingredients can support muscle development, but correct training and dietary energy are also vital. In the same way, products aimed to relieve respiratory issues will have only a minor effect if a horse continues to be fed dusty hay or is kept for long periods in a non-ventilated stable. A supplement alone does not do the job in these cases and goes hand-in-hand with good management. having said that, biotin for healthy hooves and oil for a shiny coat can do their job without further action required.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Get the balance right
If you give more than one feed supplement to your horse, you could be doubling up on ingredients says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
“T his one is for energy. This one is for his coat. And this one is for digestive health…” you may be thinking as you sprinkle powder and pour liquid into your horse’s feed bucket. Many owners provide multiple feeds and supplements for a variety of reasons. For example, the horse may have a specific medical issue, such as arthritis. Or, the owner feels a supplement is needed to calm the horse down, to help develop muscle, or support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In general, supplements are great for meeting nutritional requirements – if you know what it is you need to target – as they tend to be more specific than other manufactured feeds.
however, the more products and supplements you give, the more likely it is the ingredients will overlap. Not only could you be wasting money by doubling up, you may be feeding more than the recommended levels of certain substances. Although individual ingredients in supplements may have health benefits, doubling up on some things is not necessarily good and may have harmful effects. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that if you feed several supplements for the same purpose, you may not be able to tell which one is having the desired effect.
Meeting his needs
Before adding something to your horse’s diet, ask yourself the following three questions:
1. What is my reason for feeding it? If your horse has a particular need, or a product has been suggested by a farrier or vet, then supplements are worth considering. Feeding them for non-specific purposes, however, is not recommended. For example, if you are feeding multiple supplements because everyone else does, or because you have a feeling your horse will generally benefit, you are more likely to waste money. You could also potentially compromise his health.
2. Is a supplement really necessary? It pays to check whether nutritional supplementation is actually required in your horse’s case. grass and forage – such as hay or haylage – may already be meeting his nutritional (and energy) demands. Additional hard feeds which supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals may provide important nutrients that could be missing, but can double up with your horse’s roughage. You can find out how suitable your forage is for your horse by having hay or haylage analysed. This service is offered by independent laboratories and some feed companies. Feeding supplements based on an analysis is more specific and can lead to a better balanced diet and reduction in feed costs.
3. Will I be doubling up on ingredients? giving your horse a supplement for a specific purpose makes it less likely to double up on ingredients with other products you may be feeding, but it can still happen. Always check ingredient lists on labels carefully, and note the amount that the product contains. Avoid feeding multiple supplements with similar ingredients, especially if each supplement is fed according to its maximum recommended daily intake. There is also the chance that hard feeds and supplements offer similar nutrients to what is in your horse’s grass or forage. roughage, especially fresh grass, provides a lot of high-quality protein and vitamins. Supplementation is likely to provide excess protein and vitamins, unless grass is past its best, or if requirements are high, such as for breeding mares, or in horses that are performing at a high level. One supplement that should always be supplied is a salt lick, in both the stable and the field. Salt licks provide sodium and chloride, which are the first minerals to be limited in forage. horses tend to use salt licks as much as they need to, making supplementation very easy.
Consider your options
Some nutritional additives are fed to change how a horse behaves. But bear in mind that behaviour is affected by many factors, only one of which is nutrition. For example, a horse may be excitable when handled or ridden, because he is stabled for long periods of time. Even if giving him a calmer helps reduce any unwanted behaviour, it is not addressing the cause. Instead, consider turning the horse out for longer, or varying his routine to include different activities, like lungeing, long-reining or spending time on the horse walker. Physical issues, such as promoting muscle growth or joint health, generally require further action than solely adding a scoop of a supplement. For example, a supplement that contains the right ingredients can support muscle development, but correct training and dietary energy are also vital. In the same way, products aimed to relieve respiratory issues will have only a minor effect if a horse continues to be fed dusty hay or is kept for long periods in a non-ventilated stable. A supplement alone does not do the job in these cases and goes hand-in-hand with good management. having said that, biotin for healthy hooves and oil for a shiny coat can do their job without further action required.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf
If you give more than one feed supplement to your horse, you could be doubling up on ingredients says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
“T his one is for energy. This one is for his coat. And this one is for digestive health…” you may be thinking as you sprinkle powder and pour liquid into your horse’s feed bucket. Many owners provide multiple feeds and supplements for a variety of reasons. For example, the horse may have a specific medical issue, such as arthritis. Or, the owner feels a supplement is needed to calm the horse down, to help develop muscle, or support beneficial bacteria in the gut. In general, supplements are great for meeting nutritional requirements – if you know what it is you need to target – as they tend to be more specific than other manufactured feeds.
however, the more products and supplements you give, the more likely it is the ingredients will overlap. Not only could you be wasting money by doubling up, you may be feeding more than the recommended levels of certain substances. Although individual ingredients in supplements may have health benefits, doubling up on some things is not necessarily good and may have harmful effects. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that if you feed several supplements for the same purpose, you may not be able to tell which one is having the desired effect.
Meeting his needs
Before adding something to your horse’s diet, ask yourself the following three questions:
1. What is my reason for feeding it? If your horse has a particular need, or a product has been suggested by a farrier or vet, then supplements are worth considering. Feeding them for non-specific purposes, however, is not recommended. For example, if you are feeding multiple supplements because everyone else does, or because you have a feeling your horse will generally benefit, you are more likely to waste money. You could also potentially compromise his health.
2. Is a supplement really necessary? It pays to check whether nutritional supplementation is actually required in your horse’s case. grass and forage – such as hay or haylage – may already be meeting his nutritional (and energy) demands. Additional hard feeds which supply a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals may provide important nutrients that could be missing, but can double up with your horse’s roughage. You can find out how suitable your forage is for your horse by having hay or haylage analysed. This service is offered by independent laboratories and some feed companies. Feeding supplements based on an analysis is more specific and can lead to a better balanced diet and reduction in feed costs.
3. Will I be doubling up on ingredients? giving your horse a supplement for a specific purpose makes it less likely to double up on ingredients with other products you may be feeding, but it can still happen. Always check ingredient lists on labels carefully, and note the amount that the product contains. Avoid feeding multiple supplements with similar ingredients, especially if each supplement is fed according to its maximum recommended daily intake. There is also the chance that hard feeds and supplements offer similar nutrients to what is in your horse’s grass or forage. roughage, especially fresh grass, provides a lot of high-quality protein and vitamins. Supplementation is likely to provide excess protein and vitamins, unless grass is past its best, or if requirements are high, such as for breeding mares, or in horses that are performing at a high level. One supplement that should always be supplied is a salt lick, in both the stable and the field. Salt licks provide sodium and chloride, which are the first minerals to be limited in forage. horses tend to use salt licks as much as they need to, making supplementation very easy.
Consider your options
Some nutritional additives are fed to change how a horse behaves. But bear in mind that behaviour is affected by many factors, only one of which is nutrition. For example, a horse may be excitable when handled or ridden, because he is stabled for long periods of time. Even if giving him a calmer helps reduce any unwanted behaviour, it is not addressing the cause. Instead, consider turning the horse out for longer, or varying his routine to include different activities, like lungeing, long-reining or spending time on the horse walker. Physical issues, such as promoting muscle growth or joint health, generally require further action than solely adding a scoop of a supplement. For example, a supplement that contains the right ingredients can support muscle development, but correct training and dietary energy are also vital. In the same way, products aimed to relieve respiratory issues will have only a minor effect if a horse continues to be fed dusty hay or is kept for long periods in a non-ventilated stable. A supplement alone does not do the job in these cases and goes hand-in-hand with good management. having said that, biotin for healthy hooves and oil for a shiny coat can do their job without further action required.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015November_HorseFeedSupplements.pdf
Natural instinct Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. June, pp. 88–90, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_natural_2015-1,
title = {Natural instinct},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-06-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {June},
pages = {88–90},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Natural instinct
Discover how following a more natural feeding regime can make your horse healthier and happier, says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
It is early in the morning and a herd of wild horses have already been grazing for several hours. The sun filters through the trees and the air is filled with the sweet anticipation of another warm day of eating grass. Later on, when the sun is at its highest, the horses will find shelter in the shade of the trees. They will take a nap, before continuing grazing in the cooler air of the afternoon and into evening. Then they will rest longer over night, in preparation for another day ahead. This is the daily pattern of horses in the wild, whose lives are filled with open spaces full of interest and who have freedom to stretch their legs. perhaps best of all, they have access to fresh grass all day long, even if they have to search for it. Horses are very well equipped for living a natural lifestyle – the neck and back can hold the head in the grazing position for a long time without using much energy. The digestive system is built for a huge intake of low-energy feed each day. And the brain and hormones form strong emotional bonds between the horses that keep the herd together.
An unnatural life
When horses are kept in a more domestic environment on a yard, they are managed in a way that is often far removed from how they would live in the wild (see ‘room with a view’, page 72). This is not entirely bad: there are no natural enemies to fear, and if they are sick or injured, medical attention will be issued quickly. However, not allowing a horse to follow a natural lifestyle – including their diet – can lead to problems forming. Many riding horses – from leisure animals to competition horses – are given meals of hard feed, such as nuts or mix. This is in sharp contrast with having unlimited feed available to them out in the wild. Furthermore, the meals they get are generally low in fibre, but high in energy and sugar or starch. This is the opposite of what a horse would be receiving in a natural diet. These and many other differences between natural and most modern feeding approaches are linked to health problems (see box, above). Unfortunately, these issues are commonly seen – more often than not riders try to fight the symptoms by reaching for stronger tack and calmers. However, they should instead be addressing the causes and preventing the problem in the first place.
As nature intended
Natural feeding puts the health of the horse first – it is all about giving him what he needs. By doing this you can reduce many factors that cause health or behaviour problems. The concept is much more than providing sufficient nutrients, though. You are allowing the horse to live like a horse should. The good news is that beneficial changes can be made relatively easily and they will have a major impact on your horse. Essentially, the natural feeding diet consists of unlimited roughage (fibre), because this is what horses eat in the wild. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be necessary on top of this roughage. Maybe you need to provide a different form of forage – for example, hay instead of fresh grass to keep a horse’s weight down – but the focus should always be on roughage. How a horse is given his meals is also important – eating and chewing with the head down is recommended – while replicating the ‘foraging’ element of wild horses will ensure a horse is kept entertained and happy. This can be done by using a treat ball or placing piles of hay – or several haynets – around the stable.
Reaping the rewards
Here are just a few of the associated benefits of following the natural feeding approach:
- Your horse’s diet can be tailor-made to suit him, his exercise levels and the quality of grazing you have. This is done by assessing his current diet and taking his body weight, the amount of exercise he does and other factors into consideration.
- It will promote gut health, which is supported by the continuous intake of fibrous feeds. This is due to the tough structure of roughage and its nutritional composition.
- The amount of chewing involved in eating fibre encourages the natural production of saliva, which in turn helps prevent gastric ulcers.
- Eating from the ground places the head in a position where the chewing action allows for the natural wearing of teeth.
- Muscular, joint and tendon health is supported, as a natural feeding position and movement throughout the day are encouraged.
- A horse can be happier and calmer because unlimited access to roughage is a major source of entertainment.
- Following a natural approach tends to be cheaper than conventional diets, because the main source of nutrition is fibre instead of manufactured feeds
1 Feed unlimited fibre
A fibre-based diet can improve gut health and will keep horses entertained for longer. If grass, hay or haylage intake is restricted, horses have to fill the time with another activity – this may result in compulsive or stereotypic behaviours, such as cribbing and weaving. Fibre should form the main source of nutrients for horses and the correct type should be fed in unlimited amounts. Feeding bucket meals with periods of not eating should be avoided. The nutritional composition of fibre varies greatly, which means it can be too rich or poor for an individual horse. Natural feeding addresses this by scoring a horse’s energy requirements and comparing it to the nutritional value of your grass/hay. This indicates whether extra vitamins and minerals are required, or if you need to switch to less-rich grass/hay/haylage.
2. Place feed on the ground
In nature, horses feed with their head down, which does not use much energy. Feeding away from the ground, such as in a haynet tied to the wall, requires the horse to lift his head. This uses neck and back muscles that are not designed to work for long periods of time, and can result in pain that may be noticed as a loss of performance under saddle. Also, dust from strung-up hay can more easily be inhaled, increasing the chances of respiratory problems. placing food on the ground encourages a correct chewing motion, while feeding away from the ground causes teeth to wear down incorrectly.
3. Make dietary changes gradually The natural diets of horses do not change overnight. Bacterial colonies in the gut can be easily upset by sudden changes, potentially causing colic or laminitis. The amount of concentrates should be changed no faster than by 0.5kg (1lbs) a day and oil supplementation by no more than one tablespoon a day. Hay from different harvests should be mixed when transitioning from one bale to the next. In the same way, the change from hay to pasture and vice versa should be made gradually, for example by restricting pasture access initially and supplying hay.
4. Analyse your forage people often focus more on which concentrates to feed instead of assessing roughage quality. This is like an athlete being more concerned with energy bars than with the bulk of their diet. Have your roughage analysed – some feed companies offer this service. (They can provide guidelines on how to take and send samples of your roughage.) Choose any supplemental feeds based on your forage composition, with the aid of a qualified equine nutritionist.
5. offer small meals ‘Meals’ refer to anything other than fibre sources – so, horse and pony nuts or mixes. It has been proven that feeding large meals can cause digestive upsets, especially with high starch feed. Never feed meals of over 1.5kg (3lb), or meals of straight cereals over 0.5kg (1lb). ponies should be fed no more than half these amounts. Spread meals over small portions throughout the day. To allow foraging behaviour, consider offering some of his feed using a treat ball.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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Natural instinct
Discover how following a more natural feeding regime can make your horse healthier and happier, says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
It is early in the morning and a herd of wild horses have already been grazing for several hours. The sun filters through the trees and the air is filled with the sweet anticipation of another warm day of eating grass. Later on, when the sun is at its highest, the horses will find shelter in the shade of the trees. They will take a nap, before continuing grazing in the cooler air of the afternoon and into evening. Then they will rest longer over night, in preparation for another day ahead. This is the daily pattern of horses in the wild, whose lives are filled with open spaces full of interest and who have freedom to stretch their legs. perhaps best of all, they have access to fresh grass all day long, even if they have to search for it. Horses are very well equipped for living a natural lifestyle – the neck and back can hold the head in the grazing position for a long time without using much energy. The digestive system is built for a huge intake of low-energy feed each day. And the brain and hormones form strong emotional bonds between the horses that keep the herd together.
An unnatural life
When horses are kept in a more domestic environment on a yard, they are managed in a way that is often far removed from how they would live in the wild (see ‘room with a view’, page 72). This is not entirely bad: there are no natural enemies to fear, and if they are sick or injured, medical attention will be issued quickly. However, not allowing a horse to follow a natural lifestyle – including their diet – can lead to problems forming. Many riding horses – from leisure animals to competition horses – are given meals of hard feed, such as nuts or mix. This is in sharp contrast with having unlimited feed available to them out in the wild. Furthermore, the meals they get are generally low in fibre, but high in energy and sugar or starch. This is the opposite of what a horse would be receiving in a natural diet. These and many other differences between natural and most modern feeding approaches are linked to health problems (see box, above). Unfortunately, these issues are commonly seen – more often than not riders try to fight the symptoms by reaching for stronger tack and calmers. However, they should instead be addressing the causes and preventing the problem in the first place.
As nature intended
Natural feeding puts the health of the horse first – it is all about giving him what he needs. By doing this you can reduce many factors that cause health or behaviour problems. The concept is much more than providing sufficient nutrients, though. You are allowing the horse to live like a horse should. The good news is that beneficial changes can be made relatively easily and they will have a major impact on your horse. Essentially, the natural feeding diet consists of unlimited roughage (fibre), because this is what horses eat in the wild. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be necessary on top of this roughage. Maybe you need to provide a different form of forage – for example, hay instead of fresh grass to keep a horse’s weight down – but the focus should always be on roughage. How a horse is given his meals is also important – eating and chewing with the head down is recommended – while replicating the ‘foraging’ element of wild horses will ensure a horse is kept entertained and happy. This can be done by using a treat ball or placing piles of hay – or several haynets – around the stable.
Reaping the rewards
Here are just a few of the associated benefits of following the natural feeding approach:
- Your horse’s diet can be tailor-made to suit him, his exercise levels and the quality of grazing you have. This is done by assessing his current diet and taking his body weight, the amount of exercise he does and other factors into consideration.
- It will promote gut health, which is supported by the continuous intake of fibrous feeds. This is due to the tough structure of roughage and its nutritional composition.
- The amount of chewing involved in eating fibre encourages the natural production of saliva, which in turn helps prevent gastric ulcers.
- Eating from the ground places the head in a position where the chewing action allows for the natural wearing of teeth.
- Muscular, joint and tendon health is supported, as a natural feeding position and movement throughout the day are encouraged.
- A horse can be happier and calmer because unlimited access to roughage is a major source of entertainment.
- Following a natural approach tends to be cheaper than conventional diets, because the main source of nutrition is fibre instead of manufactured feeds
1 Feed unlimited fibre
A fibre-based diet can improve gut health and will keep horses entertained for longer. If grass, hay or haylage intake is restricted, horses have to fill the time with another activity – this may result in compulsive or stereotypic behaviours, such as cribbing and weaving. Fibre should form the main source of nutrients for horses and the correct type should be fed in unlimited amounts. Feeding bucket meals with periods of not eating should be avoided. The nutritional composition of fibre varies greatly, which means it can be too rich or poor for an individual horse. Natural feeding addresses this by scoring a horse’s energy requirements and comparing it to the nutritional value of your grass/hay. This indicates whether extra vitamins and minerals are required, or if you need to switch to less-rich grass/hay/haylage.
2. Place feed on the ground
In nature, horses feed with their head down, which does not use much energy. Feeding away from the ground, such as in a haynet tied to the wall, requires the horse to lift his head. This uses neck and back muscles that are not designed to work for long periods of time, and can result in pain that may be noticed as a loss of performance under saddle. Also, dust from strung-up hay can more easily be inhaled, increasing the chances of respiratory problems. placing food on the ground encourages a correct chewing motion, while feeding away from the ground causes teeth to wear down incorrectly.
3. Make dietary changes gradually The natural diets of horses do not change overnight. Bacterial colonies in the gut can be easily upset by sudden changes, potentially causing colic or laminitis. The amount of concentrates should be changed no faster than by 0.5kg (1lbs) a day and oil supplementation by no more than one tablespoon a day. Hay from different harvests should be mixed when transitioning from one bale to the next. In the same way, the change from hay to pasture and vice versa should be made gradually, for example by restricting pasture access initially and supplying hay.
4. Analyse your forage people often focus more on which concentrates to feed instead of assessing roughage quality. This is like an athlete being more concerned with energy bars than with the bulk of their diet. Have your roughage analysed – some feed companies offer this service. (They can provide guidelines on how to take and send samples of your roughage.) Choose any supplemental feeds based on your forage composition, with the aid of a qualified equine nutritionist.
5. offer small meals ‘Meals’ refer to anything other than fibre sources – so, horse and pony nuts or mixes. It has been proven that feeding large meals can cause digestive upsets, especially with high starch feed. Never feed meals of over 1.5kg (3lb), or meals of straight cereals over 0.5kg (1lb). ponies should be fed no more than half these amounts. Spread meals over small portions throughout the day. To allow foraging behaviour, consider offering some of his feed using a treat ball.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf
Discover how following a more natural feeding regime can make your horse healthier and happier, says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker
It is early in the morning and a herd of wild horses have already been grazing for several hours. The sun filters through the trees and the air is filled with the sweet anticipation of another warm day of eating grass. Later on, when the sun is at its highest, the horses will find shelter in the shade of the trees. They will take a nap, before continuing grazing in the cooler air of the afternoon and into evening. Then they will rest longer over night, in preparation for another day ahead. This is the daily pattern of horses in the wild, whose lives are filled with open spaces full of interest and who have freedom to stretch their legs. perhaps best of all, they have access to fresh grass all day long, even if they have to search for it. Horses are very well equipped for living a natural lifestyle – the neck and back can hold the head in the grazing position for a long time without using much energy. The digestive system is built for a huge intake of low-energy feed each day. And the brain and hormones form strong emotional bonds between the horses that keep the herd together.
An unnatural life
When horses are kept in a more domestic environment on a yard, they are managed in a way that is often far removed from how they would live in the wild (see ‘room with a view’, page 72). This is not entirely bad: there are no natural enemies to fear, and if they are sick or injured, medical attention will be issued quickly. However, not allowing a horse to follow a natural lifestyle – including their diet – can lead to problems forming. Many riding horses – from leisure animals to competition horses – are given meals of hard feed, such as nuts or mix. This is in sharp contrast with having unlimited feed available to them out in the wild. Furthermore, the meals they get are generally low in fibre, but high in energy and sugar or starch. This is the opposite of what a horse would be receiving in a natural diet. These and many other differences between natural and most modern feeding approaches are linked to health problems (see box, above). Unfortunately, these issues are commonly seen – more often than not riders try to fight the symptoms by reaching for stronger tack and calmers. However, they should instead be addressing the causes and preventing the problem in the first place.
As nature intended
Natural feeding puts the health of the horse first – it is all about giving him what he needs. By doing this you can reduce many factors that cause health or behaviour problems. The concept is much more than providing sufficient nutrients, though. You are allowing the horse to live like a horse should. The good news is that beneficial changes can be made relatively easily and they will have a major impact on your horse. Essentially, the natural feeding diet consists of unlimited roughage (fibre), because this is what horses eat in the wild. Supplementation with vitamins and minerals may be necessary on top of this roughage. Maybe you need to provide a different form of forage – for example, hay instead of fresh grass to keep a horse’s weight down – but the focus should always be on roughage. How a horse is given his meals is also important – eating and chewing with the head down is recommended – while replicating the ‘foraging’ element of wild horses will ensure a horse is kept entertained and happy. This can be done by using a treat ball or placing piles of hay – or several haynets – around the stable.
Reaping the rewards
Here are just a few of the associated benefits of following the natural feeding approach:
- Your horse’s diet can be tailor-made to suit him, his exercise levels and the quality of grazing you have. This is done by assessing his current diet and taking his body weight, the amount of exercise he does and other factors into consideration.
- It will promote gut health, which is supported by the continuous intake of fibrous feeds. This is due to the tough structure of roughage and its nutritional composition.
- The amount of chewing involved in eating fibre encourages the natural production of saliva, which in turn helps prevent gastric ulcers.
- Eating from the ground places the head in a position where the chewing action allows for the natural wearing of teeth.
- Muscular, joint and tendon health is supported, as a natural feeding position and movement throughout the day are encouraged.
- A horse can be happier and calmer because unlimited access to roughage is a major source of entertainment.
- Following a natural approach tends to be cheaper than conventional diets, because the main source of nutrition is fibre instead of manufactured feeds
1 Feed unlimited fibre
A fibre-based diet can improve gut health and will keep horses entertained for longer. If grass, hay or haylage intake is restricted, horses have to fill the time with another activity – this may result in compulsive or stereotypic behaviours, such as cribbing and weaving. Fibre should form the main source of nutrients for horses and the correct type should be fed in unlimited amounts. Feeding bucket meals with periods of not eating should be avoided. The nutritional composition of fibre varies greatly, which means it can be too rich or poor for an individual horse. Natural feeding addresses this by scoring a horse’s energy requirements and comparing it to the nutritional value of your grass/hay. This indicates whether extra vitamins and minerals are required, or if you need to switch to less-rich grass/hay/haylage.
2. Place feed on the ground
In nature, horses feed with their head down, which does not use much energy. Feeding away from the ground, such as in a haynet tied to the wall, requires the horse to lift his head. This uses neck and back muscles that are not designed to work for long periods of time, and can result in pain that may be noticed as a loss of performance under saddle. Also, dust from strung-up hay can more easily be inhaled, increasing the chances of respiratory problems. placing food on the ground encourages a correct chewing motion, while feeding away from the ground causes teeth to wear down incorrectly.
3. Make dietary changes gradually The natural diets of horses do not change overnight. Bacterial colonies in the gut can be easily upset by sudden changes, potentially causing colic or laminitis. The amount of concentrates should be changed no faster than by 0.5kg (1lbs) a day and oil supplementation by no more than one tablespoon a day. Hay from different harvests should be mixed when transitioning from one bale to the next. In the same way, the change from hay to pasture and vice versa should be made gradually, for example by restricting pasture access initially and supplying hay.
4. Analyse your forage people often focus more on which concentrates to feed instead of assessing roughage quality. This is like an athlete being more concerned with energy bars than with the bulk of their diet. Have your roughage analysed – some feed companies offer this service. (They can provide guidelines on how to take and send samples of your roughage.) Choose any supplemental feeds based on your forage composition, with the aid of a qualified equine nutritionist.
5. offer small meals ‘Meals’ refer to anything other than fibre sources – so, horse and pony nuts or mixes. It has been proven that feeding large meals can cause digestive upsets, especially with high starch feed. Never feed meals of over 1.5kg (3lb), or meals of straight cereals over 0.5kg (1lb). ponies should be fed no more than half these amounts. Spread meals over small portions throughout the day. To allow foraging behaviour, consider offering some of his feed using a treat ball.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015June_NaturalFeeding.pdf
Wellbeing - A big issue Journal Article
A. P. Wesker;S. Morris
In: Horse&Rider, no. 540, pp. 109–111, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_wellbeing_2015,
title = {Wellbeing - A big issue},
author = {A P Wesker and S Morris},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-05-01},
journal = {Horse&Rider},
number = {540},
pages = {109–111},
publisher = {D J Murphy},
address = {Grayshott, Surrey},
abstract = {Keep your horse in good shape this summer by paying attention to his diet and exercise. Two experts offer their advice.
“The only way for a horse to get fat is if the energy he consumes exceeds the energy he expends,” says independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Equally, the only way for him to lose fat is if the energy he consumes is less than the energy he expends. The amount of energy consumed is increased by your horse eating more or eating feed with a higher energy content, whereas expended energy rises when he exercises more or if the exercise is more intensive.” Like humans, some horses are more prone to weight gain than others. If that sounds familiar, it’s important to be vigilant about the amount of feed and exercise he is getting. “Typically, native breeds are more prone to being overweight, because they’ve evolved to withstand harsh winters, poor grazing and exposure to the elements,” says the Mare And Foal Sanctuary’s Sian Morris. “Today’s domesticated horses often have a higher calorie intake because they have access to high quality grazing, hay or haylage and hard feed. In addition, they are often only in light work, which means they don’t burn many calories or maintain muscle tone.”
Calorie counting
Monitoring your horse’s calorie intake is a good indicator of how much energy he is receiving. The challenge is to provide enough food to maintain a healthy digestive system, without offering more calories than is essential. Alexandra advises: “If you want to feed less energy but don’t want to compromise on the amount of food, the energy content of the food needs to be reduced. When it comes to concentrates, choose one with less energy. If you’re at all unsure of which feed to choose, consult an equine nutritionist to find the best option for your horse. “Energy intake can be reduced by feeding a different form of roughage. For example, hay has a lower energy content than grass or haylage. If your horse lives out, you can decrease the size of his paddock and supplement his diet with hay – if he is eating the hay, he’ll be consuming fewer calories than if he’s eating grass. This offers your horse the benefits of turnout, while providing roughage with a lower energy content. “Another way to reduce the amount of sugar in hay is to soak it for several hours. However, soaking reduces hay’s mineral content. Providing a mineral lick at all times is a way of ensuring your horse is receiving sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, which are the important minerals and trace elements he needs in his diet. Providing a mineral lick is a good idea, even if his hay isn’t soaked.” At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the staff use a variety of methods to control the residents’ food intake. Sian explains: “You can reduce your horse’s grazing by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing the paddock or by bringing him into a stable, barn or yard to manage his diet more closely. “Also, consider whether your horse really needs to be fed concentrates. Take into consideration his breed, type, temperament, workload and current body condition score. A good way to reduce your horse’s roughage intake while he is stabled is to double-net your hay (one inside the other) or use small-holed haylage nets.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf},
keywords = {},
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Keep your horse in good shape this summer by paying attention to his diet and exercise. Two experts offer their advice.
“The only way for a horse to get fat is if the energy he consumes exceeds the energy he expends,” says independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Equally, the only way for him to lose fat is if the energy he consumes is less than the energy he expends. The amount of energy consumed is increased by your horse eating more or eating feed with a higher energy content, whereas expended energy rises when he exercises more or if the exercise is more intensive.” Like humans, some horses are more prone to weight gain than others. If that sounds familiar, it’s important to be vigilant about the amount of feed and exercise he is getting. “Typically, native breeds are more prone to being overweight, because they’ve evolved to withstand harsh winters, poor grazing and exposure to the elements,” says the Mare And Foal Sanctuary’s Sian Morris. “Today’s domesticated horses often have a higher calorie intake because they have access to high quality grazing, hay or haylage and hard feed. In addition, they are often only in light work, which means they don’t burn many calories or maintain muscle tone.”
Calorie counting
Monitoring your horse’s calorie intake is a good indicator of how much energy he is receiving. The challenge is to provide enough food to maintain a healthy digestive system, without offering more calories than is essential. Alexandra advises: “If you want to feed less energy but don’t want to compromise on the amount of food, the energy content of the food needs to be reduced. When it comes to concentrates, choose one with less energy. If you’re at all unsure of which feed to choose, consult an equine nutritionist to find the best option for your horse. “Energy intake can be reduced by feeding a different form of roughage. For example, hay has a lower energy content than grass or haylage. If your horse lives out, you can decrease the size of his paddock and supplement his diet with hay – if he is eating the hay, he’ll be consuming fewer calories than if he’s eating grass. This offers your horse the benefits of turnout, while providing roughage with a lower energy content. “Another way to reduce the amount of sugar in hay is to soak it for several hours. However, soaking reduces hay’s mineral content. Providing a mineral lick at all times is a way of ensuring your horse is receiving sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, which are the important minerals and trace elements he needs in his diet. Providing a mineral lick is a good idea, even if his hay isn’t soaked.” At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the staff use a variety of methods to control the residents’ food intake. Sian explains: “You can reduce your horse’s grazing by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing the paddock or by bringing him into a stable, barn or yard to manage his diet more closely. “Also, consider whether your horse really needs to be fed concentrates. Take into consideration his breed, type, temperament, workload and current body condition score. A good way to reduce your horse’s roughage intake while he is stabled is to double-net your hay (one inside the other) or use small-holed haylage nets.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf
“The only way for a horse to get fat is if the energy he consumes exceeds the energy he expends,” says independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Equally, the only way for him to lose fat is if the energy he consumes is less than the energy he expends. The amount of energy consumed is increased by your horse eating more or eating feed with a higher energy content, whereas expended energy rises when he exercises more or if the exercise is more intensive.” Like humans, some horses are more prone to weight gain than others. If that sounds familiar, it’s important to be vigilant about the amount of feed and exercise he is getting. “Typically, native breeds are more prone to being overweight, because they’ve evolved to withstand harsh winters, poor grazing and exposure to the elements,” says the Mare And Foal Sanctuary’s Sian Morris. “Today’s domesticated horses often have a higher calorie intake because they have access to high quality grazing, hay or haylage and hard feed. In addition, they are often only in light work, which means they don’t burn many calories or maintain muscle tone.”
Calorie counting
Monitoring your horse’s calorie intake is a good indicator of how much energy he is receiving. The challenge is to provide enough food to maintain a healthy digestive system, without offering more calories than is essential. Alexandra advises: “If you want to feed less energy but don’t want to compromise on the amount of food, the energy content of the food needs to be reduced. When it comes to concentrates, choose one with less energy. If you’re at all unsure of which feed to choose, consult an equine nutritionist to find the best option for your horse. “Energy intake can be reduced by feeding a different form of roughage. For example, hay has a lower energy content than grass or haylage. If your horse lives out, you can decrease the size of his paddock and supplement his diet with hay – if he is eating the hay, he’ll be consuming fewer calories than if he’s eating grass. This offers your horse the benefits of turnout, while providing roughage with a lower energy content. “Another way to reduce the amount of sugar in hay is to soak it for several hours. However, soaking reduces hay’s mineral content. Providing a mineral lick at all times is a way of ensuring your horse is receiving sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper, which are the important minerals and trace elements he needs in his diet. Providing a mineral lick is a good idea, even if his hay isn’t soaked.” At the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, the staff use a variety of methods to control the residents’ food intake. Sian explains: “You can reduce your horse’s grazing by using a grazing muzzle, strip grazing the paddock or by bringing him into a stable, barn or yard to manage his diet more closely. “Also, consider whether your horse really needs to be fed concentrates. Take into consideration his breed, type, temperament, workload and current body condition score. A good way to reduce your horse’s roughage intake while he is stabled is to double-net your hay (one inside the other) or use small-holed haylage nets.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015May_Wellbeing-ABigIssue.pdf
Fabulous fibre Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. March, pp. 74–76, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_fabulous_2015,
title = {Fabulous fibre},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-03-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {March},
pages = {74–76},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Fabulous fibre
Equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker shares seven reasons for giving horses and ponies a high-fibre diet.
A source of energy and warmth
Fibrous feeds such as hay, haylage and grass provide ‘slow-release’ energy, which means a horse is less likely to become fizzy than if fed cereals such as oats or barley. horses cannot digest fibre directly – bacteria in the digestive system perform this job, releasing nutrients for the body to use. The amount of energy bacteria can retrieve from fibrous feeds depends on the type of fibre. Fibre in soft, leafy spring grass is broken down easily and releases a lot of energy. The fibre in stalky, rough autumn grass is more difficult for the bacteria to break down and provides less energy. This means a meadow offers more energy at the beginning of summer than at the end. For the same reason, the time of year hay is harvested has a big impact on its energy content. ‘Good’ bacteria can release more energy from soft, leafy hay than it can from stalky forage. When bacteria in the gut break down fibre and release energy, they also produce warmth. This serves as an internal stove for horses and plays a major role in keeping them warm. This is why fibre is such a valuable feed source in the winter months.
Contributes to hindgut health
The hindgut is the last part of the horse’s digestive system. It is large and lined with billions of bacteria that aid digestion (see number one, left). a diet high in fibre supports the gut bacteria which break down fibre. This is because fibre is a source of feed for the bacteria themselves. In digesting fibre, the bacteria release nutrients and produce B-vitamins which are utilised by the horse’s body. On a fibrous diet, the hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic), which provides the best environment for the bacteria that digest fibre. In contrast, diets low in fibre and high in starch can lead to starch ending up in the hindgut. The starch will make the hindgut more acidic, which can kill the fibre-loving bacteria – a process associated with the onset of laminitis. For this reason, fibrous diets are considered to be healthier for horses than starchy diets. another way in which fibre supports hindgut health is through its tough physical structure. The rugged structure of fibre encourages contractions in the horse’s digestive tract, which are essential for moving food material through the gut. These contractions decrease without fibre, and this can cause gut contents to start rotting, killing bacteria and potentially leading to problems such as laminitis.
Protects against ulcers
The most common stomach problem in horses is gastric ulceration – it is believed more than half of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk. There are many factors that can result in ulcers developing, some of which are nutritional. One cause is a stomach environment that is too acidic. The stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This acidity is needed because it kills bad microbes that enter with feed, and because it starts the process of protein digestion. The acidity does, however, need to be moderated by saliva. If too little saliva is produced, the stomach can become too acidic, increasing the risk of ulcers forming. horses, in contrast to humans, only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding highly fibrous feeds requires about four times more chewing than non-fibrous feeds and therefore produces more saliva to help prevent gastric ulcers.
Keeps teeth in good working order
Eating a high-fibre diet can help prevent painful sharp edges forming on a horse’s teeth. Sharp edges can damage the tongue and cheeks of the horse, and may prevent him from being able to eat properly. Equine teeth grow continuously, even into adulthood. They are worn down when a horse chews. When eating highly fibrous food, the grinding action is big and wears down the upper surface of the molars. however, when a horse munches on other feedstuffs that are non-fibrous, the chewing motion is small and only part of the tooth surface will be worn down. The area of the tooth that is not worn down can become a sharp edge. how you feed your horse his forage can also affect how he chews, and therefore how well his teeth are worn down. You should position his hay or haylage on the ground, whether feeding it in the field or in the stable. Every horse should have at least an annual check up by a vet or qualified equine dental technician, even if he’s not showing signs of a mouth problem.
Provides healthy entertainment
It is natural for equines to eat for around 14 to 18 hours a day. however, modern living often sees horses individually stabled, and given a bucket feed one to three times a day. Once the meal is finished they find other ways of entertainment, often in the form of unwanted behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving or twisting the tongue. These behaviours have no constructive purpose but can cause health problems, and they are difficult – if not impossible – to undo. Providing plenty of fibre for a horse to chew is a healthy way to keep him busy and prevent boredom, especially if it’s fed ‘ad lib’.
Acts as a water reserve
The hindgut of a horse serves as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. During prolonged exercise – such as endurance races, or the cross-country phase of eventing – this reservoir is called upon and the horse will draw on the water and salt reserves it contains. The horse’s diet plays a major role in how large the reservoir is. When a horse eats lots of fibre, the hindgut will hold more fluids and electrolytes than if he’s on a low-fibre diet. This is a main reason why the diets of endurance horses feature lots of fibre. most endurance riders take great care in selecting the right forage for their horses and tend to just feed that, alongside vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Supplies nutrients
A horse’s requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are often met by fibrous feeds, provided they were produced on land which has good soil and are fed continuously (ad lib). Overall, grass and hay tend to provide a good balance of nutrients. Fresh grass covers the vitamin a and E requirements for non-exercising horses in only a few hours of grazing. Even grass with a low-energy content can deliver sufficient nutrients for non-exercising horses if fed ad lib. Equally, unlimited grass with a high-energy content should meet the nutritional requirements of horses in work. a further health benefit of grass is it contains fats that are omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritional composition does, however, depend on the time of year. For example, grass can provide good quality protein, but while levels are high during spring and summer, they are too low in autumn and winter to meet the needs of exercising horses. Vitamin a and E content reduces when grass is made into hay. Therefore, depending on the hay quality, a protein and vitamin supplement may be beneficial in winter.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
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Fabulous fibre
Equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker shares seven reasons for giving horses and ponies a high-fibre diet.
A source of energy and warmth
Fibrous feeds such as hay, haylage and grass provide ‘slow-release’ energy, which means a horse is less likely to become fizzy than if fed cereals such as oats or barley. horses cannot digest fibre directly – bacteria in the digestive system perform this job, releasing nutrients for the body to use. The amount of energy bacteria can retrieve from fibrous feeds depends on the type of fibre. Fibre in soft, leafy spring grass is broken down easily and releases a lot of energy. The fibre in stalky, rough autumn grass is more difficult for the bacteria to break down and provides less energy. This means a meadow offers more energy at the beginning of summer than at the end. For the same reason, the time of year hay is harvested has a big impact on its energy content. ‘Good’ bacteria can release more energy from soft, leafy hay than it can from stalky forage. When bacteria in the gut break down fibre and release energy, they also produce warmth. This serves as an internal stove for horses and plays a major role in keeping them warm. This is why fibre is such a valuable feed source in the winter months.
Contributes to hindgut health
The hindgut is the last part of the horse’s digestive system. It is large and lined with billions of bacteria that aid digestion (see number one, left). a diet high in fibre supports the gut bacteria which break down fibre. This is because fibre is a source of feed for the bacteria themselves. In digesting fibre, the bacteria release nutrients and produce B-vitamins which are utilised by the horse’s body. On a fibrous diet, the hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic), which provides the best environment for the bacteria that digest fibre. In contrast, diets low in fibre and high in starch can lead to starch ending up in the hindgut. The starch will make the hindgut more acidic, which can kill the fibre-loving bacteria – a process associated with the onset of laminitis. For this reason, fibrous diets are considered to be healthier for horses than starchy diets. another way in which fibre supports hindgut health is through its tough physical structure. The rugged structure of fibre encourages contractions in the horse’s digestive tract, which are essential for moving food material through the gut. These contractions decrease without fibre, and this can cause gut contents to start rotting, killing bacteria and potentially leading to problems such as laminitis.
Protects against ulcers
The most common stomach problem in horses is gastric ulceration – it is believed more than half of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk. There are many factors that can result in ulcers developing, some of which are nutritional. One cause is a stomach environment that is too acidic. The stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This acidity is needed because it kills bad microbes that enter with feed, and because it starts the process of protein digestion. The acidity does, however, need to be moderated by saliva. If too little saliva is produced, the stomach can become too acidic, increasing the risk of ulcers forming. horses, in contrast to humans, only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding highly fibrous feeds requires about four times more chewing than non-fibrous feeds and therefore produces more saliva to help prevent gastric ulcers.
Keeps teeth in good working order
Eating a high-fibre diet can help prevent painful sharp edges forming on a horse’s teeth. Sharp edges can damage the tongue and cheeks of the horse, and may prevent him from being able to eat properly. Equine teeth grow continuously, even into adulthood. They are worn down when a horse chews. When eating highly fibrous food, the grinding action is big and wears down the upper surface of the molars. however, when a horse munches on other feedstuffs that are non-fibrous, the chewing motion is small and only part of the tooth surface will be worn down. The area of the tooth that is not worn down can become a sharp edge. how you feed your horse his forage can also affect how he chews, and therefore how well his teeth are worn down. You should position his hay or haylage on the ground, whether feeding it in the field or in the stable. Every horse should have at least an annual check up by a vet or qualified equine dental technician, even if he’s not showing signs of a mouth problem.
Provides healthy entertainment
It is natural for equines to eat for around 14 to 18 hours a day. however, modern living often sees horses individually stabled, and given a bucket feed one to three times a day. Once the meal is finished they find other ways of entertainment, often in the form of unwanted behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving or twisting the tongue. These behaviours have no constructive purpose but can cause health problems, and they are difficult – if not impossible – to undo. Providing plenty of fibre for a horse to chew is a healthy way to keep him busy and prevent boredom, especially if it’s fed ‘ad lib’.
Acts as a water reserve
The hindgut of a horse serves as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. During prolonged exercise – such as endurance races, or the cross-country phase of eventing – this reservoir is called upon and the horse will draw on the water and salt reserves it contains. The horse’s diet plays a major role in how large the reservoir is. When a horse eats lots of fibre, the hindgut will hold more fluids and electrolytes than if he’s on a low-fibre diet. This is a main reason why the diets of endurance horses feature lots of fibre. most endurance riders take great care in selecting the right forage for their horses and tend to just feed that, alongside vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Supplies nutrients
A horse’s requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are often met by fibrous feeds, provided they were produced on land which has good soil and are fed continuously (ad lib). Overall, grass and hay tend to provide a good balance of nutrients. Fresh grass covers the vitamin a and E requirements for non-exercising horses in only a few hours of grazing. Even grass with a low-energy content can deliver sufficient nutrients for non-exercising horses if fed ad lib. Equally, unlimited grass with a high-energy content should meet the nutritional requirements of horses in work. a further health benefit of grass is it contains fats that are omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritional composition does, however, depend on the time of year. For example, grass can provide good quality protein, but while levels are high during spring and summer, they are too low in autumn and winter to meet the needs of exercising horses. Vitamin a and E content reduces when grass is made into hay. Therefore, depending on the hay quality, a protein and vitamin supplement may be beneficial in winter.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf
Equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker shares seven reasons for giving horses and ponies a high-fibre diet.
A source of energy and warmth
Fibrous feeds such as hay, haylage and grass provide ‘slow-release’ energy, which means a horse is less likely to become fizzy than if fed cereals such as oats or barley. horses cannot digest fibre directly – bacteria in the digestive system perform this job, releasing nutrients for the body to use. The amount of energy bacteria can retrieve from fibrous feeds depends on the type of fibre. Fibre in soft, leafy spring grass is broken down easily and releases a lot of energy. The fibre in stalky, rough autumn grass is more difficult for the bacteria to break down and provides less energy. This means a meadow offers more energy at the beginning of summer than at the end. For the same reason, the time of year hay is harvested has a big impact on its energy content. ‘Good’ bacteria can release more energy from soft, leafy hay than it can from stalky forage. When bacteria in the gut break down fibre and release energy, they also produce warmth. This serves as an internal stove for horses and plays a major role in keeping them warm. This is why fibre is such a valuable feed source in the winter months.
Contributes to hindgut health
The hindgut is the last part of the horse’s digestive system. It is large and lined with billions of bacteria that aid digestion (see number one, left). a diet high in fibre supports the gut bacteria which break down fibre. This is because fibre is a source of feed for the bacteria themselves. In digesting fibre, the bacteria release nutrients and produce B-vitamins which are utilised by the horse’s body. On a fibrous diet, the hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic), which provides the best environment for the bacteria that digest fibre. In contrast, diets low in fibre and high in starch can lead to starch ending up in the hindgut. The starch will make the hindgut more acidic, which can kill the fibre-loving bacteria – a process associated with the onset of laminitis. For this reason, fibrous diets are considered to be healthier for horses than starchy diets. another way in which fibre supports hindgut health is through its tough physical structure. The rugged structure of fibre encourages contractions in the horse’s digestive tract, which are essential for moving food material through the gut. These contractions decrease without fibre, and this can cause gut contents to start rotting, killing bacteria and potentially leading to problems such as laminitis.
Protects against ulcers
The most common stomach problem in horses is gastric ulceration – it is believed more than half of racehorses in training suffer from ulcers. Leisure horses are also at risk. There are many factors that can result in ulcers developing, some of which are nutritional. One cause is a stomach environment that is too acidic. The stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This acidity is needed because it kills bad microbes that enter with feed, and because it starts the process of protein digestion. The acidity does, however, need to be moderated by saliva. If too little saliva is produced, the stomach can become too acidic, increasing the risk of ulcers forming. horses, in contrast to humans, only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding highly fibrous feeds requires about four times more chewing than non-fibrous feeds and therefore produces more saliva to help prevent gastric ulcers.
Keeps teeth in good working order
Eating a high-fibre diet can help prevent painful sharp edges forming on a horse’s teeth. Sharp edges can damage the tongue and cheeks of the horse, and may prevent him from being able to eat properly. Equine teeth grow continuously, even into adulthood. They are worn down when a horse chews. When eating highly fibrous food, the grinding action is big and wears down the upper surface of the molars. however, when a horse munches on other feedstuffs that are non-fibrous, the chewing motion is small and only part of the tooth surface will be worn down. The area of the tooth that is not worn down can become a sharp edge. how you feed your horse his forage can also affect how he chews, and therefore how well his teeth are worn down. You should position his hay or haylage on the ground, whether feeding it in the field or in the stable. Every horse should have at least an annual check up by a vet or qualified equine dental technician, even if he’s not showing signs of a mouth problem.
Provides healthy entertainment
It is natural for equines to eat for around 14 to 18 hours a day. however, modern living often sees horses individually stabled, and given a bucket feed one to three times a day. Once the meal is finished they find other ways of entertainment, often in the form of unwanted behaviours such as cribbing, windsucking, weaving or twisting the tongue. These behaviours have no constructive purpose but can cause health problems, and they are difficult – if not impossible – to undo. Providing plenty of fibre for a horse to chew is a healthy way to keep him busy and prevent boredom, especially if it’s fed ‘ad lib’.
Acts as a water reserve
The hindgut of a horse serves as a reservoir for water and electrolytes. During prolonged exercise – such as endurance races, or the cross-country phase of eventing – this reservoir is called upon and the horse will draw on the water and salt reserves it contains. The horse’s diet plays a major role in how large the reservoir is. When a horse eats lots of fibre, the hindgut will hold more fluids and electrolytes than if he’s on a low-fibre diet. This is a main reason why the diets of endurance horses feature lots of fibre. most endurance riders take great care in selecting the right forage for their horses and tend to just feed that, alongside vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Supplies nutrients
A horse’s requirements for vitamins, minerals and trace elements are often met by fibrous feeds, provided they were produced on land which has good soil and are fed continuously (ad lib). Overall, grass and hay tend to provide a good balance of nutrients. Fresh grass covers the vitamin a and E requirements for non-exercising horses in only a few hours of grazing. Even grass with a low-energy content can deliver sufficient nutrients for non-exercising horses if fed ad lib. Equally, unlimited grass with a high-energy content should meet the nutritional requirements of horses in work. a further health benefit of grass is it contains fats that are omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Nutritional composition does, however, depend on the time of year. For example, grass can provide good quality protein, but while levels are high during spring and summer, they are too low in autumn and winter to meet the needs of exercising horses. Vitamin a and E content reduces when grass is made into hay. Therefore, depending on the hay quality, a protein and vitamin supplement may be beneficial in winter.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015March_FabulousFibre.pdf
Respiratory supplements for horses - Buyers' Guide Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. February, pp. 100–101, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_respiratory_2015,
title = {Respiratory supplements for horses - Buyers' Guide},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015February_RespiratorySupplements.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {February},
pages = {100–101},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Independent equine nutritionist alexandra Wesker warns you should rule out medical conditions before reaching for a supplement. “Ask your vet to establish the cause of the problem,” she advises. “A viral or bacterial infection, or infestation with lungworm, for example, require medical attention. “If your horse suffers from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) you may consider giving a respiratory supplement alongside providing good management and medical attention. “RAO is an allergic reaction to dust and mould that causes inflammation of the respiratory tract. While a supplement can help to fight this inflammatory response, it can only be efficient if the source of irritation is removed. Horses suffering from RAO must be kept in a dust-free environment, preferably outdoors or alternatively in well-aerated stables.”
Provide good quality forage: avoid feeding dusty or mouldy hay at all costs. If hay is dusty – and haylage isn’t an option – soak or steam it before giving it to your horse. “Soaking hay will help, but steaming tends to be even more effective,” says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Dampening hay has little effect.”
Provide ventilation: if your horse is stabled, it is much better to open a window and put another rug on him than to restrict airflow. Fresh air will help to keep his airways clean and working efficiently. “If your horse has RAO you could even install a fan in the stable,” suggests Alexandra. “This will move air through and out of the stable, making small particles less likely to enter the horse’s lungs.”
Feed from the floor: “Roughage should always be placed on the ground if horses are kept indoors,” says Alexandra. “This reduces dust entering the airways and encourages a natural grazing position.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015February_RespiratorySupplements.pdf},
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Independent equine nutritionist alexandra Wesker warns you should rule out medical conditions before reaching for a supplement. “Ask your vet to establish the cause of the problem,” she advises. “A viral or bacterial infection, or infestation with lungworm, for example, require medical attention. “If your horse suffers from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) you may consider giving a respiratory supplement alongside providing good management and medical attention. “RAO is an allergic reaction to dust and mould that causes inflammation of the respiratory tract. While a supplement can help to fight this inflammatory response, it can only be efficient if the source of irritation is removed. Horses suffering from RAO must be kept in a dust-free environment, preferably outdoors or alternatively in well-aerated stables.”
Provide good quality forage: avoid feeding dusty or mouldy hay at all costs. If hay is dusty – and haylage isn’t an option – soak or steam it before giving it to your horse. “Soaking hay will help, but steaming tends to be even more effective,” says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Dampening hay has little effect.”
Provide ventilation: if your horse is stabled, it is much better to open a window and put another rug on him than to restrict airflow. Fresh air will help to keep his airways clean and working efficiently. “If your horse has RAO you could even install a fan in the stable,” suggests Alexandra. “This will move air through and out of the stable, making small particles less likely to enter the horse’s lungs.”
Feed from the floor: “Roughage should always be placed on the ground if horses are kept indoors,” says Alexandra. “This reduces dust entering the airways and encourages a natural grazing position.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015February_RespiratorySupplements.pdf
Provide good quality forage: avoid feeding dusty or mouldy hay at all costs. If hay is dusty – and haylage isn’t an option – soak or steam it before giving it to your horse. “Soaking hay will help, but steaming tends to be even more effective,” says equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker. “Dampening hay has little effect.”
Provide ventilation: if your horse is stabled, it is much better to open a window and put another rug on him than to restrict airflow. Fresh air will help to keep his airways clean and working efficiently. “If your horse has RAO you could even install a fan in the stable,” suggests Alexandra. “This will move air through and out of the stable, making small particles less likely to enter the horse’s lungs.”
Feed from the floor: “Roughage should always be placed on the ground if horses are kept indoors,” says Alexandra. “This reduces dust entering the airways and encourages a natural grazing position.”
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015February_RespiratorySupplements.pdf
Feeding first Journal Article
A. P. Wesker;Horse&Rider
In: Horse&Rider, no. 538, pp. 100–103, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{horserider_feeding_2015,
title = {Feeding first},
author = {Horse&Rider and A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015Spring_FeedingFirst.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-01},
journal = {Horse&Rider},
number = {538},
pages = {100–103},
publisher = {D J Murphy},
address = {Grayshott, Surrey},
abstract = {Are you meeting your horse’s dietary needs? Whatever his workload, age or temperament, we’ll get you on the right track. With thanks to Alexandra Wesker for her help with this feature.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015Spring_FeedingFirst.pdf},
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Are you meeting your horse’s dietary needs? Whatever his workload, age or temperament, we’ll get you on the right track. With thanks to Alexandra Wesker for her help with this feature.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015Spring_FeedingFirst.pdf
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseRider2015Spring_FeedingFirst.pdf
Starch: friend or foe? Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. February-March, pp. 92–93, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_starch_2015,
title = {Starch: friend or foe?},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015Spring_StarchFriendOrFoe.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-02-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {February-March},
pages = {92–93},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Starch: friend or foe?
High levels of starch can cause behavioural issues and weight problems. Nutritionist Alexandra Wesker looks at how to limit it in our horses’ diets starch isn’t essential to horses for survival. The main reason for feeding it is to provide energy for exercise. Health and behaviour problems can occur, however, if too much is fed. Here are the warning signs of starch overload:
An increase in body fat The high-energy content of starch is both its strength and its pitfall. While it is a great source of fuel for a working horse, it is possible to provide excess energy through feeding starch. Excess energy is stored as body fat, which can lead to obesity. giving the correct amount of energy is key in maintaining a healthy weight. if your horse needs to lose weight, less dietary energy must be provided. if your horse has a manufactured feed, switch to one that has a lower energy content. Manufacturers can decrease the energy content of a feed by lowering its starch or fat levels. so, if you want a feed with a decreased energy content, you can choose one that has either a lower starch or lower fat content. it is always advisable to check with a qualified nutritionist before changing your horse’s feed.
Changes in behaviour When a horse eats starch, blood sugar levels rise as the starch is broken down, digested and enters into the bloodstream. This rise in blood sugar levels makes horses more energetic. if this energy is not channelled through a sufficient amount of exercise, it is comparable to feeding sugar to a child and expecting them to sit still and be quiet. Horses may be spooky or excitable on starch because their energy levels do not match with the behaviour that is requested of them. They can react in the same way to sugar in the diet. The extent to which starch affects behaviour depends on the individual horse. if your horse is fed nuts or a mix and shows such signs of unwanted behaviour, look for an alternative product with a lower starch, sugar and WSC content. WSC stands for water soluble carbohydrates, which includes starch and sugar. if you don’t want your horse to lose or gain weight, ensure the new feed has a similar energy content to what the horse previously had. Of course, other causes of too much energy when ridden also need to be taken into consideration. For example, if your horse is stabled all day then the only energy outlet he has is when you ride him. it may be your horse is emotionally stressed, due to not having suitable company. Or, maybe your horse is in pain and displays ‘naughty’ behaviour due to a sore back. in other words, be careful not to blame starch alone for high spirits and consult a vet if necessary.
Other side effects
Fermentation of starch in the horse’s stomach produces gas and acid. Excess acid production, as a result of fermentation, is associated with the development of gastric ulcers. As horses can’t burp, severely excessive gas production can cause the stomach to rupture. This can be seen as feed rushing out of a horse’s nostrils, in which case call your vet straight away. starch that is not digested before it reaches the hindgut gets fermented by the bacteria there. The hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic) and provides a healthy environment for the ‘friendly’ bacteria to live. The acid production from fermentation makes the hindgut more acidic, which kills the bacteria. This process is associated with the onset of laminitis, although the exact pathways are still being studied. gas production that results from fermentation in the hindgut can cause colic.
Managing starch intake Cereals – which are often found in manufactured feeds – are the main source of starch in horses’ diets. This makes the type and amount of cereals the main factor in managing dietary starch content for our horses. Here are some ways of keeping starch levels healthy in your horse’s diet:
Spread out starchy meals
Avoid giving large servings of high-starch feeds, such as cereals. Don’t feed more than 0.5g of starch per kg of bodyweight at a time – eg 250g of starch for a 500kg horse. Feed bags may display starch content, or consult the manufacturer’s website or call its helpline.
Limit cereals
Starch content of cereals easily reaches over 50 per cent – way over the maximum of 10 per cent horses might encounter in their natural diet. Avoid feeding more than 2kg of straight cereals per day and ideally feed less than 0.5kg each time. Feed ponies no more than half these amounts. straight cereals are high in phosphorus and low in calcium and fibre, so seek advice before feeding them.
Feed the right cereals
Starch digestibility varies between cereals. starch in oats is highly digestible and little of it reaches the hindgut, unless fed in excessive amounts. starch in barley is far less digestible and is more likely to reach the hindgut. if you want to feed starch, then find alternative sources to barley, especially for horses prone to gas colic and laminitis.
Offer more digestible feeds
Processing has a major impact on the digestibility of starch. For example, starch from whole maize is far less digestible than starch from popcorn. This is because the hard outer shell of whole maize prevents digestive enzymes from reaching the starch. starch from ‘rolled’ or ‘crushed’ cereals is only slightly more digestible than starch from ‘whole’ cereals. Digestibility improves if cereals have been ‘ground’ and is best if they’ve been ‘popped’ or ‘micronised’.
Supplement with oil
Fat has a high energy content but doesn’t contain starch. An easy way to feed it is to sprinkle oil over hay. Oil should be fed at no more than 1gram per kg of bodyweight. Add oil to the diet gradually, by no more than one tablespoon per day.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015Spring_StarchFriendOrFoe.pdf},
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Starch: friend or foe?
High levels of starch can cause behavioural issues and weight problems. Nutritionist Alexandra Wesker looks at how to limit it in our horses’ diets starch isn’t essential to horses for survival. The main reason for feeding it is to provide energy for exercise. Health and behaviour problems can occur, however, if too much is fed. Here are the warning signs of starch overload:
An increase in body fat The high-energy content of starch is both its strength and its pitfall. While it is a great source of fuel for a working horse, it is possible to provide excess energy through feeding starch. Excess energy is stored as body fat, which can lead to obesity. giving the correct amount of energy is key in maintaining a healthy weight. if your horse needs to lose weight, less dietary energy must be provided. if your horse has a manufactured feed, switch to one that has a lower energy content. Manufacturers can decrease the energy content of a feed by lowering its starch or fat levels. so, if you want a feed with a decreased energy content, you can choose one that has either a lower starch or lower fat content. it is always advisable to check with a qualified nutritionist before changing your horse’s feed.
Changes in behaviour When a horse eats starch, blood sugar levels rise as the starch is broken down, digested and enters into the bloodstream. This rise in blood sugar levels makes horses more energetic. if this energy is not channelled through a sufficient amount of exercise, it is comparable to feeding sugar to a child and expecting them to sit still and be quiet. Horses may be spooky or excitable on starch because their energy levels do not match with the behaviour that is requested of them. They can react in the same way to sugar in the diet. The extent to which starch affects behaviour depends on the individual horse. if your horse is fed nuts or a mix and shows such signs of unwanted behaviour, look for an alternative product with a lower starch, sugar and WSC content. WSC stands for water soluble carbohydrates, which includes starch and sugar. if you don’t want your horse to lose or gain weight, ensure the new feed has a similar energy content to what the horse previously had. Of course, other causes of too much energy when ridden also need to be taken into consideration. For example, if your horse is stabled all day then the only energy outlet he has is when you ride him. it may be your horse is emotionally stressed, due to not having suitable company. Or, maybe your horse is in pain and displays ‘naughty’ behaviour due to a sore back. in other words, be careful not to blame starch alone for high spirits and consult a vet if necessary.
Other side effects
Fermentation of starch in the horse’s stomach produces gas and acid. Excess acid production, as a result of fermentation, is associated with the development of gastric ulcers. As horses can’t burp, severely excessive gas production can cause the stomach to rupture. This can be seen as feed rushing out of a horse’s nostrils, in which case call your vet straight away. starch that is not digested before it reaches the hindgut gets fermented by the bacteria there. The hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic) and provides a healthy environment for the ‘friendly’ bacteria to live. The acid production from fermentation makes the hindgut more acidic, which kills the bacteria. This process is associated with the onset of laminitis, although the exact pathways are still being studied. gas production that results from fermentation in the hindgut can cause colic.
Managing starch intake Cereals – which are often found in manufactured feeds – are the main source of starch in horses’ diets. This makes the type and amount of cereals the main factor in managing dietary starch content for our horses. Here are some ways of keeping starch levels healthy in your horse’s diet:
Spread out starchy meals
Avoid giving large servings of high-starch feeds, such as cereals. Don’t feed more than 0.5g of starch per kg of bodyweight at a time – eg 250g of starch for a 500kg horse. Feed bags may display starch content, or consult the manufacturer’s website or call its helpline.
Limit cereals
Starch content of cereals easily reaches over 50 per cent – way over the maximum of 10 per cent horses might encounter in their natural diet. Avoid feeding more than 2kg of straight cereals per day and ideally feed less than 0.5kg each time. Feed ponies no more than half these amounts. straight cereals are high in phosphorus and low in calcium and fibre, so seek advice before feeding them.
Feed the right cereals
Starch digestibility varies between cereals. starch in oats is highly digestible and little of it reaches the hindgut, unless fed in excessive amounts. starch in barley is far less digestible and is more likely to reach the hindgut. if you want to feed starch, then find alternative sources to barley, especially for horses prone to gas colic and laminitis.
Offer more digestible feeds
Processing has a major impact on the digestibility of starch. For example, starch from whole maize is far less digestible than starch from popcorn. This is because the hard outer shell of whole maize prevents digestive enzymes from reaching the starch. starch from ‘rolled’ or ‘crushed’ cereals is only slightly more digestible than starch from ‘whole’ cereals. Digestibility improves if cereals have been ‘ground’ and is best if they’ve been ‘popped’ or ‘micronised’.
Supplement with oil
Fat has a high energy content but doesn’t contain starch. An easy way to feed it is to sprinkle oil over hay. Oil should be fed at no more than 1gram per kg of bodyweight. Add oil to the diet gradually, by no more than one tablespoon per day.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015Spring_StarchFriendOrFoe.pdf
High levels of starch can cause behavioural issues and weight problems. Nutritionist Alexandra Wesker looks at how to limit it in our horses’ diets starch isn’t essential to horses for survival. The main reason for feeding it is to provide energy for exercise. Health and behaviour problems can occur, however, if too much is fed. Here are the warning signs of starch overload:
An increase in body fat The high-energy content of starch is both its strength and its pitfall. While it is a great source of fuel for a working horse, it is possible to provide excess energy through feeding starch. Excess energy is stored as body fat, which can lead to obesity. giving the correct amount of energy is key in maintaining a healthy weight. if your horse needs to lose weight, less dietary energy must be provided. if your horse has a manufactured feed, switch to one that has a lower energy content. Manufacturers can decrease the energy content of a feed by lowering its starch or fat levels. so, if you want a feed with a decreased energy content, you can choose one that has either a lower starch or lower fat content. it is always advisable to check with a qualified nutritionist before changing your horse’s feed.
Changes in behaviour When a horse eats starch, blood sugar levels rise as the starch is broken down, digested and enters into the bloodstream. This rise in blood sugar levels makes horses more energetic. if this energy is not channelled through a sufficient amount of exercise, it is comparable to feeding sugar to a child and expecting them to sit still and be quiet. Horses may be spooky or excitable on starch because their energy levels do not match with the behaviour that is requested of them. They can react in the same way to sugar in the diet. The extent to which starch affects behaviour depends on the individual horse. if your horse is fed nuts or a mix and shows such signs of unwanted behaviour, look for an alternative product with a lower starch, sugar and WSC content. WSC stands for water soluble carbohydrates, which includes starch and sugar. if you don’t want your horse to lose or gain weight, ensure the new feed has a similar energy content to what the horse previously had. Of course, other causes of too much energy when ridden also need to be taken into consideration. For example, if your horse is stabled all day then the only energy outlet he has is when you ride him. it may be your horse is emotionally stressed, due to not having suitable company. Or, maybe your horse is in pain and displays ‘naughty’ behaviour due to a sore back. in other words, be careful not to blame starch alone for high spirits and consult a vet if necessary.
Other side effects
Fermentation of starch in the horse’s stomach produces gas and acid. Excess acid production, as a result of fermentation, is associated with the development of gastric ulcers. As horses can’t burp, severely excessive gas production can cause the stomach to rupture. This can be seen as feed rushing out of a horse’s nostrils, in which case call your vet straight away. starch that is not digested before it reaches the hindgut gets fermented by the bacteria there. The hindgut is slightly alkaline (the opposite of acidic) and provides a healthy environment for the ‘friendly’ bacteria to live. The acid production from fermentation makes the hindgut more acidic, which kills the bacteria. This process is associated with the onset of laminitis, although the exact pathways are still being studied. gas production that results from fermentation in the hindgut can cause colic.
Managing starch intake Cereals – which are often found in manufactured feeds – are the main source of starch in horses’ diets. This makes the type and amount of cereals the main factor in managing dietary starch content for our horses. Here are some ways of keeping starch levels healthy in your horse’s diet:
Spread out starchy meals
Avoid giving large servings of high-starch feeds, such as cereals. Don’t feed more than 0.5g of starch per kg of bodyweight at a time – eg 250g of starch for a 500kg horse. Feed bags may display starch content, or consult the manufacturer’s website or call its helpline.
Limit cereals
Starch content of cereals easily reaches over 50 per cent – way over the maximum of 10 per cent horses might encounter in their natural diet. Avoid feeding more than 2kg of straight cereals per day and ideally feed less than 0.5kg each time. Feed ponies no more than half these amounts. straight cereals are high in phosphorus and low in calcium and fibre, so seek advice before feeding them.
Feed the right cereals
Starch digestibility varies between cereals. starch in oats is highly digestible and little of it reaches the hindgut, unless fed in excessive amounts. starch in barley is far less digestible and is more likely to reach the hindgut. if you want to feed starch, then find alternative sources to barley, especially for horses prone to gas colic and laminitis.
Offer more digestible feeds
Processing has a major impact on the digestibility of starch. For example, starch from whole maize is far less digestible than starch from popcorn. This is because the hard outer shell of whole maize prevents digestive enzymes from reaching the starch. starch from ‘rolled’ or ‘crushed’ cereals is only slightly more digestible than starch from ‘whole’ cereals. Digestibility improves if cereals have been ‘ground’ and is best if they’ve been ‘popped’ or ‘micronised’.
Supplement with oil
Fat has a high energy content but doesn’t contain starch. An easy way to feed it is to sprinkle oil over hay. Oil should be fed at no more than 1gram per kg of bodyweight. Add oil to the diet gradually, by no more than one tablespoon per day.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015Spring_StarchFriendOrFoe.pdf
Natural Feeding for Horses Book
A. P. Wesker
1, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015, ISBN: 978-1-5153-5328-7.
Horse nutrition Research intelligence Technical
@book{wesker_natural_2015,
title = {Natural Feeding for Horses},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {https://www.amazon.co.uk/Natural-Feeding-Horses-Alexandra-Wesker/dp/1515353281},
isbn = {978-1-5153-5328-7},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
publisher = {CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform},
edition = {1},
abstract = {As the first book of its kind, Natural Feeding for Horses introduces a step-by-step feeding system based on how horses live in nature. Aside from fulfilling your horse’s specific nutritional requirements, Natural Feeding supports the fundamental physical and psychological needs of horses, thereby helping to keep your horse happier and healthier for longer. Integrating scientific findings, Natural Feeding also helps to prevent serious health problems such as colic, laminitis and stereotypic behaviour.
Natural Feeding for Horses offers you:
- Steps to select a diet that covers your horse’s requirements
- Diets that support the health of your horse’s digestive system
- Guidance on monitoring your horse’s body condition
- Ways to adapt your horse’s diet for changes in training or breeding
- Practical feeding tips
- Methods to make your feeding practice more natural
- A detailed chapter on common grasses and other plants in horse diets
- Examples illustrating how to use the Natural Feeding system},
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As the first book of its kind, Natural Feeding for Horses introduces a step-by-step feeding system based on how horses live in nature. Aside from fulfilling your horse’s specific nutritional requirements, Natural Feeding supports the fundamental physical and psychological needs of horses, thereby helping to keep your horse happier and healthier for longer. Integrating scientific findings, Natural Feeding also helps to prevent serious health problems such as colic, laminitis and stereotypic behaviour.
Natural Feeding for Horses offers you:
- Steps to select a diet that covers your horse’s requirements
- Diets that support the health of your horse’s digestive system
- Guidance on monitoring your horse’s body condition
- Ways to adapt your horse’s diet for changes in training or breeding
- Practical feeding tips
- Methods to make your feeding practice more natural
- A detailed chapter on common grasses and other plants in horse diets
- Examples illustrating how to use the Natural Feeding system
Natural Feeding for Horses offers you:
- Steps to select a diet that covers your horse’s requirements
- Diets that support the health of your horse’s digestive system
- Guidance on monitoring your horse’s body condition
- Ways to adapt your horse’s diet for changes in training or breeding
- Practical feeding tips
- Methods to make your feeding practice more natural
- A detailed chapter on common grasses and other plants in horse diets
- Examples illustrating how to use the Natural Feeding system
Fact or fiction? Turmeric in horses Journal Article
A. P. Wesker
In: Horse Magazine, no. January, pp. 78–81, 2015.
Horse nutrition Technical
@article{wesker_fact_2015,
title = {Fact or fiction? Turmeric in horses},
author = {A P Wesker},
url = {http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015January_HealthMyths.pdf},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Horse Magazine},
number = {January},
pages = {78–81},
publisher = {MyTimeMedia Ltd.},
address = {Edenbridge, Kent},
abstract = {Social media is rife with recommendations of ‘miracle cures’ for horse health issues. However, experts warn you to be wary of heeding old wives' tales, as Eleanor Jones reports.
No scientific evidence
Research has indicated turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. More investigation is being carried out into whether it may shrink some cancerous tumours in humans. But, as independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker points out, its effect on horses has not been scientifically proven. The research has been on human nutrition,” she says. “The idea is it blocks a pathway that creates tumours, but only certain types. It’s not an all-round miracle cure for cancer. “What is true is it’s a strong anti-oxidant. This means it neutralises free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA – and that damage can cause cancer. If you can support or help prevent that damage with turmeric, or other anti-oxidants like vitamin C, that’s really good. But if there’s something going on with your horse or dog, don’t start playing around with turmeric, ask your vet. Turmeric has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes think they will forget about the science and try something natural. But what the science does is figure out whether turmeric works, for example. It then looks for the active component, isolates it and finds out exactly what it’s doing and why. I’m wary if you’re playing around with natural cures. They can help, but if you know what works, stick to that rather than taking a gamble.”
However, Alexandra is not one to stop owners using something if it works for them. She can understand turmeric being successful in treating sweet itch, owing to its anti-oxidant properties, which are beneficial with inflammatory conditions.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015January_HealthMyths.pdf},
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Social media is rife with recommendations of ‘miracle cures’ for horse health issues. However, experts warn you to be wary of heeding old wives' tales, as Eleanor Jones reports.
No scientific evidence
Research has indicated turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. More investigation is being carried out into whether it may shrink some cancerous tumours in humans. But, as independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker points out, its effect on horses has not been scientifically proven. The research has been on human nutrition,” she says. “The idea is it blocks a pathway that creates tumours, but only certain types. It’s not an all-round miracle cure for cancer. “What is true is it’s a strong anti-oxidant. This means it neutralises free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA – and that damage can cause cancer. If you can support or help prevent that damage with turmeric, or other anti-oxidants like vitamin C, that’s really good. But if there’s something going on with your horse or dog, don’t start playing around with turmeric, ask your vet. Turmeric has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes think they will forget about the science and try something natural. But what the science does is figure out whether turmeric works, for example. It then looks for the active component, isolates it and finds out exactly what it’s doing and why. I’m wary if you’re playing around with natural cures. They can help, but if you know what works, stick to that rather than taking a gamble.”
However, Alexandra is not one to stop owners using something if it works for them. She can understand turmeric being successful in treating sweet itch, owing to its anti-oxidant properties, which are beneficial with inflammatory conditions.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015January_HealthMyths.pdf
No scientific evidence
Research has indicated turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. More investigation is being carried out into whether it may shrink some cancerous tumours in humans. But, as independent equine nutritionist Alexandra Wesker points out, its effect on horses has not been scientifically proven. The research has been on human nutrition,” she says. “The idea is it blocks a pathway that creates tumours, but only certain types. It’s not an all-round miracle cure for cancer. “What is true is it’s a strong anti-oxidant. This means it neutralises free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA – and that damage can cause cancer. If you can support or help prevent that damage with turmeric, or other anti-oxidants like vitamin C, that’s really good. But if there’s something going on with your horse or dog, don’t start playing around with turmeric, ask your vet. Turmeric has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. People sometimes think they will forget about the science and try something natural. But what the science does is figure out whether turmeric works, for example. It then looks for the active component, isolates it and finds out exactly what it’s doing and why. I’m wary if you’re playing around with natural cures. They can help, but if you know what works, stick to that rather than taking a gamble.”
However, Alexandra is not one to stop owners using something if it works for them. She can understand turmeric being successful in treating sweet itch, owing to its anti-oxidant properties, which are beneficial with inflammatory conditions.
http://horseconsult.co.uk/articles/HorseMagazine2015January_HealthMyths.pdf