Equine Nutrition & Feeding

Time-Budgets

Feral Horses

Select highest fiber, lowest protein content

70% of its day foraging

Stabled Horses

10% of their day feeding

Meal fed

Mastication•Jaw sweeps 60,000 times/day when grazing•Saliva contains little, if any amylase

Left Side of Horse

Right Side of Horse

Digestion is organ specificStarch digestion

occurs in the stomach and

small intestines

(Stomach: 15 min. Small intestine:

30-90 min.)

Fiber digestion occurs in the cecum/colon (48-72 hours)

Amino acids and fat digested and absorbed in small intestine

Vitamins/minerals absorbed in small intestine

8%

30%

62%

9-15 liters

Trickle feeders

Transit time <2 hr

Cardiac sphincter does not relax to allow regurgitation

Stomach

Small Intestine30% of GIT, ~70 ft. long~contains 24 gallons3 Segments

DuodenumJejunumIleum

Starch digestion occurs in the stomach and small intestinesAmino acids and fat digested

and absorbed in small intestineMany Vitamins/minerals absorbed in small intestine

α-Amylase – low & varies widely between horses

Hindgut – 60% of digestive tract capacityCecum –

25-35 litersLarge muscular mixing vatInitiates fermentationBegins protein degradation & B vitamin synthesis

Large Colon50-60 litersContinuation & completion of microbial digestion, absorption of VFA, B vitaminsConservation of electrolytes (Na, Cl, K), absorption of P

Small Colon18-19 litersPrimary function is to conserve water

Large Intestine

Fiber digesters most active pH of 6.2-6.8Starch digesters prefer pH 5.2 – 6.0

Microbial Fermentation

Fibrous &Non-Fibrous

Carbohydrate

Microbe

Volatile Fatty Acids

Gas

B-vitamins & Vit. K

MetabolizedFor

Energy

WastedEnergy

Protein and Amino Acids?

Aspects of The Foal GI Tract

Small digestive tract

The small intestine does not increase in length from 4 wks of age

Cecum not fully functional until 15-24 mo of age

The large intestine increases with age even up to 20 yrs

Total CHO

Non-FiberCarbohydrates

Neutral DetergentFiber

NonstructuralCarbohydrates

Neutral DetergentSoluble Fiber Hemicellulose

Acid DetergentFiber

Sugars

Starches

Pectins

Fructans

β-Glucans

Cellulose

Lignin

Carbohydrates

How Hindgut Acidosis Can Occur In Hindgut And How It Can Be Attenuated

High Grain or High Fructans

Minimal decrease in pH

Significant decreaseIn pH

Increase in VFA&Lactic Acid of

Hindgut

Time ReleasedBuffer

Optimal VFA absorption

Optimal Energy forWorking & Breeding Horses

Decrease in fiber fermenting OrganismsIncrease in lactate producing organisms

Very low pH

Bacterial lyses

SubclinicalAcidosis

Irritation & damageTo intestinal mucosa

Inhibition of fiber fermentingOrganisms & lactateUtilizing organisms

Off FeedDecreased fiber

digestibilityColic Symptoms

Stereotypic Behaviors

Release of endotoxins

LaminitisPagan, J. 2007. Feedstuffs

Postprandial Cecal pH Change

6.6

6.8

7

7.2

7.4

7.6

2 3 4 5 6 7

OatsCornHay

Oats

5.0# 1.82#

Same DE in each sample, take a look at the amount of starch though!

Corn

4.3# 2.71#

Ingredient NSC Sugar StarchPectins

Beta-Glucans

% DM -------------------------- % of NSC ---------------------

Alfalfa hay 23.0 0.0 40.9 33.0

Grass hay 17.2 35.4 15.2 49.4

Barley 61.8 9.1 81.7 9.2

Corn 71.4 20.0 80.0 0.0

Oats 42.4 4.4 95.6 0.0

Wheat 73.8 8.9 80.2 10.9

Distillers 10.3 0.0 100.0 0.0

Corn gluten feed 24.7 3.7 71.2 25.1

Corn gluten meal 17.3 0.0 69.4 30.6

Soyhulls 14.1 18.8 18.8 62.4

Soybean meal, 44% 34.4 25.0 25.0 50.0

Wheat midds 31.2 10.0 90.0 0.0

Starch Comparisons (what’s low, what’s high)

Starch Digestion

Critical capacity for hydrolysable carbohydrate overload ~0.4% of BWMaximizing starch digestion in small intestine

Properties of the starch granuleGrain processingPlant cell wallsTransit time through the small intestineAvailability & concentration of enzymes

Cuddeford, D. 1999; Harris et al. 1999

Comparison of Small Intestinal Starch Digestibility of Processed Corn

Whole corn Crushed corn

Ground corn Popped corn

Starch intake (g/kg BW/meal) Morning:evening

1.9:1.0 1.9:1.1 2.1:2.0 1.3:1.5

Preileal starch digestibility (%)

28.9 29.9 45.6 90.1

Processing affects the site of starch digestion.

REMEMBER!“The number one cause of deaths from

colic is from starch overload due to

feeding mismanagement.”Dr. John Reagor, PhDChief of ToxicologyTexas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Building a Horse RationStart with horse needsMaximize forage Add energy if neededAdd protein & minerals if neededConsider adding vitamins & supplementsConsistency is key to good feeding practices

Feed concentrate that makes-up the difference between nutrients needed & nutrients in roughage

1. Know What & How Much Your Horse is Eating

Grain

Hay

Supplement

Pasture

2. Know Your Horse & Provide Feed Based on:

Class

Weight

Body Condition Score

Stage of production

Age

Activity level

Growth

Nutrient Requirement Varies With Class of Horse

Adult (no work)

WorkingLight exercise

Moderate exercise

Heavy exercise

Very heavy exercise

Stallions

Pregnant Mares< 5 mo

5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th mo

Lactation1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th mo

Growing 4, 6, 12 mo

18 moLight exercise

Moderate exercise

24 moLight exercise

Moderate exercise

Heavy exercise

Very heavy exercise

3. Feed According to Body Wt. Feed intake usually expressed as

% of Body Weight Lbs feed/100 lbs body weight Free Choice

Forages

Provide fiber & energy

At least 1% of body weight (dm basis)

Concentrates

Provide energy

Supplements

Provide protein, minerals and vitamins

How Much Hay & Grain Should an 800 lb. Yearling Foal Receive?Total Intake:

Forage Intake:

Concentrate Intake:

How Much Hay & Grain (800 lb. Yearling)?Total Intake: 20 pounds

800 x .02 = 16 pounds

800 x .03 = 24 pounds

Forage Intake: 10 pounds800 x .01 = 8 pounds

800 x .015 = 12 pounds

Concentrate: 10 pounds (20 total–10 forage)800 x .01 = 8 pounds

800 x .02 = 16 pounds

4. Know Your ForageForage quality depends on:

Pasture vs hay

Legume vs grass

Cool vs warm season species

Plant maturity

Growing conditions

Harvest conditions

Forages are the FoundationPasture, Hay

GrassBromegrassOrchardgrassTall FescueTimothy

Grain HayOat HayWheat hay

Straw

LegumeAlfalfaBirds Foot trefoilCloversLespedeza

5. Maximize Pasture Production

Fertilize grasses

OverseedFrostseed

Interseed

Rotationally graze

Control weeds

Avoid overgrazing

Correct stocking density

6. Evaluate Hay QualityVisually

Stage of Harvest

Leafiness

Color

Odor

Softness

Penalties

7. Match Hay Quality to the Horse

8. Evaluate Hay SubstitutesHandout: Hay Substitutes

Note:

Fed as sole part of diet?

Advantages and disadvantages

Special comments

Compare on cost per pound of Digestible Energy (DE)

Hay SubstitutesHay cubes

Haylage

Beet pulp

Rice bran

Wheat barn

By-products from grain harvest

Straw

Complete Feed with >15%

9. Control Loss by Method of Storing Hay

Square Bales

1. Barn or some kind of permanent structure

2. Tarp with hay stacked off the ground

Round Bales

1. Barn

2. Tarp

3. Sleeves or bonnets

4. Plastic wrap

5. Net wrap

6. Twine wrapped, outside

Round Bale, Hay Storage Losses

Storage Conditions Approximate Dry Matter Losses, %

Outside, on ground, without cover 13-30+Outside, on ground, plastic or tarp cover 8-9Outside, on drained surface, without cover 7-8Outside, on ground, net wrapped 6-7Outside, on ground, full plastic ‘sleeve’ 5-6Outside, drained surface, plastic or tarp cover 5-6Inside bale storage 5

10. Control Hay Loss in Feeding

Method of Feeding % Loss

Unprotected round bales fed free choice on the ground

25

Protected round bales fed in a feeder 5

Square bales fed on the ground 25

Square bales fed in a feeder 5

Control Hay Loss in Feeding Use a container for hay

Hay feeder

Feed bunk

Hay net

Limit the amount of time to access round bales

Feeders should be no higher than shoulder level

11. Feed by WeightNOT Volume

Weights vary by:Feed type

Processing method

So, the amount of energy provided varies

Calculating Nutrients3-lb coffee can full of

32 lb/bushel oats = 2 1/2 lbs

34 lb/bushel oats = 4 lbs

corn or pellets = 5 lbs

Oats = 1.46 Mcal/lb

Corn = 1.76 Mcal/lb

2.5 * 1.46 = 3.65 Mcal

5 * 1.76 = 8.8 Mcal

Hay

Bale 40-130 lbs

10 flakes/bale

Avg 4” flake alfalfa 5 lbs

Avg 4” flake grass 3 lbs

Alfalfa = 1.10 Mcal/lb

Grass = .99 Mcal/lb

5 lbs * 1.10 = 5.5 Mcal

3 lbs * .99 = 2.97 Mcal

Forage Isn’t Everything

Most do not have all the minerals &/or vitamins a horse requires. Four ways to add these.

1. Add 1 to 4 oz mineral or mineral/vitamin supplement per day or

2. Add 1 to 2 lbs ration balancer (mineral plus protein) per day or

3. Feed 5 to 7 lbs fortified grain per day or

4. Feed 12 – 14 lbs complete feed (forage & grain)

12. Evaluate Your Mixed Feed Relative quality of the ingredients

Amount of crude fiber & energy

Price –Cost/pound

Cost/pound of nutrient

Grain Intake Comparison

Energy Sources - Grains

Oatsvariable

crimped vs. whole

Corncracked, steam rolled

Barley

Sorghum & wheatless than 30%

rolled, cracked, flaked,

Fat/Fatty Acids• No gall bladder

Horses can be safely fed up to 20% fat in the total diet Energy from fat is 90% utilizable

Often used to supplement calories for hard-working horses and hard keepers

Reduction in DM intake & bowel weight

Calmer temperament

Protein Muscle & bone growth, milk production, fetal growth, normal metabolismRequirements can be met with good quality hay or pasture forageLow requirements for maintenance Quality = amino acid balance

Very important for young horsesLysine, methionine, tryptophan most limiting for growth & milk production

Minerals Content in the diet

Determined by soil & waterQuality of feed & proportion of grain to hay

Macro-mineralsCa & P - quality forages usually provide adequate amount

This ratio is very important: 1.5:1 to 2:1 Grains are rich in P and low in Ca

NaCl (Salt)Salt block will meet many horse’s needsIf horses sweat a lot - need salt in the ration

Trace MineralsLook for iron, zinc, copper, selenium

MineralsMacro-minerals

– Ca & P - quality forages usually provide adequate amount

This ratio is very important: 1.5:1 to 2:1 Grains are rich in P and low in Ca

– NaCl (Salt)Salt block will meet many horse’s needsIf horses sweat a lot - need salt in the ration

– Trace MineralsLook for iron, zinc, copper, selenium

A guide to the recommended

concentrations of trace elements in

the diet, mg/kg dry matter. (Modified

fromthe NRC 2007).

These will need to be adjusted to suit

individual circumstances, growth rate and

appetite etc.

Vitamins Fat soluble:

- stored in body - A, D, E, K- Toxicity’s can occur if fed in excess

Water soluble: - must be continuously supplied - B-complex; niacin, thiamin, riboflavin

•High quality fresh forages = maintenance for mature horses High quality fresh forages = maintenance for mature horses •Hay is poor in Vit A, supplement Vit A in the rationHay is poor in Vit A, supplement Vit A in the ration•Exposure to sunlight provides Vit DExposure to sunlight provides Vit D•Supplement Vitamin ESupplement Vitamin E

Guide to recommended levels of Fat-soluble vitamins (need to be adjusted according to individual

circumstances).

13. Control Waste in Feeding Grains & Mixes

Use a storage container

Buy a monthly supply

Feed in a containerTrough

Pan

Bucket

14. Do the “Little Things” Feed smaller amounts more often

Feed individually if possible

De-worm regularly

Float the teeth

Provide shelter and bedding

Always have fresh, clean water

15. Formulate the Total RationREINS

Work with a consulting nutritionist

Water Essential for all body functions

Temperature regulation

Feed digestion

Amount of water intakeLevel of exercise

Ambient temperature

Quality of feeds in ration

Proportion of diet that is forage

Minimum 1 gallon/100 lbs BW/day

Maintenance Dry matter intake: 1.5-2.0% of the BW

Feed selection

Good quality grass hay → 0.8-0.9 Mcal DE/lb

Alfalfa → 0.9-1.2 Mcal DE/lb

Traditional concentrates (3-3.5% fat) → 1.25 Mcal DE/lb

Fat added (6% Fat) → 1.45 Mcal DE/lb

MaintenancePhysiological Maintenance

2007 NRC

Low Maintenance

DE req. = 30.3 kcal/kg * BW (kg)

CP req. = 1.08 * BW

Average Maintenance

DE req. = 33.3 kcal/kg * BW (kg)

CP req. = 1.26 * BW

High Maintenance

DE req. = 36.3 kcal/kg * BW (kg)

CP req. = 1.44 * BW

Recommended Daily Feed Intakes as % of Body Weights

Class Forage Concentrate Total Example

1,000 lb horse

Mature (Idle) 1.5 - 2.0 0.0 - 0.5 1.5 - 2.0 15-20 lb

Geriatric 0.8 – 2.0 0.5 – 2.0 1.5 – 3.0 15-30 lb

Geriatric Horses Nutrient Considerations

Reduced salivation

CF digestibility ↓

Total fiber < 30%

CP digestibility ↓

12-14% CP

Energy:

Increase soluble carbohydrates, fats, & oils

Caloric Restrictions

Supplement minerals & vitamins including vitamin C

Typical Nutrient Content of some Senior-type Feeds

Crude Protein 12-14%

Crude fat Not less than 5%

Crude fiber Not less than 16%

Lysine 0.6-0.7%

Ca 0.6-1.2%

P 0.4-0.8%

Mg 0.15-0.30%

S 0.15-0.30%

Cu 26-55 ppm

Zn 100-220 ppm

Vit A 1500-3000 IU/lb

Vit E 40-80 IU/lb

Biotin 0.4-0.5 mg/lb

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 2.2-2.6 mg/lb

Vitamin C 5-10 g/day

SELECTION OF FEED FOR THE GERIATRIC HORSE

Hay cubes, ground hay, wet down hay

Soft Multiform feed

Moderate fat level - 5% fat

Highly digestible fiber sources

Guaranteed amino acid levels- rebuild muscles

Direct fed microbials & Yeast Cultures

Stabilized high fat rice bran, ground flaxseed, beet pulp

Organic trace mineral complexes – avoid stress from excess mineral intake

Feeding The Athlete

Levels of Performance/Work

Light – Recreational riding, beginning of training programs, Show horses (occasional)

Moderate – School horses, Recreational riding, Show horses (frequent), Polo, Ranch

Heavy– Ranch, Polo, Show horses (frequent, strenuous events), Low-medium eventing, Race training (middle stages)

Very Heavy – Racing, Elite 3-day event

Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism

During exercise, ATP is generated from breakdown of:

Glucose

Fatty acids

Amino acids

ATP low in muscles; essentially no storageContinuous ATP production vital for athletes

ATP

OxidativeMetabolismLactate

Free Fatty Acids

Creatine Phosphate CO2and

Water

Lipolysis

O2

Simplified Energy for Muscle Contraction

Pyruvate

Blood Glucose

Muscle Glycogen

Energy

Predict substrate used based on type of exercise performed

EnduranceLong term exercise utilizes fatty acids as primary energy source

Needs muscle glycogen as well

RacehorsePredominately uses muscle glycogen stores

Work

ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY

Electrolytes & water muscle function and fluid balance

Forage is not enough for 1+ hour/d moderate work. Starch is necessary for replacing glycogen stores.

Required Energy

Activity DE (Mcal/d)

Maintenance 16

Light 20.0

Moderate 23.3

Heavy 26.6

Very Heavy 34.5

• Non-Structural CHO’s•Sugars & starches•↓ intestinal pH & risk of colic

•Fiber•Beet pulp or soy hulls•↓ glycogen usage

•Fat•Protein (minimal usage)

Feeding Guidelines for Performance Horses

Starch is necessary for replacing glycogen stores.Hay

Feed at least 50% of total ration as forage (pasture &/or hay)Preferably high quality grass hay or alfalfa/grass mix

Exercising horses do not need high levels of proteinMore important – quality of protein

Horses should be fed to meet their immediate needsCut grain on rest days

Feeding Guidelines for Performance Horses

Hay requirementFeed at least 50% of total ration as forage (pasture &/or hay)Preferably high quality grass hay or alfalfa/grass mix

Exercising horses do not need high levels of protein

More important – quality of proteinHorses should be fed to meet their immediate needs

Cut grain on rest days

FAT SUPPLEMENTATION• No gall bladder

Max ~20% in total diet Energy from fat is 90% utilizable

Reduction in DM intake & bowel weight

↓ metabolic heat production Improvement of acidemia during

high-intensity exercise Calmer temperament

FAT SUPPLEMENTATIONEnhanced stamina

capacity for uptake & oxidation of fatty acids in muscle Dose dependent in activity of

lipoprotein lipase & skeletal muscle citrate synthase & β-hydroxy acyl-coA dehydrogenase

Concomitant decrease in use of endogenous carbohydrate stores - Muscle glycogen sparing

Min. 3 weeks for responseAdd 6-10 weeks before performance

Breeding AnimalsOpen Mare

Maiden mare

Barren mare

Gestating mare

Lactating mare

Stallion

Open & Barren MaresFlushing- Increasing energy intake 20-25% ~3 wks prior to breeding.

Maintain optimum body condition

Late PregnancyLast 3 months - Unborn foal growth averages 1 lb/day

During the 10th month, the largest amount of mineral retention occurs in the unborn foal

“In the last trimester of pregnancy, the mare should be on a ‘growth- type’ feed formula,”

A balanced feed will decrease severity of orthopedic problems in foals

Feed Consumption (% BW)Mare status

Forage Concentrate Total

Early pregnancy

1.5-2.0 0-0.5 1.5-2.0

Late pregnancy

1.0-1.5 0.5-1.0 1.5-2.0

•Adding concentrate to late pregnancy mares accounts for limited energy & acclimates microbes

•Allow 1 wk to 10 d for mares to adjust to intake changes

Lactating Mare

Lactating MareMares produce average of 24 lbs (3 gallons) milk/day

High producing mares give as much as 32 lbs (4 gallons) milk/day

Low producing mares often produce 21 lbs (2.5 gallons)

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

15 30 45 60 90 120 150

Time (days)

Dai

ly M

ilk P

rodu

ctio

n (lb

s)

Y = a x (d0.0953)x c(-0.0043d)

Y= daily milk yield in kg; a=0.0274287x mature wt in kg & d = day of lactation

Feed Consumption (% BW)Mare status

Forage Concentrate Total

Early lactation

1.0-2.0 1.0-2.0 2.0-3.0

Late lactation

1.0-2.0 0.5-1.5 2.0-2.5

Heavy milkers may require as much as 1.75-2.0% (17.5-20 lbs for a 1000 lb mare) of BW in concentrate feed/day

Approximate Amounts of Grain (lb) Needed with Hay for Broodmares

1100 lb mare 1300 lb mare

DE Req (per lb of feed)

Mcal

Avg Hay lb

Good Hay lb

Avg HayLb

Good HayLb

Barren Mare & 1st 2/3 of pregnancy (maintenance)

1.00 3.0 - 4.0 -

Pregnancy (last 90 days)

1.10 7.0 5.0 8.0 5.0

Lactation (1st 3 months)

1.20 14.0 12.0 16.0 14.0

Lactation (3 months to weaning)

1.10 9.0 6.0 10.0 6.0

Nutrition of the Broodmare. KY Cooperative Extension

Body Condition ScoreReason: Standardized scale for estimating and comparing body fatDeveloped in 1983 by Dr. Don HennekeSystem for assessing subcutaneous fatNine levels of body conditionSix body areas of fat storageUses

ResearchFeed managementHealth management

Body Condition Scoring

1-3 Poor-Thin4 Can see ribs,

vertebra ridge evident5 Back flat, can’t see

ribs, but can feel them6 Crease down back, fat

deposits7-9 Fleshy - Extremely fat

Time & Additional Grain Required To Improve

BCS by 1 level

Improving 1 Condition Score

Days Needed Daily Gain Additional Grain Needed

60 0.75 lbs/day 4.5 lbs/day

90 0.50 lbs/day 3.0 lbs/day

120 0.40 lbs/day 2.3 lbs/day

Economic OptimumMares with scores of 5.5-7.5

Spend fewer days at the breeding farm

Less time open

Body Condition Affects Reproductive Performance

Mare managers should monitor body condition on a regular basis

Mares should be optimum condition for breeding

Body Condition ScoreReproductive performance of mares in varying body condition

Body Condition Cycles per Conception Conception Rate (%)

<4.5 2.8 71

5.0-6.5 1.4 93

>7.0 1.4 96

From Nutrition & Feeding Management of Broodmares

Body Condition ScoreCondition score of 5 or less in milking mares - do not have enough stored fat to support efficient reproductive performance

Mares with BCS of 5 or less

More likely to skip a breeding season

Incidence of embryo loss increase

Body Condition ScoreWeight loss by pregnant mares does not affect foal’s birth weight, but may decrease mare’s colostrum and milk production.

Body Condition ScoreMaximize Reproductive Efficiency

Moderately fleshy to fat mares can be expected toCycle earlier in the year

Have fewer cycles per conception

Have a higher pregnancy rate

Maintain pregnancy more easily

Mare prior to breeding should have a BCS of 6 or greater and fed to maintain weight.

BCS of 5.0 is marginal especially for lactating mare.

Lactating MaresEarly lactation weight loss in mares that foal in thin condition

lengthen rebreeding time

lower conception rates

threaten the subsequent pregnancy

Body Condition ScoreExcess obesity (BCS 8 or <) doesn’t appear to affect pregnancy, foaling ease, foal’s birth weight, or reproductive efficiency.May decrease milk production

Feeding The Growing HorseGoals

Maximize genetic potential for growth

Sound musculoskeletal system

•Nutrient Balance is important•Requires higher quality feeds•Growth rate & age determines requirements•Growing till reach 30 months

Average Daily Gain

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

Month of Age

Avg

. Dai

ly G

ain

, lb

s/d

Rations should be balanced to promote a consistent growth curve

Requires periodic updating of the ration

Nutritional Strategies Aimed at Minimizing DOD

www.Foalcare.com

Size Matters at the Sales

Amount of Feed Recommended for Growing Horses

Lb grain mix/day/mo of age

Horse Age (mo) Grain mix % in total diet

Lb Grain Mix/100 lbs body wt/d

Ponies Others

Nursing foals

0-4 100 0.5-0.75 .25 1.0

Weanlings 4-12 70 1.7-2.0 0.5 1.5

Yearlings 12-18 60 1.3-1.7 For all age horses feed grain only up to a max. of 0.9 lb/100 lb of anticipated mature wt/day

Long Yearlings

18-24 50 1.0-1.25

Two-year olds

24-36 50 1.0-1.25

Nutritional Strategies Aimed at Minimizing DODFeed selection

High quality forage is a must

Grain mix concentrates formulated specifically for growing horses

Improper use of supplements

Feed amounts

Forage

Minimum of 1 lb / 100 lb BW / d

Fed to appetite is best

Concentrate

~ 1 lb / 100 lb BW / d

Max. 8 to 10 lbs /d

Monitor The Growth Process

Daily Intakes

Body Weight

Average daily gain

Signs of Skeletal Abnormalities

Physitis

Joint effusion

Lameness

Consider..Body condition

Stage of production

Quality of feeds available

Feeding Guidelines & Strategies To Minimize Risk Of Hind Gut Dysfunction

Check for Refusals Change type &

amount of feed gradually. 7-10 d period

Provide Salt

Feeding Guidelines & Strategies To Minimize Risk Of Hind Gut Dysfunction

Feeding Guidelines & Strategies To Minimize Risk

Of Hind Gut Dysfunction

Control amount of NSC (sugar, starch & fructan) the horse consumes. Minimize the flow of fermentable polysaccharide to the large intestine

Feed starch sources little and often i.e., less than 5g oats/(2g starch)/kg body weight/mealPre-feed forages

Feeding Guidelines & Strategies To Minimize Risk

Of Hind Gut Dysfunction

Minimize the flow of fermentable polysaccharide to the large intestine

Limit rate of concentrate intake through physical obstructionMaximize substrate (glucose) availability to the performance horse

Ensure good occlusion of teeth through regular dentistry

Group Feeding Should Account for Dominance Hierarchies

Recognize Feeding-Related Behavior Problems

Feeding Guidelines & Strategies To Minimize Risk Of Hind Gut Dysfunction