When feeding horses in stables it is ideal to try and mimic this feeding behavior. Horses in stabled conditions should be fed their grain concentrate over at least 2 meals per day and hay should be provided so they can … Continued
During digestion, hay is fermented by bacteria in the large intestine of the horse. Fermentation is not 100% efficient and these bacteria emit heat during fermentation. The digestion of grain occurs earlier in the digestive tract and does not involve … Continued
At least 50% of what is fed to a horse has to consist of pasture, hay, hay cubes, or hay pellets. The fibre in forage is absolutely necessary to maintain proper gut function.
This is not actually correct – the distended barrel is somewhat of an optical illusion, due to lack of fat or condition over the back of the horses making the belly look out of proportion.
Although found in much smaller amounts than many other electrolytes. It has a critical role to play. Magnesium functions as a co factor for over 300 enzyme reactions within the body. This means if magnesium is not present or is … Continued
Thoroughbred horses in race training weighed before and after galloping had a range of weight loss between 4.5 to 7kg. Endurance horses from the night before a race to the end of an 85km race had a range of weight … Continued
Horses depend on certain electrically charged minerals to maintain the balance and flow of vital body fluids, the transmission of nerve impulses and the healthy function of the muscles and the circulatory system. These minerals are called electrolytes. Their positive … Continued
When we hear calcium, we think of bones and teeth. This is indeed a major function of calcium in the body, and most of the calcium is found within bones and teeth. However calcium in its ionic form (Ca++) is … Continued
They lose digestive efficiency and require diets with higher amounts of quality protein, phosphorus, and vitamins. The nutrient requirements for senior horses are thought to be closer to those of yearlings than those of adult horses at maintenance. Senior horses … Continued
The age at which a horse becomes a senior depends on the individual horse because some age more gracefully than others. By the time a horse reaches its late teens or early twenties, it is safe to say it is … Continued
The older horse might not regulate body temperature as efficiently as he once did, so he might require some assistance in staying comfortable in very cold wet conditions or extremely warm temperatures. Again, provide a shelter to help horses stay … Continued
Cortisol has many functions in the body including maintaining blood pressure, modifying the body’s inflammatory immune response, regulating the function of nervous tissue, regulating muscle tone and connective tissue repair, and regulating the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats … Continued