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Supplements; Finding the Right Balance

As a horse owner, you understand that horses need various levels of feed and nourishment in their diet. The amount is dependent on age, weight, activity level and its overall health. They all have special dietary needs. Your horse’s health is delicate balance of finding the correct proteins, grains, hay, horse supplements, water and suitable digestions of all these substances. With so many different types of supplements and feeds available, finding the right balance is a challenge for new and veteran horse owners alike.

In the past, electrolytes were eyed with suspicion by a few horse owners. However numerous medical researches have shown their efficiency and the use of electrolytes in equine diets is now an acceptable practice. Some horse owners worry about adding electrolytes to the feed; others do the opposite and over-supplement. Be careful because this can do more harm than good in most instances. The best results of using electrolyte supplements is if minimal levels are added during major events such as if the horse is involved in a competition.

Vitamins, more specifically vitamin E, have been credited with everything from improved health, better well being, and anti-aging properties in humans. So obviously it wouldn’t be long before researchers began to realize the importance of this vitamin in the equine kingdom. Naturally, there has been a movement to supplement the feed of broodmares and also performance horses with vitamin E. These types of horse typically are more stressed than their non-working counterparts and can benefit from the added vitamins.

Recently, it has been found that horses that have a tendency to tie-up greatly benefit from elevated levels of vitamin E in their feed. In order to receive the highest benefit, the supplements must be given in combination with a fatty feed. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and therefore it prevents oxidization.

Among horse supplements, another important antioxidant is vitamin C. You’ll find that the biggest difference between vitamins E and C is the fact that vitamin E benefits the cell membrane while vitamin C helps the insides of actual cell itself. Horses can also be given beta carotene since it helps the body to heal itself.

Be sure to ask your horse’s veterinarian about the correct dietary plans for your equine’s particular needs. Every horse is special and unique. Make sure its dietary plan meets the amount needed to match its exercise program. This is essential especially if your horse is sick, pregnant, lactating, aging, under stress, etc.

Article by: Ted Stinson is a horse enthusiast who writes various articles on horses and the best methods of caring for a horse. Many of his topics include subjects ranging from the best riding boots to use to what type of horse supplements work best.

Winter Water for your Horse

Water is the most important nutrient your horse needs any time of the year. It is essential for organ function, proper digestion and other body processes.

In the winter months, horses tend to drink less water than they need, but it is still a vital health requirement. Horses will drink warm water, which is difficult to provide in the winter, especially if you live where the outside temperature goes below freezing for any period of time. It is essential to keep fresh water available at all times – that means high quality, clean, and unfrozen. In fact, the best way to keep your horse drinking enough water in the winter is to make sure it is ice free, even if the water is outside. You can easily do this with a tank de-icer.

A tank de-icer can be a timesaver for any barn. No more hauling warm water to the trough, no more breaking up the ice on top so your horse can get to this valuable resource.

De-icers come in two styles: floating and submersible.

Clean tank tip
One tip to keep troughs and buckets clean without dumping them on the ground, creating ice and dangerous footing for your horse, is to use a small net to skim the debris from the top of the water. Keep the net on a hook by the source of the water. Although it will likely freeze, once you place it in the water the next time, it will thaw out enough to use.

Floating models are created for buoyancy. You place them in a stock tank and they keep the surface water thawed. Floating de-icers may or may not be completely enclosed, and often include styrofoam to keep them afloat. They are controlled by a thermostat and include an automatic shut-off and turn-on feature. If you use a floating de-icer, make sure your horse does not play with it or chew the cord.

Another type of de-icer is not buoyant. They are submersible and safely sit at the bottom of the water tank or are securely clipped to the side of the tank. They prevent ice build-up in the tank and are designed so that a playful horse will not remove it from the water. The heating elements are protected from the horse. These also have automatic thermostats so that the water stays at a constant temperature.

Heated buckets
If your horse has a bucket in his stall or turnout area, a great way to keep the water thawed and palatable is to provide a heated bucket. With a heated bucket, a reliable water source is never far away.

Keeping water thawed is essential for your horse’s health. It may make the difference between good health and dehydration.

Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff

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Keep your Horse’s Feet Healthy

Caring for a horse’s feet and hooves will safeguard its long-term soundness. Following are some tips to keep a horse’s feet healthy.

Shoeing or Trimming Interval

Summer

In the summer, horses should be trimmed or shod at least every six to eight weeks. However, a responsible horse owner should trim his or her horse’s hooves as often as needed. In some cases, performance horses may need more frequent trimming.

Winter

Hooves generally grow more slowly in the winter. Because of the slower growth rate, horses can be trimmed at a longer interval. For example, every six to twelve weeks may suffice. The trimming or shoeing interval depends on each horse, and the amount of hoof it grows.

Hoof Balance
A balanced hoof allows the horse to move better and puts less stress and strain on bones, tendons and ligaments. The ideal foot has the following characteristics: a straight hoof-pastern angle, easy break-over, adequate heel support and mediallateral balance (Figure 1).

Straight Hoof-Pastern Angle. There is a straight line from the pastern down through the front of the hoof wall. This allows the bones to be aligned properly from pastern to coffin bone. Mediallateral balance is exhibited as the foot landing evenly from side to side as the horse walks.

Easy Break-Over. The toe is not too long and is squared, rounded or rolled. This allows easier movement with each step. Too much break-over can result in health problems as well.

Adequate Heel Support. The shoe extends back to the end of the hoof wall and supports the back of the entire leg. Ideally, the back edge of the shoe is under a line drawn down the center of the cannon bone.

Hoof Wall Care

Hoof_care_figure_2 — Hoof wall care Figure 2

Figure 2: Hoof crack caused by long trimming interval
Weather conditions can cause damage to the hoof. During dry weather, or with frequent changes from wet to dry, horses are prone to having dry, brittle feet that easily develop hoof cracks. Prolonged trimming intervals can cause elongated toes, and the hoof wall often develops cracks due to the unsupported hoof wall (Figure 2). Unfortunately, some horses are born with poor hoof quality and are more susceptible to problems.

Treatment Tips. Apply hoof moisturizers to the hoof wall and sole during dry weather or if the hoof is brittle or developing cracks. Proper nutrition and commercially available hoof supplements can help improve hoof quality.Most importantly, trim the horse on a regular basis.

Winter Hoof Care
In the winter, special care should be taken if the horse lives outside or is turned out. Snow can ball up under the sole and cause bruising or imbalance. Ice can be very slippery if the horse is shod with normal shoes.

Winter Tips. If the horse is normally barefoot, leave the shoes off . Horses usually slip less when barefoot or not shod. Horses that are prone to sole bruising may need shoes. If the horse is shod through the winter, have snow pads placed under the shoes and small cogs, borium or nails placed at the heels. Snow pads will prevent snow and ice from building up under the shoe and the cogs or nails will allow for better traction. Finally, winter weather can dry out the hoof wall, and applications of hoof moisturizer may be needed.

Nutrition
Maintaining a horse’s nutrition can help alleviate some hoof problems. Feeding good quality hay, supplementing the appropriate amount of vitamins and trace minerals, and making sure the horse has constant access to fresh, clean water is important for hoof health and overall horse health. Poor nutrition can lead to future hoof problems, and correcting a horse’s nutrition can gradually improve hoof health. Cooperation between horse owners, veterinarians and equine nutritionists is needed to ensure proper horse nutrition.

Research has shown that horses with poor quality hooves can benefit from commercially available hoof-care products that contain biotin (20 mg/day), iodine (1 mg/day), methionine (2500 mg/day) and zinc (175 to 250 mg/day).

Common Hoof Problems

Long toes can results in collapsed heels, strain on flexor tendons and the navicular bone (Figure 3). If the horse is too upright it can cause trauma to the coffin bone and joint. An imbalanced hoof can cause stress on the collateral ligaments and joints.

Hoof Cracks. Horizontal cracks or blowouts are usually caused by an injury to the coronary band or a blow to the hoof wall. Horizontal cracks or blowouts do not usually cause lameness. Grass cracks are usually seen in long, unshod horses and can be corrected with trimming and shoeing. Sand cracks results from injury to the coronary band or white-line disease that breaks out at the coronary band. Sand cracks can be a cause of lameness. Treatment for sand cracks includes determining the cause and removing it, floating the hoof wall (not letting it bear weight), and/or fixation or patching of the crack. It usually takes nine to 12 months for the hoof to grow out.

Thrush. Thrush is a foul-smelling, black exudate, usually found around the frog, that is associated with wet, soiled conditions. Thrush can invade sensitive tissue and cause lameness. Treatment includes keeping stalls or barn clean and dry to help eliminate thrush.

Solar Abscess. Solar Abscess is an infection in the sole of the hoof that can lead to acute or severe lameness (Figure 4).

Hoof_care_figure_4 — Solar Abscess Figure 4

Solar Abscess can be caused by trauma, bruising or a foreign body. Treatments include removal of the foreign body if possible, soaking the hoof in warm water and Epsom salt, and keeping the hoof bandaged, clean and dry.

Hot Nail or Street Nail. A hot nail is a horseshoe nail that is driven into the sensitive structures of the hoof wall. Hot nails will usually cause lameness. Treatments include flushing the nail hole with antiseptic, packing the hole or bandaging the foot and administering a tetanus booster. A street nail is any foreign object that enters the foot.This is an emergency, and a veterinarian should be called immediately. Treatment depends on which hoof structure is affected.

Laminitis. Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae. Also called founder, laminitis is rotation (coffin bone rotates downward inside hoof capsule) and/or sinking (coffin bone sinks downward) of the coffin bone. There are several causes of laminitis. Treatments include regular shoeing or trimming, maintaining short toes, and frog and sole support.

Navicular. Navicular syndrome includes disease processes involving the navicular bone, bursa, ligamentous and/or soft tissue structures. Horses will usually land their toe first due to pain in the heels. Causes of navicular syndrome include hereditary predisposition (quarter horses and thoroughbreds), faulty conformation, hoof imbalance and exercise on hard surfaces. Treatments include shoeing, maintaining a short toe, elevating the heels and good break- over, and pads.

Conclusion
Since most horses have different hoof issues and growth, a good working relationship with a farrier and veterinarian is needed to ensure a healthy, sound hoof and horse. Many different foot problems can occur in horses. To reduce hoof problems, follow these important recommendations:

•Regular trimming or shoeing
•Maintain good hoof balance
•Appropriate shoeing for different weather and footing conditions
•Appropriate treatment if disease process occurs
•Maintain proper horse nutrition

Mary Boyce, DVM, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota

The Digestive System of your Horse

Digestive System

One of the greatest expenses of owning a horse is feed cost. This expense can be minimized by maintaining the health of your animal, feeding a balanced ration and purchasing feeds that fulfill all nutrient requirements.

Many problems with horses are a result of either overfeeding or underfeeding. Horsemen must understand the horse’s digestive system.

Anatomy of the Digestive System

The digestive system of the horse is different than that of other farm animals. As indicated in Figure 1, the horse’s stomach is quite small. The stomach holds a maximum of 2 to 4 gallons, which is only about 8% of the horse’s digestive tract. The small intestine makes up about 30% of the horse’s digestive tract and is the major site of nutrient absorption. Approximately 65% to 70% of all nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.

The feed passes through the horse’s stomach and small intestine in one to two hours. In a normal system of digestion, grain and highly digestible nutrients are used in the stomach and small intestine.

The next structure in the digestive system is the cecum, which is basically a fermentation vat responsible for breaking down roughages, such as grass and hay, into useful energy for the horse. The cecum and the large intestine, known as the colon, make up almost 65% of the digestive tract but are responsible for only 25% of the nutrient absorption.

Dangers of Overfeeding

The small stomach and rapid rate of feed passage through the small intestine indicates that a horse must be fed relatively small amounts of feed on a regular basis. In nature, the horse is basically a continuous eater. The advantage of the rapid rate of passage through the stomach and small intestine is that, within a couple of hours after feeding, the horse can normally be ridden without danger of digestive problems.

If the horse is fed large amounts of grain, the undigested feed may move through the upper portion of the tract and overwhelm the lower gut. Grain that is passed into the cecum and large colon is fermented, which normally results in production of gas and gaseous colic. This can make horses susceptible to digestive problems if large amounts of grain are fed.

Feed and Forage Go Hand in Hand

The lower gut, namely the cecum and colon, are relatively inefficient in the digestive and absorptive process. As a result, it is difficult to feed horses on forage alone. Therefore, animals that have any additional requirement other than maintenance, such as performance horses, growing foals and lactating mares, will need additional high-quality feeds. High quality hay and forage are needed to achieve adequate use.

Forages move through the digestive system more slowly than do grains. By feeding hay before grain, the grain portion of the ration can be slowed down through the digestive system and use of the grain is increased as well as reducing the potential for overloading the hind gut. To use the digestive system of the horse properly, horsemen must feed high quality forages and small amounts of grain regularly.

LSU Ag Center – Cinton Depew & Howard Cormier

Water! The most important nutrient for a horse

Question: What is the most important nutrient for a horse?
Answer: Water

Horses generally drink about 2 quarts of water for every pound of hay they consume. In higher temperatures, during hard work, or for the lactating mare, the water requirement may be 3-4 times the normal consumption.

Nutrients
Horses require six main classes of nutrients to survive; besides water, they require carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

•Carbohydrates are the main energy source used in most feeds. The main building block of carbohydrates is glucose.

•Protein is found in every organ and tissue of the body. It is vital for muscle development during growth and exercise. The main building blocks of protein are amino acids. Soybean meal and alfalfa are good sources of protein that can be easily added to the diet. Signs of protein deficiency include a rough or course hair coat, a reduction in growth, weight loss, and performance.

•Fats can be added to a feed to increase the energy density of the diet. Vegetable oil is the most commonly used fat source in horse feeds. Certain fatty acids are also essential in the diet. Rice bran is also a fat supplement that is sometimes added to feeds to increase energy.

•Vitamins are fat-soluble (Vitamins A, D, E and K) or water-soluble (Vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins). Horses at maintenance usually have more than adequate amounts of vitamins in their diet if they are receiving fresh green forage and/or complete feed rations. Some cases where a horse would need a vitamin supplement include when feeding a high-grain diet, or low-quality hay, if a horse is under stress (traveling, showing, racing, etc), prolonged strenuous activity, or not eating well (sick, after surgery, etc.). Most of the vitamins are found in green, leafy forages, however Vitamin D is obtained from sunlight, so, typically horses that are stalled for 24 hours a day would need a supplement with Vitamin D. Severely stressed horses may benefit from B-complex and Vitamin C supplements, during periods of high stress.

•Minerals are required for maintenance of body structure, fluid balance in cells, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. The macro-minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and sulfur are needed daily. There are also micro-minerals, such as selenium, which are needed in smaller animals. Sweating increases the horse’s need for sodium, chloride and potassium, which is the reason for supplementing with electrolytes if a horse is sweating a lot.

Energy Sources
Carbohydrates in the forms of fermentable fiber or starch are the most common sources of energy. The densest source of energy, however, is fat (almost three times more than carbohydrates or proteins) and can be a great source for horses that tend to “run hot.” An example of a high fat energy source is Cool Calories 100. Horses exercising, growing, pregnant in late gestation or early lactation need increased energy in their diet.

Forages
Forages are classified as legumes or grasses. The nutrients in the forage vary greatly with maturity of the grasses, fertilization, management, and environmental conditions. In order to determine the nutrient content in forage it is recommended to take samples and get them analyzed by a forage testing lab (contact your local County Extension Office). Some commonly used grasses include orchard grass, timothy, bluegrass, and fescue.

•Legumes, such as clover and alfalfa, are usually higher in protein, calcium, and energy than grasses. They have more leaves than grasses and require optimal growth conditions (warm weather and good soil) to contain the best nutrients.

•Hay is dried forage, harvested, dried, and baled before feeding to horses. The legume hay can contain 2-3 times more protein and calcium than grass hay. Common grass hays include timothy, brome and orchard grass. Appearance is usually a good indicator of the amount of nutrients in the hay. Moldy or dusty hay should not be fed to horses.
Concentrates (Grains)

1.Oats are the most popular grain for horses. Oats have a lower energy value and higher fiber content than most other grains. They are also more palatable and digestible for horses than other grains; however, they can be expensive.

2.Corn is the second most common grain for horses. It provides twice as much energy as an equal volume of oats and is low in fiber. Because it is so energy dense it is easy to over feed corn, causing obesity. Moldy corn should never be fed – it can be lethal to horses.

3.Sorghum is a small hard kernel that needs to be processed (steam flaked, crushed, etc.) for efficient digestion and utilization by the horse. Like corn, sorghum is high in energy and low in fiber.

4.Barley also has hard hulls that should be processed to allow easier digestibility. It has moderate fiber and energy content, and can be a nutritious and palatable feed for horses.

5.Wheat is generally only consumed by humans because of its high cost. Its small kernels should be processed for horses to digest. Wheat is higher in energy than corn and best used in a grain mix because of its low palatability.

As you can see, proper nutrition, including supplementation when needed, is essential for the health of your horse. Knowing what your horse needs is a vital step to feeding him day to day.

Nutrition Needs in Horses: Overview
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff