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ACID (VIT.B5)
Vitamin B5 supports various activities within the equine body such as carbohydrate, fat and lipid metabolism, skin and coat condition and neurotransmitters whilst releasing energy from foods.
ADF (ACID DETERGENT FIBRE)
This fraction will include cellulose and lignin, which are the less digestible carbohydrate fractions in the plant cell wall. A high ADF will equate to lower digestibility of the feedstuff.
BARLEY
Barley is about 11—13% protein and should be fed in a rolled or crushed form. Barley is not as palatable as oats or maize. Barley has a similar protein value to oats and is intermediate in energy between oats and maize. It is relatively low in fibre and can cause digestive upsets if not mixed with sufficient roughage. It is a hard grain and should be rolled and heated before feeding to increase palatability and energy availability. Heating can be provided by steam flaking, micronizing, expanding, extruding or boiling.
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BIG HEAD
Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSH) or more commonly referred to as “Big Head” is a metabolic bone disease in horses. It is associated with the feeding of rations with a deficiency of available calcium or excess of phosphorus. Inadequate dietary calcium is the primary cause of calcium deficiency. Excessive dietary phosphorus can induce secondary calcium deficiency and availability of calcium can also be affected by the presence of dietary oxalates. A number of tropical warm season grasses contain potentially harmful amounts of oxalates that can prevent the uptake of dietary calcium and cause a secondary calcium deficiency. In response to falling blood calcium levels, the parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone (PTH). The primary function of PTH is to prevent blood calcium from reaching dangerously low levels. It does this firstly by increasing phosphorus excretion and resorbing calcium from the urine. Second, it acts on the digestive system to increase the uptake of calcium from the feed – in a primary or secondary calcium deficient ration; there is no available calcium in the diet. Third, to increase blood levels back to the normal healthy range, PTH stimulates the release of small amounts of calcium from the bones. As the low calcium intake continues, the demand for calcium removal from the skeleton becomes greater and greater and release of calcium from the bones increases to maintain blood levels. As calcium is progressively removed from the bones, they weaken, are replaced by fibrous tissue – and clinical signs appear. Early signs of the disease include shifting lameness, joint tenderness, reluctance to move and a stiff gait. These symptoms are caused by the bone losing its mineral content, and as a result, tiny fractures occurring in the bone. This eventually leads to a loss of bone integrity, and a cartilage disruption, which eventually leads to tearing and/or detachment of tendons and ligaments. As the minerals in the bone are replaced with fibrous tissue, the bones thicken, and a physical distortion occurs. Because the facial bones are most often affected with this disease, it has been termed “big head” in the past. In the early 1900’s when it was most prevalent, Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism was often called “bran disease” or “miller’s disease” because horses that consumed large amounts of bran by-products, particularly that of wheat bran, were most often afflicted.
BIO-AVAILABLE CHROMIUM
The addition of chromium to performance horse diets has been shown to reduce the build up of lactic acid at the end of strenuous exercise or the closing stages of a race and to increase the horse’s ability to store glucose.
BIO-AVAILABLE SELENIUM
Selenium acts as an antioxidant to prevent fatty acid oxidation which can cause tissue damage. Research has shown that an organic form of selenium, is more readily absorbed and retained than selenium in inorganic forms.
BIO-AVAILABLE SILICON
Research has shown that Bio-Available Silicon a digestible form of monosilic acid has a role in bone physiology and metabolism by increasing osteoblastic (bone building) activity and decreasing osteoclastic (bone demineralization) activity, promoting optimal skeletal growth, integrity and durability.
BEET PULP
Beet pulp is a byproduct from the processing of sugar beet which is used as fodder for horses and other livestock. It is supplied either as dried flakes or as compressed pellets, but when fed to horses it is usually soaked in water first. Despite being a byproduct of sugar beet processing, beet pulp itself is low in sugar and other non-structural carbohydrates, but high in energy and fiber. Beet pulp has a relatively low protein content and good palatability. It provides a reasonable source of calcium, intermediate between the high calcium in lucerne and the lower calcium content of grass hays, but higher than grains.
BIOTIN
Biotin, a water soluble vitamin is required by the enzymes responsible for protein synthesis and as a result is an essential vitamin for the healthy growth of hair and hooves. Research has shown that biotin improves skin and coat condition, increases hoof integrity and is widely recommended by farriers, veterinarians and scientists.
BRAN
Bran, a by-product of flour production, is mainly made up of the outer covering of the wheat grain. It does not contain as much energy as pollard or some grains, has a poor amino acid balance and is low in calcium. Bran has a very low calcium/phosphorus ratio, which can lead to weak bones if fed in large quantities without extra calcium to balance the phosphorus. It is not an essential horse feed, but is useful for mixing supplements and powders into a feed with molasses as it is so palatable. It often gives the horse a tasty meal and the owner a warm and fuzzy feeling. As with all processed feeds, bran should not have a musty odour, as this indicates the presence of moisture. Bran shouldn’t make up more than 10% of the feed and contrary to popular opinion, it is not especially high in fibre and is not a good laxative.
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C3 PLANTS
A C3 plant is one that produces phosphoglyceric acid (a molecule that has three carbon atoms) as a stable intermediary in the first step in photosynthesis. Over 95% of the plants on earth are C3, including cool-season grasses and legumes. C3 plants may lose energy to photorespiration in hot weather. C3 grasses thrive in cool climates and are dormant in hot climates.
C4 PLANTS
A C4 plant is one that produces oxaloacetic acid (a molecule that has four carbon atoms) as a stable intermediary in the first step in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis in C4 plants is more efficient in strong light, plus photorespiration is inhibited in C4 plants. C4 plants include warm season grasses such as grown in tropic and sub-tropic regions.
CALCIUM
Since 35% of the horse’s bones contain Calcium it is an essential mineral for bone and teeth formation, but also acts as an aid for muscle contraction, cell membrane function, enzyme regulation and blood clotting. Deficiency of Calcium in horses is associated with weak bones, lameness and osteopenia.
CHLORINE
Chlorine regulates the acid-base balance and osmotic pressure and aids with fat metabolism in the equine. A deficiency can cause a decrease in feed intake and milk production (lactating mare), muscle weakness, weight loss and dehydration.
COBALT
Cobalt facilitates the production of Vitamin B 12 during the digestion process in the cecum and larger intestine and enhances the red blood cell configuration.
COLD WEATHER
During cold weather, the horse requires additional energy to maintain its internal body temperature and keep warm. The exact amount of energy depends on the severity and extent of the cold period. When environmental temperatures (including wind chill) drop below 7°C (referred to as the critical temperature), significant amounts of energy are used by the horse to maintain its internal body heat. For each 1°C decrease below the critical temperature, the horse requires a 1% increase in digestible energy to maintain a consistent body temperature. Wind chill, moisture, and coat thickness will affect the critical temperature. The horse’s thick winter coat has an insulating effect against cold and wind. If the coat becomes wet, the critical temperature will increase by 10 to 15°C. Increase the dry-matter content of the diet 24 hours prior to forecast cold conditions. Strive to keep your horse in a good body condition prior to winter months as the extra body fat provides an additional insulating effect against wind and also serves as an energy reserve. The digestion of forage produces high amounts of heat, therefore increasing hay consumption in horses in good body condition will help them stay warm and maintain weight. Increasing forage and concentrate will be necessary in horses of poor condition. Supplementing fat is beneficial to increasing the energy density of concentrates. Offer at least 35-40 liters of warmed water daily. Keeping the water in the 10-to-20 degree celsius range will make sure that it is not too cold to drink. Older horses and those in poor condition have additional needs during the winter. Starting them on a high caloric diet in the fall, such as a high-fat, beet-pulp based feed can help them maintain weight during frigid weather. Look for one with a fat level of 7% or more, as it will provide the extra calories needed to keep these horses from losing weight during the winter.
COLIC
Colic is a general term given for any abdominal pain. There are many types and causes of colic, as well as predisposing factors. Digestive colic, the true form of colic, can be caused by feeding and management practices. The intestine may become blocked and twisted, or gas may develop. A horse’s digestive system is highly sensitive; therefore, colic is a major cause of death in horses. There are five types of digestive colic: spasmodic, impaction, incarceration, displacement, and excessive fermentation. It is important that any person who owns or works with horses be able to recognize the symptoms of colic and determine whether or not a veterinarian should be called. Symptoms of horse colic include refusal to eat, nipping at their own sides, kicking at their abdomen, stretching or straining during defecation, violent rolling or shaking, excessive perspiration, lip curling, cool extremities, fewer bowel movements or a high pulse rate. Colic can possibly be prevented by restricting access to carbohydrates, providing clean feed and drinking water, preventing the ingestion of dirt or sand by using an elevated feeding surface, a regular feeding schedule, regular de-worming, and a regular diet that does not change substantially in content or proportion and prevention of heatstroke. Avoid keeping horses stalled more than 50% of the time. Keep horses active other than just by turning them out in the pasture. Avoid accidental overfeeding. Steer clear of feeding moldy feed and try to slow the rate of feed consumption by placing a salt block or other object in the feed tub. The implementation of these management practices can help prevent the occurrence of colic.
COPPER
The equine body relies on the supply of Copper to create and maintain certain body functions such as: creation of melanin and red blood cells, development of connective tissue and assists in the absorption of iron. Copper acts as a manufacturer of blood hemoglobin and bone development.
CORN
Corn has an average protein content of about 10%, but as with all grains, the protein quality is relatively poor. Corn contains slightly more energy than an equal volume of oats. The non-structural carbohydrate and starch content of corn are 78% and 72% respectively which is much higher than both barley and oats. Corn must be processed in order to be absorbed and digested effectively. Corn breaks down enzymatically to glucose very rapidly in the small intestine, quickly elevating the blood glucose levels.
CRUDE FIBRE (CF)
Historical method of fibere analysis used to divide carbohydrates into digestible and indigestible fractions. Crude fibre accounts for most of the cellulose and only a portion of the lignin. It is not the most accurate method for quantifying fibre, particularly for forages. However, given that grains are low in lignin, it is a reasonable estimate of fibre in grains and is still used today as the legal measurement of fibre in grains and finished feeds.
CUSHINGS DISEASE
Cushing’s disease, also known as PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction) is caused by a hormone-secreting tumor of the pituitary gland at the base of the horse’s brain. In affected horses, the pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). This hormone is usually released at low levels, helps the body respond to short periods of physical, emotional or environmental stress. Sustained secretion of excessive POMC seemingly leads to the development of disease. The most common symptom is a long, curly hair coat that fails to shed during the change from winter to summer. Other symptoms include: excessive sweating, lethargy, poor athletic performance, infertility, muscle wasting (especially along the top line), abnormal fat distribution (accumulations in the crest of the neck, along the tail head, sheath, and above the eyes), delayed wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, and increased water consumption with passage of large amounts of urine. Cushing’s tends to occur in middle-aged and older horses, around age twenty. Without treatment, symptoms tend to worsen over time and can be fatal. Symptoms are easily observed in advanced cases. Diagnosis of early cases or those characterized by few obvious clinical signs can be more difficult. There are two clinical tests available: 1) dexamethasone suppression test, and 2) plasma ACTH measurement test. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate tests if you suspect your horse has Cushing’s disease. These horses are often insulin resistant and have high blood sugar levels so non-structural carbohydrates (NSC, sugar and starch) need to be avoided. Feeds low in soluble carbohydrates (sugar and starch) are recommended. Feeding recommendations are to provide a total diet with less than 20% sugar and starch for most horses with Cushing’s disease. Pasture grasses can have high carbohydrate content, especially during the spring and fall seasons, and the risk of colic and laminitis is greater when horses are on pasture. Since laminitis and founder are more common in horses with Cushing’s disease, pasture grazing should be severely limited or totally avoided. Regular exercise reduces blood glucose levels in insulin-resistant people, so it should also help horses.
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DEVELOPMENT ORTHOPEDIC DISEASE
The term “DOD” describes a variety of orthopedic disorders in growing horses. Contracted tendons, wobbles, phystis, osteochondritis, osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) and angular limb deformities are all considered Development Orthopedic Disease. Genetics, nutrition, hormonal imbalances, disease and basic management practices may all contribute to DOD. Feeding excessive amounts of grain to young horses causes an unnatural fluctuation in levels of hormones such as insulin, growth hormone and thyroid hormones. This can result is the development of the over-conditioned horse with an increased risk of DOD. Mineral imbalances may also influence the incidence and severity of DOD. It is critical that the brood mare is fed a diet with the right mineral balance and energy requirement to provide the foal adequate nutrients for the initial development of their limbs. Proper calcium and phosphorus intake is crucial to healthy growth and development of bones. Copper, zinc and selenium are other critical minerals that must be fed in adequate amounts to ensure optimal bone growth. Lack of free exercise, sudden changes in nutrition levels, and exposure to stress can contribute to DOD in young horses. Free exercise increases bone strength. Thus it’s best not to confine growing horses to stalls for more than 10 hours a day. Abrupt changes in energy, protein or mineral intake level of growing horses can sometimes trigger abnormal growth rates and orthopedic disorders. Likewise, increased stress, such as poor weaning programs, can adversely affect growth weights and increase the weanling’s susceptibility to DOD.
DRY COB
C.O.B. is an acronym that stands simply for corn, oats and barley. Dry C.O.B. means it does not have molasses added to stick all the grains together. Wet C.O.B. has molasses added and might also be termed a sweet feed.
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ETHANOL SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATE (ESC)
Carbohydrates solubilised and extracted in 80% ethanol. Includes primarily monosaccharides and disaccharides (simple sugars, glucose, sucrose and fructose). ESC also includes the shortest chain fructans (FOS). These simple sugars are hydrolysed in the small intestine and absorbed and metabolised to form energy. In horses that display “sugar sensitivities” such as in the case of Insulin Resistance, Cushing’s, Tying-Up and Obesity we are concerned with the ESC plus starch value. The sum of these values in the total diet of horses that have not shown any clinical signs but we are apprehensive about should be less than 12%, for horses that have in the past shown signs or been afflicted by one of these diseases the sum of ESC plus starch should be less than 10% dm. For such cases where the animal is suffering from one of these diseases the recommendations are to keep the combination of ESC plus starch in the total diet less than 8%. ESC is a subset of WSC.
EXTRUSION
Extrusion is another processing method whereby the feed ingredients are ground and cooked under high pressure with heat and moisture and pressed through a die. They are generally less dense (lighter) than other pelleted feeds and have the same look and consistency as dry dog food.
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FOLIC ACID (VIT. B9
As the synthetic version of Folate, Folic Acid is involved in DNA production, fetal growth, red blood cell formation, tissue repair and regeneration of digestive tract lining.
FLAX
Flax (also known as common flax or linseed) (binomial name: Linum usitatissimum) is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. Flax seed is the highest botanical form of omega-3 fatty acids and enhances overall health in horses. As a result of the high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids flax seed can help reduce inflammation, which can relieve symptoms associated with skin conditions. It can also alleviate symptoms of allergies. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps in cases of arthritis or joint stiffness. Flax seed meal should be ground as the outer seed coat is very hard and not digestible by the horse.
FRUCTAN
Is a collective term used to describe carbohydrates containing multiple fructose units. Fructo-oligogoasaccharides and inulin are types of short chain fructan. Fructan is a major storage carbohydrate in cool season grasses and is predominantly stored in the stems of the plants and less in the leaves. Fructan production is not self limiting, which allows high levels of fructan to accumulate. Therefore the average concentration of NSC in warm season grasses tends to be substantially lower than in cool season grasses when grown under the same conditions. Fructan cannot be digested in the small intestine and is fermented in the large intestine and in some cases has been implicated in the onset of pasture associated laminitis. The chain length in fructan determines the fermentation rate and there is a wide variation of fructan chain length in various types of fructan. Grass fructan may have considerably longer chain lengths than FOS or insulin.
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GASTRIC ULCERS
Equine gastric ulcers are caused because gastric acid (hydrochloric acid secreted by parts of the stomach lining), and, to a lesser degree, the digestive enzyme pepsin, irritating the lining of the stomach, causing ulceration. Ulcers are caused by a variety of factors including: diet and feeding management – feeding high levels of concentrates, feed deprivation and types of feeds (timothy vs lucerne, lucerne is known to have acid buffering abilities), stress of training or disease, mechanics of training (splashing of acid in stomach while exercising) as well as medications such as corticosteroids. The clinical signs of ulcers are not noticeable in most horses. Of those horses clinically affected, the signs may include poor athletic performance, change in attitude, dull coat, altered eating behavior, weight loss, diarrhea and colic. In foals, teeth grinding (a sign of pain) and excessive salivation are common. Ulcers also occur in the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) and in the esophagus. The treatment of stomach ulcers involves a combination of changes to feeding management, medical therapy, as well as reducing stress on the horse. Turnout onto green grass pasture along with altering the feeding regimen is likely the fastest method to allow the ulcers to heal. If concentrates are to be fed, they should be fed in small amounts at frequent intervals. By nature, horses are grazing animals, spending much of their day feeding. The grazing horse has a constant flow of saliva and passage of grass into the stomach, buffering stomach acid. If the horse must be stalled, arrange for the horse to see the horses he socializes with. Consider offering a ball or other object that the horse can enjoy in his stall. Feed the horse more frequently to help buffer the acid in the stomach. Decrease grains in your horse’s diets that are prone to promote the formation of volatile fatty acids (These are the high carbohydrate grains such as corn). Incorporate fat supplements to increase calories without excess grain. Medications that decrease stomach acid production are available, but are only necessary in horses showing signs of clinical diseases or when the predisposing factors, such as stress, cannot be removed.
GRASS/MEADOW HAY
Grass hay varies considerably in quality, particularly in relation to such factors as the pasture species and the time of cutting. The more clover a pasture contains, the greater the nutritive value of the hay. And the earlier it is cut, the higher its levels of protein, energy and minerals. Good quality clover hay has a similar nutrient value to lucerne hay and is much more palatable, but it is often hard to find.
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HONEY
Much more than just a sweetner, Honey is a rich source of natural vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A, B complex, C, D & E as well as bioflavonoids, antioxidants and propolis enzymes promoting general health and well being.
HOT WEATHER
The upper critical temperature for horses is about 38°C and about 27°F for foals. Shade should be provided; preferably that allows unrestricted air flow. Coat clipping may help dissipate heat in horses with a long hair coat. In addition to providing adequate shade and ventilation, feeding habits can be changed in hot weather to help keep your horse cool. Provide plenty of clean water, as their intake can increase by nearly four times the amount they would drink in temperate weather. This high intake of water compensates for the increased sweating rate in hot conditions especially in exercising horses; high amounts of electrolytes are also lost with increased sweating and should be replaced with an added electrolyte supplement. Feed less forage, particularly legumes. The higher protein in legumes creates additional heat as the body digests it. Feed more grains and added fat to meet the energy requirements. Fats in particular result in less body heat when they’re digested, decreasing the heat load on the horse. Always make sure to provide adequate salt. Horses that are overweight will have difficulty keeping their body temperature down in hot weather. The excess weight also has a negative impact on performance, resulting in an increased heart and respiration rate.
HYPP
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a co-dominant single autosomal gene disorder that primarily affects Quarter horses. In the muscle cells of horses with HYPP, regulation of the movement of sodium and potassium to and from cells is disrupted. This can result in repetitive muscle contractions and in severe cases muscle fasiculations. These are usually first evident over the rib cage and flank areas, but may spread to other muscle groups. The most important management practice for HYPP positive horses is to limit the dietary intake of potassium to less than 1% of the total diet. The largest source of potassium in the diet of a horse is grass and hay. Forages can contain over 3% potassium, factors such as moisture content, stage of maturity and variety (legumes contain more than grasses) all effect forage potassium content. Grains also contain potassium but at a lower rate usually less than 0.5%. When developing a feeding regime for these horses grass hays or pastures such as Bermuda grass, prairie hay, or timothy should be used as a forage source instead of legume hays such as lucerne. The use of cereal grain as a major portion of the diet will reduce the potassium concentration of the diet. Beware of commercial feeds containing high amounts of molasses, soybean meal, or dehydrated lucerne as these all have relatively high potassium concentrations (greater than 2%).
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IODINE
Iodine is an essential mineral supporting the transfer of fat to energy.
INSULIN RESISTANCE
Insulin resistance is when the body’s cells become less and less sensitive to the insulin that is being produced. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted or produced and released from the pancreas. Insulin is released in response to an increase in glucose levels in the blood following a meal containing sugars or starches. Insulin then stimulates cells in the body to take up this circulating glucose from the blood. Once in the cells, glucose is used for energy or it is converted for storage as glycogen or fat. Horses suffering from insulin resistance show a breakdown of this system. The exact cause of insulin resistance is not known. However, several possible causes include: Diet – when fed high sugar/starch feeds horses can become insulin resistant. Obesity – Overweight horses tend to be insulin resistant, as are “easy keepers” even if they are not obese. Age – Old horses (>20 years) seem to be more prone to insulin resistance. Breed – Ponies tend to have higher degrees of insulin resistance than Warmbloods or Standardbreds. Breeds that are prone to developing cresty necks and obesity, such as Morgans and some lines of Arabians, Quarterhorses, may be more likely to develop insulin resistance. Treatment may consist of the following: Weight loss through diet and exercise if the animal is obese. Limiting carbohydrate intake through elimination of grain and high sugar feeds. Test pastures and dry forages for amounts of sugars present. Soaking hay if it is known to contain high amounts of sugars (> 10 to 12% soluble sugars) in hot water for 30 min or cold water for 60 min. Feeding warm season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, or feeding beet pulp that does not have added molasses. Cut down on free intake of grass if the horse has a history of founder and/or is obese. Add fat and fiber to the diet at 6-10% for fat and at least 12% for fibre.
IRON
Iron builds the centre of hemoglobin and supports the transport of oxygen through the blood & muscles. The absorption rate in older horses is less than 15%. Manganese .
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LAMINITIS
Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae of the foot. The laminae are tiny finger like structures in the hoof that interlock to join the coffin bone to the hoof wall effectively suspending the bones of the foot inside the hoof wall. Inflammation damages the laminae making them unable to hold the coffin bone in place. With the weight of the horse pushing the coffin bone toward the ground and the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon rotating the coffin bone, the coffin bone will sink and rotate within the hoof. This process is extremely painful to the horse and results in lameness. Laminitis is the result of many disease conditions. Risk factors for developing laminitis include: carbohydrate (sugar, starch, fructan) overload, colic, diarrhea, excessive concussion, retained placenta, drug reactions, systemic infection, injury, obesity, genetics, and insulin resistance. Controlling the risk factors and preventing laminitis is easier than the cure. Nutrition counter measures to avoid laminitis include the following. The base diet should consist of forage and fiber rather than sugar and starch. Low carbohydrate feeds are available commercially and should be fed to these horses. If horses need to gain condition, consider adding dietary fat (RBO Oil) as an energy source. Only feed grain that has been physically processed (ground, rolled, crimped, pelleted) to prevent undigested grain from reaching the hindgut and causing digestive upset and laminitis. Feed smaller more frequent meals rather than large single meals. Make all dietary changes slowly (7-10 days). Control body weight and body condition with regular exercise to prevent obesity and insulin resistance. Horses should be maintained in a body condition score between 4 and 6. Consider not grazing at risk horses. If grazing is allowed, using a grazing muzzle and grazing early in the morning can help reduce the ingestion of high sugar grasses.
LIGNIN
Indigestible plant component. As lignin content increases, digestibility decreases thereby lowering the amount of energy potentially available to the animal.
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PROBIOTICS
Probiotics are good bacteria that stimulate the activity of other good bacteria in the horse’s digestive tract. The addition of probiotics (live yeast) to equine diets improves fibre, phosphorus and calcium digestibility and increases gross energy, total lipid and amino acid absorption.
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SUPER FIBRES
As the name suggests super fibre is a product that contains highly digestible fibre with very little non-digestible fibre. These highly digestible fibre sources provide horses with a calorie content similar to grain, however since they are fibre they are safer to feed and given that Super Fibres are digested in the hindgut (cecum and colon) they do not produce rapid changes in blood sugar (Fizz) like grain. Super fibres are as safe to feed as chaff or hay and even more digestible.
SUNFLOWER SEEDS
These are very palatable and are high in fat and energy so they are a good coat conditioner, but are low in several essential amino acids. Sunflowers are more a fat and energy supplement than a protein supplement.
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TEXTURED FEED
A textured feed looks like muesli and generally includes whole or processed grain, and a pellet containing minerals and vitamins. Other ingredients may be added such as beet pulp, molasses, fat and yeast.
TYING UP
“Tying-up” is the common name used for disorders causing extreme muscle contractions. These include Exertional Rhabdomyolysis (ER), recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER), and polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). Read more here.
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VITAMIN A
The carotenoids beta-carotin is metabolized in the large intestine and the liver into Vitamin A. This antioxidant produces Rhodopsin, which is an important component of the visual pigment and essential for vision at night. Besides being a supportive Vitamin for vision it is also active in gene transcription, immune function, embryonic development and reproduction, bone metabolism, hematopoietic skin health and antioxidant activities.
VITAMIN B1
Vitamin B1 aids as an important supporter of carbohydrate digestion, where it metabolizes Glucose into ATP (energy production) and normal nervous system functions. A loss of appetite, anorexia, ataxia and muscle switching are associated with Vitamin B1 deficiency.
VITAMIN B2
Due to the fact that Vitamin B2 acts as an aid for nervous system functions, red blood cell formation, skin and hair condition a deficiency of this Vitamin results I rough hair conditions, dermatitis and photophobia (light sensitivity).
VITAMIN B6
Vitamin B6 aids in nervous system functions, energy production process and metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is synthesized through the exposure of sunlight and can be stores in the horse’s body. It helps to maintain calcium levels in the horse’s body and is essential for bone growth and density. Rickets also know as the soft bone disease can occur through Vitamin D deficiency.
VITAMIN E
This antioxidant provides many activities within the horse’s body such as red blood cell maintenance, cell membrane protection, tissue repair, oxygen supply to cells, stabilizes immune system, supports muscles, skin and coat condition. Vitamin E is reduced by moisture therefore, higher Vitamin E contents are found in younger plants. White muscle disease is associated with Vitamin E deficiency.
VITAMIN K
Vitamin K aids blood clothing, bone metabolism and heart health.
VITAMIN B12
In order to format and maintain blood cells in the equine body Vitamin B 12 is used in conjunction in a specifically formulated balance with Iron and Copper. Vitamin B 12 builds a crucial part in the protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism of the equine.
VITAMIN C
Prevention of oxidation or free radicals destroying cells is an aid performed by Vitamin C as an anti oxidant. It also plays an essential role in stabilizing the immune system. Tiredness, leg inflammation and bleeding gums are associated as Vitamin C deficiencies.
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WATER SOLUBLE CARBOHYDRATE (WSC)
Carbohydrates solubilised and extracted in hot water. Includes monosaccharides, disaccharides (simple sugars) and some polysaccharides (mainly fructan). The determination of non structural carbohydrates is currently accepted as WSC + Starch. When formulating diets for horses at risk or suffering from laminitis, the recommendations are to keep total dietary WSC + Starch to less than 10%.
WHEATEN/OATEN HAY/CHAFF
Wheaten and oaten hay and chaff are similar in feed value. They do not contain as much protein or calcium as lucerne, but are higher in fibre and are just as palatable. The energy value of these hays or chaffs depends on the amount of grain they contain. A good sample will have a higher energy value than lucerne. Like lucerne chaff, a major advantage is that you can mix the chaff with grain to slow down the intake of concentrates.
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ZINC
As part of an enzyme, Zinc supplies the insulin production, blood clotting, wound healing and the metabolism of the equine. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss, reduction in enzyme production and poor appetite.
