Nutrition

The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science just published a review article titled “The Dietary Components and Feeding Management as Options to Offset Digestive Disturbances in Horses”.  I know not everyone enjoys diving head first into a seven page study like I do, so I thought I’d give you the Cliff Note version.

When you get new hay or introduce a new feed, it’s a good idea to weigh it and ensure your horse is receiving the proper amount.

Trace minerals; the amount a horse needs to consume is so minimal it’s hard to imagine they have any effect over such a large animal.  Yet deficiencies in two trace minerals; copper and zinc can be very noticeable.

The best technique to sample your horses hay is to use a mechanical coring probe made specifically for this purpose.  Probes are able to sample a cross-section of the bale (end to center) and the serrated tip allows collection of both coarse and fine particles.  When using a hay probe is not an option, the next best method is hand pulling from the center of multiple bales.

 Managing a horse with a metabolic disorder is a lifetime dedication. Like a child having a peanut allergy, it will always be something you need to be cautions of.  There is no such thing as a safe pasture for horses with metabolic disorders.  However, there are strategies to reduce the risk.