Aged Horses with Loose Manure
Does Lollipop have any dental issues that may not allow him to chew and utilize long-stem hay? It is important for older horses that can’t chew long-stem hay to be offered forage alternatives such as...
View ArticleNutritional Support for Nerve Regeneration
Laryngeal hemiplegia occurs when nerves serving the larynx are damaged, often inexplicably, leaving the larynx unable to function properly. The left side of the larynx is affected more frequently than...
View ArticlePoor Appetite and Loose Manure: Hindgut Problem?
Several of the historical events you mentioned are red flags for digestive issues. However, there are many diseases that damage cells of the digestive tract and create inflammation. To help identify...
View ArticleNutritional Support for Poor Hooves
Managing body weight of easy keepers can be a challenge, especially when exercise is reduced or nonexistent. Controlling caloric intake is necessary to prevent unwanted weight gain, but moderation...
View ArticleUsing Plain Oats to Fuel Performance Horses
Oats are a great source of digestible energy (calories), but they lack necessary quantities of important macro- and micronutrients. One concern with feeding large amounts of straight oats is the...
View ArticleFeeding Underweight, Stressed Foals
Assuming she has a normal body temperature and has been evaluated thoroughly by a veterinarian for health and well-being, the primary recommendation is to offer more access to pasture in hopes of...
View ArticleHay Intake and Stalled Horses
Forage recommendations are based on a percentage of body weight. A general recommendation is to provide at least 1.5% of body weight as forage (pasture, hay, or forage alternatives) per day to support...
View ArticleVitamins and Minerals for Miniature Horses
There are two options that would be appropriate for Miniature Horses, micronutrient supplements and ration balancers.
View ArticleMagnesium Supplementation for Calmness
Clinical signs of magnesium deficiency include nervousness, muscle tremors, and ataxia. Though magnesium deficiency is considered rare in horses that have access to pasture and fed good-quality hay, it...
View ArticleWeight Loss for an Easy Keeper
Your current feeding program is providing appropriate nutrition for your gelding. Most of the calories are being supplied by the hay offered. To reduce caloric intake to facilitate weight loss, you may...
View ArticleConsider Carbs for More Energy Under Saddle
From the information you provided, I have identified two dietary goals: (1) meet your gelding’s basic nutrient needs with a complete and balanced diet; and (2) provide a diet that will support improved...
View ArticleAlfalfa and Endurance Horses
Many performance horses benefit from alfalfa. The forage can be used successfully in endurance horses with some precautions.At a competition, there is no better forage for endurance horses because of...
View ArticleIncreasing Forage Intake at Night
How would you rate the quality of hay your gelding consumes? Hay quality can affect palatability and rate of intake. Older horses often prefer forage with fine, flexible stems and soft leaves, which is...
View ArticleStomach Ulcers in Harness Racehorses
Racehorses in active training experience several factors associated with the onset of gastric ulcers, including stress, limited turnout on pasture, and large grain meals. Because of this, gastric...
View ArticleHow Much Feed Is Too Much Feed?
The fortified forage pellets you’re feeding are primarily composed of good-quality Bermudagrass and alfalfa hay. Because of their high forage content, they can replace all, or part of, the forage...
View ArticleFitness for Endurance Competition
Arabians hold their fitness amazingly well, particularly if they have 24-hour turnout. Working two days per week is usually adequate training for an endurance horse, as this schedule allows for plenty...
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