Summer feeding

A THIRST FOR SUMMER

WITH THE PROSPECT OF RISING TEMPERATURES AFFECTING QUALITY AND NUTRIENTS IN PASTURES, CAREFUL MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE HORSES’ NUTRITIONAL NEEDS ARE MET IS VITAL TO MAINTAIN OPTIMUM HEALTH, REPORTS BARBARA YOUNG.

Even ‘lush’ summer pasture may be lacking in key nutrients so additional vitamins, minerals and quality protein should be provided, regardless of the season, Spillers’ nutritionist Sarah Nelson explains.

“Second to water, forage is the most important component of the horse’s diet so if over-grazing or a hot dry summer has left your fi eld looking bare, additional hay or haylage may be needed in order to maintain fi bre inta e.

However, Sarah points out that although grazing may look limited, if you are picking up a similar number of droppings, feeding additional forage isn’t always necessary.

“When grazing is sparse, it’s possible for your horse to eat fresh growth, even if you can’t see it. Yellow grass may not look particularly appetising, but the energy level can be similar to hay and if there there is enough of it available, may be enough to sustain horses in light work, particularly if they are good doers.”

While hydration is important all year round, experts agree that it’s particularly so during the hottest months as keeping horses well-watered is essential to the health of the digestive tract to avoid the risk of impaction colic.

Anna Welch, Top Spec’s veterinary nutrition director, explains that the consequences of dehydration will vary, from poor

performance to more serious and even life-threatening outcomes, so it’s vital that owners remain aware of early warning signs.

“It’s just as important to avoid dehydration in dressage horses as it is for those competing in other disciplines as they too can be subject to some of the same uid losses as other competition horses (eg through hard work, travel, stress).

“To help dissipate the considerable amount of heat generated by a dressage horse’s large muscle mass during exercise, he will sweat and ithout appropriate uid and electrolyte replacement strategies, this will lead to dehydration.

“It’s worth knowing your horse; if he’s ‘adrenaline fuelled’ when competing/during exercise, it may mask early signs of a problem and should be monitored very closely in hot weather.”

Anna explains that while an average water intake for a 500kg horse at rest or in light work, is around 25 litres per day (although there can be si nifi cant variation), hot weather and higher levels of work, among other factors, will increase re uirements due to uid loss from sweating. For a 500kg horse, heavy sweating can increase water intake to approximately 50 litres per day.

“When considering water consumption, it’s important to take a horse’s diet into account. s rass has a si nifi cantly higher water content than hay (approximately 75-85% in grass, compared to 15 -20% in hay), a horse that is grazing will drink less water than a horse fed largely hay,” says Anna. “Haylage sits between the two, at around 30% to 35% water. While many concentrate feeds contain only low levels of water, feeding soaked products and using mashes will reduce the amount of water a horse needs to drink.”

Sarah Nelson agrees: “Although not a nutrient, water is the most important component of the horse’s diet and is involved in almost every physiological process in the horse’s body. Severe dehydration can be fatal.”

Ensurin a horse is fi t, healthy and in ideal condition will help

him cope with hotter temperatures.

Griselda Handy, nutritionist at NAF, explains that dehydration is closely linked to performance.

“It’s been estimated a 1% drop in hydration leads to a 4% drop in performance, which highlights the need to manage hydration throughout the year ith suffi cient mana ement programmes in place.

“Dehydration can take on the appearance of a generally sick individual, lethargy and dull eyes with dry skin and reduced interest in feed and water. A tell-tale sign can often be the dark urine and gums that are much darker than the usual pink colour, while a raised heart rate and pulse are common clinical signs.”

To avoid risk of dehydration, water should be freely available at all times and off ered at re ular intervals when travelling, training and competing. uffi cient access to ater is essential. but some horses are reluctant to drinkaway from home,” says Sarah.

LEFT: IF A HOT SUMMER HAS LEFT PASTURE BARE, EXTRA FORAGE MAY BE NEEDED. ABOVE: APPROPRIATE USE OF ELECTROLYTES CAN HELP COMBAT DEHYDRATION. LEFT: MASHES CAN BE USEFUL TO HELP INCREASE VOLUNTARY INTAKES OF WATER.

RIGHT: IT’S JUST AS IMPORTANT TO AVOID DEHYDRATION FOR DRESSAGE HORSES AS FOR THOSE IN OTHER DISCIPLINES.

RIGHT: HORSES DRINK ON AVERAGE 25 LITRES OF WATER PER DAY BUT HEAVY SWEATING CAN INCREASE THIS TO 50 LITRES A DAY. CENTRE: IT’S BEEN ESTIMATED A 1% DROP IN HYDRATION LEADS TO A 4% DROP IN PERFORMANCE, SAYS NAF. BELOW: HAY HAS A WATER CONTENT OF JUST 15-20%; IT CAN BE SOAKED OR DUNKED IN WATER WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO ENCOURAGE A HORSE TO REHYDRATE.

“Taking water with you (where possible) or usin avourin s such as apple uice can help tempt the horse to drin (be mindful of the ris of hen choosin a avour), althou h it s advisable to et your horse accustomed to drin in avoured ater at home fi rst. oa ed feeds mashes can also help to increase voluntary ater inta e. on t ithhold ater prior to, or after exercise. Allowing your horse to drink immediately after exercise ill not cause colic but ithholdin ater may delay rehydration. ff er your horse small amounts of ater in the minutes after exercise and then allo free access once he s fully cooled do n. ccordin to nna, if a horse has s eated si nifi cantly, the fi rst thin to do is ensure he has access to ample ater to help him rehydrate. If he can be fussy, ater can be made more appealin by addin some apple uice and all hard feeds, includin mashes, should be fed si nifi cantly more dilute than normal. If hay is fed, rather than hayla e, it can be brie y dun ed or hosed in ater.

n appropriate amount of salt and commercial electrolytes should be added to his feed for the next t o days at least. It s preferable to mix the recommended amount of salt electrolytes to feed rather than ater. o ever, hen hi hly salted feed is off ered, cool fresh ater should al ays be available alon side. arah explains that s eat loss is hi hly individual and aff ected by numerous factors includin temperature, fi tness and or load. his means it s not possible to formulate a feed that removes the need for electrolyte supplements (or salt) in horses sweating re ularly. oo for supplements that are E approved, alternatively, table salt, hich is a combination of sodium and chloride is an eff ective replacement.

Griselda says owners are often concerned about s eatin implications hen a ay competin ery often horses ill not drin much hen at a sho or event, simply due to adrenaline and excitement, but there are mana ement processes that can help.

hese include soa in hay, syrin in ater directly into the mouth or ta in your horse s o n, familiar ater buc et to ether ith ater from home. ater can have a diff erent smell or taste, have a diff erent temperature, and horses tend to drin more from buc ets than automatic drin ers.

If you re plannin to compete in hot, humid conditions, nna recommends avoidin si nifi cant or in the heat for at least a fe days prior to reduce the ris of dehydration during your fi nal preparations and try to travel at cooler times of day. n arrival reduce your horse s arm up time, leave your horse in the shade herever possible, and cool him ith cold ater as appropriate. It can ta e at least t o to three weeks to adjust to working in hot eather, so the intensity of or should be radually increased to help a horse s tolerance to heat.

PRODUCT WATCH

FEEDING – HYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTES

EQUITOP® MYOPLAST Recommended by vets, Equitop® Myoplast is a unique muscle supplement designed to support healthy Myoplast is a unique muscle supplement designed to support healthy lean muscle growth in horses. Containing a combination of 18 amino lean muscle growth in horses. Containing a combination of 18 amino acids derived from Spirulina, including nine essential amino acids, acids derived from Spirulina, including nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, it also provides a natural source of the building blocks of protein, it also provides a natural source of antioxidants to help neutralise the free radicals produced during antioxidants to help neutralise the free radicals produced during exercise and essential fatty acids to support the body's natural exercise and essential fatty acids to support the body's natural anti-infl ammatory processes. anti-infl ammatory processes.

RRP £75.00 FOR 1.5KG | equitop.co.uk RRP £75.00 FOR 1.5KG |

MAXI-TOP EQUINE is a

signifi cant source of amino acids, including essential branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) – leucine, isoleucine and valine. Maxi-Top Equine assists in the development and maintenance of muscle mass in horses in intense training and competition, young or growing horses, and during rehab after surgery or injury. Maxi-Top Equine is highly concentrated to produce rapid results and includes high levels of Vitamin E, building muscle and strength without fat. 100% vegan, no added sugar, competition safe. Special offer when you purchase from Farm & Stable: from Farm & Stable: free tack kit with all free tack kit with all orders of MaxiTop Equine.

SARACEN HORSE FEEDS RECOVERY MASH

Re-Covery Mash supports optimum rehydration and recovery post-training, and when travelling and competing. The high fi bre, banana-fl avoured mash is convenient to feed in all situations to help support water intake for the fussiest of eaters and drinkers. It also includes electrolytes to maintain thirst response, live yeast to support gut fl ora and stabilise the pH of the gut, plus vitamin E to support normal muscle function and recovery. Use as and when needed without disturbing your existing feeding regime. Also available in 1.5kg travel pouch.

RRP £60.59

farmstable.com

RRP FROM £19.50 FOR 20KG

saracenhorsefeeds.com

TOPSPEC LINSEED MASH

is rich in linseed and oatbran, contains a smattering of cereal and typically analyses at just 11% starch. It has a conditioning index of 13 MJ/kg DM, however once soaked, this fi gure will be reduced as fed. The formula is very high in oil and contains good fi bre levels. Highly palatable, the mash is ideal for hydrating horses as it can be diluted as much as required to increase water intake. It also promotes a shiny coat.

RRP £15.95 FOR 20KG

topspec.com

PHARMATRAC TOTAL DIGESTIVE SUPPORT

PharmaTRAC offers total digestive tract support, targeting both the foregut and hindgut, using the highest-grade active ingredients including prebiotics with zero bulking agents. Coupled with correct management and forage, PharmaTRAC supports the gastric environment, maintaining an optimum pH level. Can be fed as part of a yearround maintenance programme or when extra support may be required during times of stress, change in routine or diet, travelling, competition and training. Available in a variety of sizes with a money-back guarantee. Full product breakdown and transparency of ingredients available on the website. Available in a variety of sizes: 120g, 400g, 1kg, 2kg, 5kg.

RRP £39.99 FOR 1KG

bettalife.co.uk

BAILEYS AQUA-AIDE ELECTROLYTE

provides a balance of key salts formulated to mirror those lost in sweat. With all-important potassium, as well as sodium, chloride, magnesium and calcium, Aqua-Aide also contains just the right amount of dextrose for optimum absorption. Developed to be highly palatable, even in drinking water, AquaAide can be administered whenever a horse sweats to aid rehydration and the replacement of salts, encouraging recovery from exertion and prolonging time to fatigue.

RRP £14.50 FOR 2KG/£48.00 FOR 9KG

baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk FARRIER'S FORMULA is a pelleted hoof and coat supplement that can be added as a top dressing on the regular feed or given separately. It provides nutrients such as phospholipids, omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and important amino acid 'protein building blocks' for a healthy hoof and hair coat.

RRP £44 | lifedatalabs.co.uk

BSC-SEABUCKTHORN is a palatable, natural plant extract that provides complete support for gastro-intestinal health. It is rich in anti-oxidants and Omega oils, as well as being an effective prebiotic. BSC-SeaBuckthorn nourishes the delicate tissues that line the stomach and intestines, supporting healing and natural mucosal defence against acid wear. In the hindgut, SeaBuckthorn favours the growth of healthy bacteria, helping to improve digestive health and effi ciency.

RRP £70 FOR 5 LITRES (56 DAYS MAINTENANCE) | nupafeed.co.uk

NUPAFEED STAYING

POWER helps support healthy energy production, muscle development and recovery by boosting your horse’s stamina and recovery without fi zz. It is ideal for horses that tire easily, are taking a step up in their work load, are diffi cult to feed for energy, good doers, hot weather, travel fatigue etc. Easy to feed for long or short term need with no iron or carbohydrates.

DAILY LIQUID FROM £44.00 AND CONCENTRATED

SYRINGES FROM £8.90 | nupafeed.co.uk

SPILLERS™ SPEEDY-MASH FIBRE

soaks in less than 60 seconds to form an irresistible apple-scented mash. It will help to keep your horse hydrated during warmer weather to keep his digestive system healthy. It’s a safe option for all types because it’s high in fi bre, low in starch and molasses-free and can be used as a partial or total hay replacer.

RRP £11.49 FOR 20KG | spillers-feeds.com NAF ENERG is fortifi ed with vitamins and trace elements, this fast-acting, veterinary approved liquid formula is designed to support the performance of the hardworking equine athlete. As performance increases, so does the requirement for specifi c nutrients. EnerG provides controlled levels of iron, but also balanced copper and zinc, both important nutrients required by the horse to maximise the benefi ts of this unique synergistic formulation, thus optimising energy metabolism. EnerG is a carefully targeted product that simply provides the nutrients necessary to support blood profi les and energy metabolism.

RRP £19.99 FOR 2 LITRES

naf-equine.eu/uk

ROWEN BARBARY ACTI-SOOTHE is designed to soothe and protect the stomach lining. Rowen Barbary Acti-Soothe helps control stomach acidity and maintain a normal pH, while reducing anxiety in horses prone to nervous behaviour. Ideal for horses prone to stress, whether travelling, competing or for use at home as part of the daily routine.

RRP £87.48 PER 7.2KG | rowenbarbary.co.uk