Wintry winds assaulted Margaux on the first day of the new year, signaling that cold weather has come once again. With the onset of sub-freezing temperatures, careful attention must be paid to the feed schedule. In the December 22nd (2011) article from theHorse.com, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension’s equine specialist, Dave Freeman, PhD, discusses basic guidelines for winter weather “best practices”. More information is available online, though the article cited below covers the general facts.
Science has proven that horses (much like all other animals) require more energy to maintain a healthy body condition and weight during colder weather, and in order to replace the additional energy used, feed levels must rise accordingly. That increase in rations must be carefully managed, however, in order to prevent founder or a potentially fatal bout of colic.
Freeman recommends that “concentrate composition and amounts should be increased gradually over a period of several days, especially if the horses are already consuming large quantities of grain.” Look for concentrates rich in soluble carbohydrates—highly effective at providing energy. Keep in mind the number of feedings a horse is given over the day, and balance a daily ration accordingly.
Nutritionists recommend several smaller meals throughout the day for humans. Not only does this enable better nutrient absorption, but it is also supposed to raise the body’s thermic effect (increasing burned calories by 10%), according to Leslie Bonci, R.D., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The same applies to horses—Freeman states that “eating too much of these [carbs] in one meal is a significant contributor to the frequency of colic and founder in horses.” A good rule-of-thumb is to feed no more concentrate than five pounds per thousand pounds body weight in a single meal. Keep in mind though that carb density can vary depending on feed companies, so it is best to follow recommendations on the bag, or consult a company representative and/or your veterinarian. Regardless of the planned amount of grain to be fed for the increased energy expenditure, the increase should take place over a period of several days—not overnight. While there are many potential causes of colic, nutritional factors can include:
- Abrupt changes in diet
- Consumption of moldy grain or hay
- Overfeeding energy at a single feeding
- Improper digestion
- Impaction of nutrients brought on by ineffective deworming programs
May you have a happy and healthy winter season!
- Dayn
Source: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19329
