As fall approaches, pastures will experience a flush of growth that will cause a drastic change in the composition of the grass. At this time fructans and sugars will accumulate quickly in the grass. When horses eat large quantities of sugars they are not always able to digest all the sugars before they reach the hindgut. The introduction of sugars into the hindgut changes the pH in the cecum and can cause alterations in the population of microflora resulting in colic or laminitis.
Monitor your horse’s grazing schedule closely and consider limiting grazing times to early morning hours when fructan levels are their lowest. Also consider adding direct-fed microbials (probiotics), yeast and digestive enzymes to your horse’s diet. Research has shown that including these beneficial bacteria in your horse’s diet may give the colic-prone horse some additional aid in preventing colic by keeping the digestive tract populated with beneficial bacteria.
Kauffman’s Animal Health, Inc., a leader in the animal health industry for over 30 years, reminds you to observe your horse carefully during seasonal and/or weather changes.
MORE ABOUT KAUFFMAN’S ANIMAL HEALTH
Founded in 1978 by Leon J. Kauffman, Kauffman's Animal Health, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business that manufactures, packages, and markets a complete line of nutritional supplements, feed premixes, and specialty nutrition products for the equine, canine, poultry, and livestock (beef cattle, sheep, swine, goat, deer, etc.) industries. Initially focused on protein, vitamin, and mineral supplements for horses, our business has expanded to include electrolyte, hoof, joint, and digestion supplements for horses; a variety of direct-fed microbials (DFM or probiotics) for livestock; and nutritional supplements for dogs. To learn more about Kauffman’s products, log on to: www.ka-hi.com or call 800-332-5244.