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Horses on pasture
Horses on pasture
Grasses stressed by extremes of weather - drought, heat or cold - will either die or go dormant to protect their carbohydrate reserves until growing conditions improve. They lose their green color because the production of chlorophyll and other pigment ceases. Another pigment is carotene, the precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A activity in these grasses is low, as is vitamin E and essential fatty acid level. Calories are lower than young green grasses and fiber much higher. Protein is deficient, typically around 5%. Even mineral levels may be lower. You may not think of grass and hay as a source of B vitamins, but the fact is that they are the horse's major source and levels are much higher than in concentrates. The B vitamins are also in their most bioavailable forms, incorporated into active compounds. When metabolic activity slows (maturity) or stops (dormancy or death), levels naturally fall. Grass hay is best to cut right before it starts to set seed. At this stage, there has been enough growth for a good yield, and the nutritional value of the grass portions above ground is good. Once the grass has reached full height, set and dropped seed, its metabolism slows, fiber fractions rise and protein drops. These same changes also begin for dormant hay. Significant loss of nutritional value can occur while the grass is still green. Supplementing protein is the major consideration in all scenarios late in the grazing season. Begin essential amino acid supplementation of lysine, methionine, and threonine as soon as grasses go to seed. When grasses begin to brown, start 1/4 to 1/2 lb per day of a 40% protein supplement or 1/2 to 1 lb per day of a 20 to 25% protein and mineral supplement. The mixed protein and mineral supplements need to be fed in higher amounts, but they are good insurance against drops in mineral levels that can occur. They will also cover the dropping vitamin A and B vitamin levels. Maintaining good intakes of omega-3 fatty acids is important for supporting the body's ability to maintain a normal homeostatic balance of inflammatory reactions. Flax and Chia seeds are the ideal way to do this with omega-6:omega-3 ratios which mimic young green growths of grass. Dead, dormant and overly mature grasses have a nutritional profile similar to straw. Horses relying on failing pastures for the bulk of their nutrition can still get some caloric value but will encounter significant gaps until they are switched over to their winter rations. By knowing what the issues are, you can target them and support the horse in this transitional period.
Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya®, offers formulas to compensate for failing pastures.
Tri-Amino helps maintain strong muscles, healthy weight and supports a healthy topline with the three most essential amino acids. Lysine aids in bone health and immune function. Methionine plays a role in the synthesis of structural proteins, especially hooves and connective tissues. Threonine aids in healthy immune function. Amino Fac-41 supports the increased protein needs of growing horses in training and exercising horses of all ages to promote muscle integrity and definition. Concentrated source of all the amino acids, including 4% Lysine. Supports lean muscle mass, bone and joint structure, vital organ development, immune system function, and hoof and connective tissue health. Milk & Grow is designed to meet increased protein, vitamin and mineral demands. Highly digestible protein supplement with favorable profiles for all the essential amino acids including the most often deficient amino acid, L-Lysine. Combined with a complete spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and Probiotics in an easy to feed, dust-free pellet.CocoOmega is a nonGMO and soy free oil with all the benefits of CocoOmega. Features highly concentrated levels of Omega 3 fatty acids that mimic the ideal ratio of 4 to 1 Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids found in fresh forages. Supports a shiny coat, healthy hooves, joint function, and normal functioning of the immune system and inflammatory pathways. With full-fat flax and Chia seeds. Available in a powder or a pellet. Permission to reprint this article is granted, provided credit is given to Uckele Health & Nutrition, who appreciates being notified of publication.
About Dr. Kellon Dr. Eleanor Kellon, staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, is an established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, and a founding member and leader of the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) group, whose mission is to improve the welfare of horses with metabolic disorders via integration of research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. www.ecirhorse.org Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya, is an innovation-driven health company committed to making people and their animals healthier. On the leading edge of nutritional science and technology for over 50 years, Uckele formulates and manufactures a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances. www.uckele.com.
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