Posted: 2nd April 2015 | Back to news feed
Gastric ulcers are particularly prevalent in horses due to the anatomy and physiology of the equine stomach and this can be exacerbated by several factors including intensive management, diet, exercise, medication, illness and physical and psychological stress.
The severity of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) spans a wide spectrum with varying degrees of stomach lesions and ulcers. The intricate details of how and why ulcers form is poorly understood but there is a significant increase in the risk of ulcers forming when the protective factors of the stomach lining become overpowered by aggressive factors such as digestive enzymes and acid found in gastric juices.
The production of gastric juices in the horse are continuous and any period of fasting can result in acidic conditions within the stomach. Food and saliva both act as buffers reducing acidity so providing a suitable forage ad lib will help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers developing.
Choosing a high quality forage such as HorseHage may enable you to reduce or eliminate concentrate feeds that are high in starch. HorseHage is dust-free and contains no additives. It is available in four varieties offering a choice for all types of horses.
Adjustments in daily management such as turning out as much as possible and not allowing the horse to fast for longer than few hours can have a big impact on the potential of gastric ulcer development.
High fibre feeds are a much better choice than those with a high cereal content, so the Mollichaff range of chaffs and complete feeds are a great choice. They can help prolong eating time and encourage ‘trickle feeding’. For horses with higher energy requirements, oil can be a useful source of energy rather than adding concentrates in the form of cereals.
For further information call the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527257 or visit www.horsehage.co.uk/
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