Posted: 3rd November 2015 | Back to news feed
As we now move into the very heart of winter, ensuring your horse is gaining the most from his diet will depend on the health of the digestive system
Fibre should always be the starting point for, and basis of, any horse’s diet, making up at least 60% of the horses total rations.
This is true regardless of the lifestyle of the horse, and any extra energy requirements, such as those required by competition horses, must be added as an addition, sticking to the principle of feeding for workload.
The nutritional needs of horses may differ dependant on their lifestyle, however they will still utilise their fibre intake for the same purpose during the winter months – to maintain weight and keep warm.
Not only does the digestive system act as the horses very own in-built central heating system, it also plays an essential role in bolstering the immune system.
The horse has evolved to require a minimum amount of dietary fibre as a food source for the micro-organisms located in the caecum and large intestine, collectively called the hindgut.
Disruption of normal hindgut function by less than adequate dietary fibre or starch overload can lead to more acidic conditions, often referred to as acidosis. Gut disturbances, such as acidosis, are one of the many factors implicated in colic.
This is a common problem during the winter months when horses are often stabled for longer, leading to enforced periods of starvation, if the forage ration is not provided ad lib.
A healthy gut is critical for the well-being of the horse and ensuring a horse’s diet is based on fibre, solely where possible, will go a long way to promoting gut health.
Whether your horse is a super fit competition athlete, a much loved happy hacker, retired veteran or a breeding mare or stallion, the Lifeforce Range from Alltech has a supplement to help keep your horse looking and feeling healthy this winter.
The Range consists of three all-natural, daily nutritional supplements, with each specialized supplement delivering the right balance of natural ingredients to optimize digestive health for horses of a specific lifestyle, providing an effective way of maintaining a healthy horse.
Lifeforce Focus is specially designed for leisure and companion horses or those that may spend more time grazing, Lifeforce Formula is specially designed for breeding horses and horses in moderate activity and Lifeforce Elite is specially designed for competition horses and those faced with stressful situations.
Each supplement is available in a 5kg Tub, which provides a three month supply and prices start at £60.
For further information please visit www.lifeforcehorse.co.ukor telephone 01780 764512
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