How to care for a horse part 2 of this series on how to care for a horse from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University continues on how to properly feed your horse during the cold winter months.
It is not predictable exactly how much body heat each horse can generate from a feed or combination of feeds because of the individual variations in metabolism. Also, it depends on the composition of the feed.
Research has shown that even though roughage (hay) is lower in digestible energy than grains, it allows the horse to generate more body heat due to the fermentation process in the large intestinal tract.
A higher percentage of energy is given off as heat from good-quality hay compared to grain because of the way roughages are processed by the intestinal system. Roughages are digested by microbial fermentation in the large intestine of the horse, and this process generates greater amounts of heat.
Good-quality roughages should be the foundation of any equine ration, regardless of the season. Along with trace mineralized salt and water, good-quality roughages–such as a first cutting alfalfa and grass mix–can make up most or all of the ration for an idle adult horse during the winter.
If the horse does not maintain or improve its BCS when hay quality and/or quantity is increased, then grain should be added. Start the horse out slowly on grain and allow it to adjust over a two-week period. Horses should not require more than five to six pounds of grain per day.
A 1,000-pound horse should receive no more than four pounds of grain at one feeding. Feeding this amount of grain decreases the risk of colic by reducing fermentation changes in the large intestinal tract.
Another alternative that allows feeding a higher proportion of roughage and a smaller amount of concentrate is to feed a commercial grain mixture with additional fat added. Fat is much more energy-dense than grain. This type of concentrate would have higher digestible energy with less volume. Total added fat should not exceed 10 percent of the total ration. Many concentrates are now available with additional fat supplementation.
Feeding concentrates is necessary only when the horse cannot maintain body condition on a roughage diet or roughages are unavailable due to lack of supply or cost.
An important aspect of learning how to care for a horse is the constant vigilance horse owners must have in regard to worming. Internal parasite control is necessary for any horse. A fecal exam should be performed at least yearly prior to and seven- to ten-days after deworming to monitor the horse’s parasite load. Horse owners should review their parasite control program with their veterinarian to determine if changes are required.
Several factors should be taken into consideration if the horse cannot maintain proper body condition.
Is the horse drinking adequate amounts of good quality water? A 1,000-pound idle adult horse should be consuming at least 10 to 12 gallons per day. If it is not consuming adequate water, it will decrease total feed eaten.
Good dental care is necessary for a horse to chew properly and use feed efficiently. Teeth should be examined by a veterinary dentist at least yearly. If the horse’s teeth are no longer able to provide the processing of roughage needed, a complete or senior feed may be required as the horse’s sole source of nutrition. A 1,000 pound horse should receive 15 to 20 pounds of senior feed daily to meet its nutritional needs.
This concludes this 2-part series on how to care for a horse.
Chris Walsh publishes the Basic Guide to Horse Care with vital horse care information every horse owner needs to know including horse hoof care, equine health problems and how to prevent and treat them and much more information on how to care for a horse. Get your special free report on good equine care by going here now: http://horse-care-guide.zcorps.com
