Stall and Stable s3

FEEDING – A Instructor’s Guide

Part I – The Digestive System Purpose 1. Know the components and processes of the digestive system in detail Teaching Suggestions 1. Discuss both diagrams  one shows positioning, the other lengths.

The digestive system Purpose of the 1. ingest (take in) food Digestive system 2. break it into useable form 3. extract nutrients from it USAB 236 4. excrete the waste Basic description  a long tube (over 100 feet long) running from mouth to anus  includes teeth USAB 236  includes organs like pancreas and liver that help in processing nutrients

Parts of the system (USAB 236-238 and other references as indicated) Part Discussion Mouth Lips and Muzzle (MH 435) 1. select the food Teeth 1. bite off food (grazing) 2. chew (begin physical break down of food) Salivary Glands (MH 435) 1. Parotid: base of ear 2. Sublingual: under the tongue 3. Mandibular: back of jaw bone Saliva (from salivary glands) 1. moistens food 2. begins break down of starches Tongue (MH 435) 1. pushes food back to molar teeth to be ground and mixed with saliva 2. helps form food into bolus (ball) to be swallowed Pharynx 1. area between the hard palate (roof mouth) and opening to esophagus Epiglottis 1. soft palate (separates nasal cavity from back of mouth) lifts and triggers the epiglottis to close (MH 435) 2. flap that covers opening to windpipe during swallowing Esophagus/gullet General  muscular tube which carries food to stomach  food can move only one way (toward stomach)  peristalsis is the muscular contraction that moves the food along (MH 435) Stomach General  muscular sack holding between 2 and 4 gallons (14 litres NZ2 198)  normally hold 2.27 kg or 5 lbs food (MH 435)  churns food and saliva into liquid form (by continued peristalsis KYH 15)  works best when nor more than 2/3 full

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 1 Part Discussion  food remains for 1 ½ hours (NZ2 198) Cardiac Valve (MH 435)  the sphincter at the top of the stomach that allows the food to pass into stomach but normally not back out  horse cannot normally vomit Hydrochloric acid  continue with chemical breakdown started with saliva Enzymes (MH 435) 1. Pepsin: begins to break down proteins into more digestible form 2. Rennin: coagulates milk drunk by foals 3. lipase: begins to break down fats Pyloric Valve  controls the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine  food passes through in the following order: water  carbohydrates  proteins  fats Small Intestine General  has three separate parts listed in order below  continuing breakdown and absorption of nutrients  lining is covered in small hairlike projections that are called villi  increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients Duodenum  approx. 3 feet long  pancreas secretes pancreatic juice via a duct into this area  liver secretes bile via a duct into this area  food changed from an acid concentration to more basic form  further breakdown of proteins, fats and starches Jejunum  main part of small intestine  approx. 20 feet long  most protein absorbed into blood stream here  digestion of soluble carbohydrates including sugars (MH 436)  some fat absorption (MH 436) Ilium  about 6 feet long  calcium and other minerals are absorbed (MH 436)  has a valve at the end that controls flow of food into cecum Large Intestine General  continued digestion and absorption of nutrients  different flora are required to break down different food stuffs and it takes several days for a new type of flora to proliferate  make feed changes slowly (MH 436) Ileo-cecal valve (MH 436)  sphincter food passes through at the between the ilium and the cecum Cecum  equivalent of human appendix (MH 436)  large pouch approx. 4 feet long  absorption of water continues (MH 436)  hold about 8 gallons  contains bacteria (flora) that breakdown cellulose through fermentation  bacterial action results in formation of some vitamins Large Colon  tube is 10-12 feet long  some further digestion occurs

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 2 Part Discussion  breakdown of food here may take several days  more gets added on top  results in a big belly for horses on lots of roughage (MH 436)  absorption of carbohydrates derived from cellulose break down in cecum occurs here Small colon  10-12 feet long  smaller in diameter than large colon  some water, (minerals and remaining nutrients MH 436) extraction  remaining waste material formed into fecal balls or manure Rectum  holding chamber approx. 1 foot long  ends in anus (a sphincter muscle) Pancreas General  produces pancreatic juice containing the enzymes trypsin and amylase  is basic  counters the acidic content of the stomach  secretes insulin  controls blood sugar levels  connected to the duodenum via a duct Liver General 1. receives components of digestion  converts amino acids into proteins  stores glycogen (a form of sugar energy)  regulates nutrients carried in blood 2. produces bile which is secreted into small intestine via a duct

Comprehensive function list (KYH 11) 1. Metabolism of protein, CHOs and fat 2. Detoxification of harmful substances 3. Storage of vitamins 4. Destruction of red cells 5. Formation of blood proteins 6. Secretion of bile 7. a major producer of lymph Bile (MH 436) 1. emulsifies fats and oils 2. neutralize effect of acids in stomach  make it more alkaline/basic

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 3 Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 4 Part II – Feed Components Purpose 1. Know the nutrient classes in detail 2. Be able to discuss the importance of trace minerals and signs of their deficiency Teaching Suggestions 1. Note that some sources will state “energy” as the nutrient while others will state “carbohydrates” as the nutrient. Student should be aware that these sources are generally referring to the same thing  CHOs are the primary source of energy which is what the horse really uses. 2. Student must review materials from previous levels for clear listings of function and detail on major minerals and vitamins.

Nutrients Nutrient Discussion Water Requirements  horse forms 27 litres saliva a day MH 179  requires up to 55 litres a day Carbohydrates Definition  a compound made of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen molecules USC 189  often abbreviated to CHOs  plants pick up the C, H and O and use photosynthesis to make CHOs  horses cannot make CHOs themselves  must be consumed  found in hays, grains and pasture grasses  cheapest and most abundant source of energy

How are they used  horse uses chemical process called “carbohydrate metabolism” to break down CHOs into: 1. starches  used for energy 2. sugars  used for energy 3. cellulose  fiber in the diet Proteins General  composed of amino acids USC 191  considered one of the most expensive (in $) nutrients to feed  feeding excess is a waste of money  a horse fed excess protein wastes energy excreting the excess  excreting excess protein could lead to kidney/liver damage (controversial statement) Amino Acids  break down plant proteins into animal proteins that the body can use  referred to as “the building blocks of life”  24 amino acids  amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied in diet are considered “essential amino acids (VN 586)  10 are considered essential to horses  methionine and lysine are the most important  the accessibility of the essential amino acids is determined by the lowest essential amino acid. For example if methionine is present in the lowest amount (say 10 “units”) it doesn’t matter how many other units of the other amino acids are available only 10 “units” of each will be available to the horse.  you must be sure that your horse is getting enough lysine and methionine in its diet otherwise it won’t be able to use the protein you are feeding it

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 5 Nutrient Discussion

Expressing protein needs  protein requirements for horses are expressed as percentages of his total daily ration (the total amount of feed he consumes in 24 hours expressed as a weight) Sources  good quality forage may have considerable protein content  have feed analyzed to determine content  oilseed meals (linseed meal, cottonseed meal and soybean meal) are high in protein  soybean meal is cheapest, most available and most commonly used Fats/lipids General  fats are broken down into fatty acids USC 191  there are four essential fatty acids  fats produce about 2 ½ times as much energy per gram/lb as energy  act as emergency energy source (when energy needs exceed what he can get from CHOs such as in times of hard work, stress, illness or weather) Essential Fatty Acids  used to carry certain vitamins through the bloodstream  necessary in small amounts for the horse’s metabolism Requirements  very small amounts in younger animals  more in older animals whose metabolism is sowing Sources  wheat-germ oil and corn oil  feeds high in oil spoil quickly and turn rancid  rancid feeds lose essential fatty acids, smell and taste bad and are not appropriate for horse feed  store high fat feeds away from heat and light and store in small quantities to be used quickly

Trace Minerals What is a trace  a mineral required in a very small amount but essential for correct functioning mineral of the body (MH 181)  most trace minerals are found in adequate amounts in good quality feed. Supplementing is usually achieved through supplementation such as iodized salt or a mineral lick  consult a veterinarian

Trace Mineral Functions and deficiencies (VN 589) ** note that potassium appears as both a major and trace mineral in Veterinary Notes Mineral Function Indications of deficiency Iron 1. part of haemoglobin molecule   anaemia involved in oxygen transport  lake of stamina 2. part of some enzymes which speed  poor growth up bodily chemical processes 3. part of myoglobin molecule of muscle (KYH 20) Copper (Cu) 1. iron absorption  anaemia 2. haemoglobin synthesis  hair pigment loss 3. skin pigments  bone disease 4. collagen metabolism  swollen joints 5. interplays with dietary molybdenum  deformed thin bones (KYH 20)

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 6 Mineral Function Indications of deficiency Zinc (Zn) 1. activator for enzymes  skin problems 2. aid carbon dioxide transport in the  hair loss blood and its release in the lungs  scaly skin (enzyme system) (KYH 21)  poor wound healing  reproductive, behavioural and skeletal abnormalities Iodine (I) 1. thyroid function  goitre  poor growth  low body temperature  impaired development of skin and hair  foals weak at birth Manganese (Mg) 1. Synthesis of bone and cartilage  reproductive problems components  delayed oestrus 2. cholesterol metabolism  reduced fertility 3. constituent of enzyme systems  spontaneous abortion involved in protein and fat  skeletal deformities in the newborn metaboloism (KYH 21) Potassium (K) 1. maintenance of acid-base balance  decreased rate of growth  reduced appetite and hypokalemia (decreased serum level of potassium) Selenium (Se) 1. removal of peroxides from tissues  white muscle disease  low serum selenium and serum glutathione peroxidase concentration Cobalt 1. component of B12 KYH 20 Molybdenum 1. involved in numerous enzyme KYh 20 systems Flourine 1. important in formation of teeth KYH 20 2. normally present in bones Sulphur 8. constituent of certain amino acids 9. part of building processes of some KYH 20 cells

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 7 Part III – Feeding Problems Purpose 1. Be able to identify and address digestive upsets 2. Know how to deal with various feeding problems including delicate feeder, glutton and horses with stable vices 3. Know the causes and solutions for not maintaining condition in spite of good feed and care Teaching Suggestions 1. Be sure students recognize the difference between choke in people and horses 2. Remind students that laminitis is considered a digestive upset – they will cover it in detail in foot and shoeing. 3. Colic has been covered in the past  it is reviewed here with a focus on the portion of the digestive tract involved 4. Descriptions of windsucking vs. cribbing are different in each book. Review carefully so students know the difference

Digestive Upsets Problem Description Colic General Description/Treatment  abdominal pain VN 11  take vital signs, call vet and follow instructions  walk horse slowly while you wait for vet (but follow vet instruction re. this) (USC 221)  record vital signs every 15 minutes (USC 221)  cover with a blanket if at risk of becoming chilled (USC 221)  remove feed (MH 365)  note if horse has passed droppings  do not allow horse to roll Spasmodic Description  most common  spasm of the muscular wall of the intestine Causes  damage to intestinal wall by migrating parasitic larvae  feeding too soon after fast exercise  eating spoiled feed (USC 219) Symptoms  moderately distressed  signs of sweating and constantly lie down and get up  may look frequently at their flanks  kick at their abdomen and roll  may become cast in box  pass few droppings  may or may not be sounds of intestinal movements Treatment  relaxant (spasmolytic) drug alleviates the problem rapidly Impactive Description  impaction of food material in the large intestine  often at the large colon at the pelvic flexure (narrow point) Causes  eating large quantity of straw bedding  lack or water (USC 220)  swallowing sand along with feed (USC 220) Symptoms

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 8 Problem Description  less pain than spasmodic colic  lie down or look off colour without signs of violent abdominal pain  may get up and down uncomfortably  roll or look at their flanks  vet may manually examine rectum and find the location Treatment  call vet  administration via stomach tube of large volumes of liquid paraffin, salt water and some agent to stimulate gut movement  pain killers to keep horse out of pain while impaction is being cleared Gaseous Description distension  build up of gases in the intestine (tympany) of  particularly painful intestines  also known as flatulent colic Cause  built up gas in front of impaction  built up gas in front of a twisted gut  food fermenting in intestines. e.g., brewers grain been used as a feed  eating spoiled feed, frozen grass or lawn clipping  ferment to produce gass (USC 219) Symptoms  severe abdominal pain  sweating and violent rolling Treatment  call vet immediately  gas will be relieved via tube or laparotomy (surgically opening the abdomen) Intestinal Description catastrophy  twisting of the intestine (twisted gut)  telescoping (intussusception) of the intestine (one pieces tucks inside another like an expanding telescope)  rotation of gut around its mesentery  results in obstruction of blood supply Symptoms  severe pain or agony and sweating  uncontrollably violent in behaviour  collapse, shock and death are usual result if condition allowed to progress  eye membranes become a deep red color (KYH 99) Treatment  contact veterinarian immediately  humane destruction is sometimes the only way to relieve suffering Thrombo- Description embolism  worm larvae invade blood vessels that supply the intestines USC 220  large clot may form  blocks off blood to part of bowel  severe damage  prevent by regular deworming Choking Description  obstruction (blockage) of the esophagus (not the trachea like in humans) USC 225  happens when something gets stuck and the horse cannot finish swallowing it  the horse can still breathe but becomes distressed  requires veterinary help without delay  serious case of choking can cause scarring  narrow esophagus  makes choking more likely Cause  common in horses fed coarse hay or pellet feed

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 9 Problem Description  inadequate water provided with feed  large chunks of apple or carrot may cause choking Symptoms  horse stops eating  keeps trying to swallow  becomes distressed  he may drool  chewed food comes back through his nostrils  may be able to feel a hard lump in the esophagus  head may be drawn into chest, muscles of neck flex to force food down, then head stretched again (KYH 99) What to do 10. call the vet 11. keep the animal quiet 12. remove feed and hay 13. let him drink if he wants (water may soften mass and help it pass) Prevention 1. provide plenty of water at all times 2. slow down greedy eaters (large smooth rocks or spread feed in thin layer) 3. feed small amounts often 4. feed good quality feed 5. cut apples in small pieces and slice carrots lengthwise 6. adequately soak beetpulp (MH 267) Laminitis  See laminitis information found in foot and shoeing for a complete discussion Enteritis Description  inflammation of the intestines VN 11 Symptoms  diarrhoea Causes  overfeeding with highly proteinaceous food  parsitic infestation  intestinal infections with bacteria and viruses Treatment  feed with only hay and water for a few days  call vet if diarrhoea if profuse or continues for more than 24 hours  treat with anthelmintics (dewormers) if necessary  horse may require fluids in severe cases  antibiotics may help treat bacterial infections

Feeding Problems Problem Description/Related Problems/Possible Solutions Greedy Eaters Description VN 582  the horse rapidly consumes the feed  may not adequately moisten the feed with saliva before swallowing Related Problems  choke may result when feed is too dry or insufficiently broken up when swallowed Solutions  feed small amounts several times a day  put large smooth stones in the manger to decrease rate of intake  moisten the feed before feeding  mix in chaff or chopped feed to slow them down (KYH 177)  spread feed in thin layer (USC 225)

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 10 Problem Description/Related Problems/Possible Solutions Improperly General chewing feed  feed is not chewed properly  may be a result of poor teeth care VN 582  may be related to greedy eaters  don’t take time to chew Related Problems  food intake may be decreased (dropping or difficulty grazing)  food is not mechanically broken down sufficiently through chewing  fewer nutrients are obtained from the food  improperly chewed food can lead to choke or impactive colic

Addressing  examine teeth for sharp edges and other problems  treat as necessary Good Doer Description  readily eats up and will thrive MH 171  may be greedy and gain too much weight Bad Doer Description  difficult to keep in condition despite every care and attention MH 171  may be suffering from dehydration, infection or indigestion Addressing  may need a diet that is easier to digest or of higher nutritional value  consult with vet  look for and underlying problem and solve it  Shy or Dainty Description Feeder  do not immediately eat the food they are given Addressing MH 171  tempt with succulents  feed little and often  feed late at night  fewer distractions Weaving Description  a horse standing at rest methodically swinging head from side to side  KYH 178 usually shifting weight from one foreleg to another at the same time  may be an expression of nervousness or boredom  some do it while head hangs over stall door  others do it while anticipating a feed Addressing  horse may require more feed  weaving burns energy  provide adequate roughage to reduce boredom Wind sucking or Description crib-biting  Wind sucker  grabs fixed objects with teeth and then swallows air while arching neck and making a grunting noise or does not need to grab an object KYH 178  Crib-biter  grabs and eats wooden fixtures but may not swallow air  both may get considerable wear on front teeth Addressing  provide adequate roughage to reduce boredeom  provide entertainment such as a ball or company (VN 579)  minimize the number of surfaces available to chew/windsuck (e.g., remove manger, strip of metal over top of door (or a grid over door) (VN 579)  use a properly adjusted crib strap to prevent windsucking

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 11 Failure to maintain condition Causes of bad/poor 1. faulty watering arrangements condition 2. faulty feeding arrangements 3. nutritional deficiencies in diet MH 235 4. age 5. teeth 6. worms Parasite load Discussion  heavy infestation of parasites compromises the health of the small intestine VN 582  heavily infested animals have reduced capacity to utilize nutrients

Part IV – Feeding Programs and Rations Purpose 1. Know the nutrient requirements of the horse including how they are expressed 2. Know how to balance a ration 3. Know how to address factors such as quality, cost and availability of various feed stuffs in feeding rations/programs 4. Know how you might adjust a ration for specific situations which influence nutrient requirements such as growth/age, work and weather conditions 5. Know how to address specific nutrient requirements in feeding rations/programs 6. Be able to discuss the importance of soil testing and fertilizers for pasture management Teaching Suggestions 1. Begin by reviewing calculating “total daily ration” from B2 lesson 2. Every reference states requirements in a slightly different way. This reference material is sticking with USAB terminology since this is the most complete reference on this subject 3. Review the charts provided below for each aspect of the ration 4. Note that the ration balancing worksheet step 2 is confusing as it has in bold “total body weight” but you should be using “total daily ration” 5. The worksheet is self explanatory and will help students grasp these concepts. Work through several examples

**This section is referenced entirely to USAB Chapter 11 beginning page 303 except where otherwise noted **

General What is a balanced  an amount of a mixture of feeds that provides a horse with its daily nutritional ration? requirements  sometimes all needs are met with a simple ration  other times a mix of several kinds of feed and supplements are required to meet requirements

Expressing Nutrient Requirements of the Horse Digestible Energy  energy is measured in megacalories (Mcal) or kilocalories (kcal)  one kilocalorie equals 1,000 calories  one megacalorie equals 1 million calories USAB 306

 in a ration energy is expressed as Mcal/lb of total daily ration  Example: for maintenance of a mature horse the requirement is listed as 0.9Mcal/lb. That means that if the horse’s total daily ration is 15 pounds, his total daily energy requirement would be: 0.9Mcal x 15 pounds = 13.5 Mcal Crude Protein  expressed as % of daily ration

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 12  Example: for maintenance of a mature horse the requirement is listed as 8.0% That means that for a horse with a total daily ration of 15 pounds, his total daily protein requirement would be: 8% of 15 pounds = 1.2 pounds of protein Calcium and  expressed as % of daily ration phosphorous  Example: for maintenance of a mature horse the calcium requirement is listed as 0.24% That means that for a horse with a total daily ration of 15 pounds, his total daily calcium requirement would be: 0.24% of 15 pounds = 0.036 pounds of calcium

Balancing a Ration Summary of steps 1. calculate horse’s total daily ration (including how you will divide ration to balancing ration between roughage and concentrates) using chart 11-6 as a guide 2. determine your horse’s daily nutritional requirements USAB 322 3. calculate the nutrients supplied by your horse’s roughage 4. compare what is provided by hay to daily requirements and identify where something if inadequate or provided in excess 5. calculate the nutrients supplied by each grain of the concentrate component of your horse’s TDR 6. add up the total energy, protein, calcium and phosphorous provided by concentrate portion of TDR 7. add up the total energy, protein, calcium and phosphorous provided by both the roughage and concentrate portion of TDR 8. compare what is supplied with what is required 9. ensure calcium and phosphorous are supplied at appropriate levels 10. adjust the types and quantities of concentrates/supplements to overcome shortfalls/excesses

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 13 11. for every concentrate adjustment, complete steps 6 through 9 again until you are as close as possible to requirements Notes  the only time horse’s body weight is used is when calculating TDR. After that, all requirement are expressed as percentages or Mcal/lb of TDR not body weight.  use chart 11-3 or an analysis of your own hay to calculate nutrients provided by the roughage component  use chart 11-4 if you are balancing ration using pasture  use chart 11-5 of the label analysis of your specific product(s) when calculating nutrients provided by the concentrate component Why start with  roughage is the cheapest food stuff and is usually bought in bulk so you have balancing less choices for adjusting it. roughage?  ideally you maximize roughage and minimize concentrates in any ration  if you calculate what you are providing here first, then you can adjust for USAB 322 excess of deficiencies by adjusting concentrates (easier to get various kinds in suitable amounts)

Adjusting a ration Considerations General when choosing  when you chose between various products you must attempt to do it in a way between that will meet the requirements of the horse in a practical and cost effective concentrates way. Below are considerations when choosing between products.

1. Excesses/deficiencies? 2. suitability  does your horse act negatively to this product (e.g., heat up)?  does this feed require preparation (e.g., beetpulp) that will fit into your schedule 3. availability  is the product you are considering available in your area? 4. quality  is the product that is available in your area of good quality? 5. cost  can it be purchased at a reasonable cost? 6. storage  does this product store well and can it be purchased in volume for a reduced cost and shared between other horse owners so it will be used while still of good quality? Maintenance ration  maintain horse at current health and condition  does not consider needs such as work or growth USAB 304  ideally feed 100% good quality roughage with free accecontent  does it provide what you need without creating excesss to salt and water  may require small portion of concentrates if aged, hard keepers or horses on poor quality pasture

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 14 Mature horses at  energy is the primary thing changed by work work  requires maintenance plus energy for work plus protein, vitamins and minerals to maintain and repair tissues under increased stress USAB 304  protein and calcium requirements increase slightly with intense work  do not overfeed

Light Work  non stressful, fairly slow exercise (pleasure riding/easy trail riding) about 30 minutes to one hour per day  mostly at walk with some trotting and a little cantering

Moderate Work  schooling and competing on the flat or over fences, lessons, schooling cross- country, longer or more strenuous trail rides  one to two hours per day  mostly at trot and canter with some walking and galloping

Hard or intense work  eventing, foxhunting, polo, endurance, racing  intense work thirty minutes to 1 hour per day; three to four hors or more for endurance competition or foxhunting

Aged horses  may not digest and utilize feed as efficiently (partly deterioration of teeth)  feed quality hay and crimped or rolled grains or pelleted feeds  easier USAB 307 digestion with less chewing  may have slightly increased protein needs (up to about 12%) especially if they are under stress  may benefit from increase in fat and energy content of feed  add one cup corn oil to daily ration Young Horses General (foals to two years)  growth and development of strong bones a priority  more vulnerable to deficiency diseases and nutritional imbalances USAB 307  feed grain as soon as they will eat it (creep feeder mare can’t access)  increase grain and grass or hay as foal grows and drinks less milk

DOD  “developmental orthopaedic disease” (DOD) can result from excessively fast growth  large pasture with free exercise reduces risk of DOD

Energy

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 15  Energy is slightly higher than mature, idle horses but decrease gradually through this period

Calcium:Phosphorous ration  Ca:P should be at least 1:1 and ratios up to 3:1 are acceptable

Protein  Weanlings require protein at about 14%  Yearlings require protein at about 12.5 to 11 %  Two year olds require about 10.4 % protein Breeding Stock Pregnant Mares  normal ration to keep in good flesh but not overweight for first eight months of USAB 307 pregnancy  meet calcium and phosphorous needs and keep ratio in balance

Lactating Mares  the most feed volume, energy, protein, vitamins and minerals of all horses  Inadequate nutrition  will draw protein, Ca and other nutrients from her own body and/or will not make enough milk  feed enough to keep in good flesh  especially if bred back while nursing a foal  at peak lactation (6-8 weeks after foaling) mare can consume up to 3% of body weight per day and will require 1Mcal energy per 100 pounds body weight, 13.2 % protein and extra Ca (.52%) and P (.34%)

Breeding Stallions  extra energy (1.1 Mcal per 100 pounds body weight) especially if used heavy  Vitamins A, D and E important for fertility  do not let stallion become unfit and overweight  put him at risk of heart attack during breeding Other factors  addressing these factors have been covered in some detail in other components of B2 and A feeding materials USAB 303 1. Current condition  maintain, put on or lose 2. Physical type  easy vs. hard keeper 3. Temperament  high-strung and nervous/aggressive vs. lazy 4. Appetite and feeding behaviour  excessive appetite vs. shy feeder 5. Health  may require special feeding – follows vets advice 6. How horse is kept  stabled, stabled with pasture or at grass  quality/nutrient content of grass 7. Daily Work variations  cut grain back by at least 50% on rest days  some extra roughage to compensate (2 pounds hay per pound of grain cut)  shipping  adjust for reduced work, periods of inactivity and potential need for an easily digested diet 8. Seasonal variations 9. more fiber and energy to maintain body heat in cold weather

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 16 10. travel  horse may become dehydrated  frequently offer water  horse may reject new water  bring some from home  bring your own feed from home  avoid digestive upset

Addressing specific nutrient requirements General  after balancing a ration using the roughage and grains method, some nutrients may still require adjusting through supplementation  supplementation is discussed in some detail in B2 Feeding the discussion below provides some more general points Protein  in general, legume species (e.g., alfalfa) tend to have higher protein content than grass hays  horses with increased protein requirements include weanlings and yearlings, pregnant and lactating mares, aged horses and horses under stress  protein is the most expensive nutrient to feed so be sure you are not feeding it in excess (e.g., feeding high quality alfalfa to a mature horse on light to moderate work) Vitamins  in general, good quality feed should meet most of these requirements Minerals  electrolytes are a common mineral supplement for use when horse is sweating especially during hard work in hot weather (sweat contains a high content of electrolyte minerals – Na, Cl and K) Fat  concentrated energy that may be of use to improve the appearance of the coat, meet energy needs of certain performance horses and increase energy for aged horses

Soil testing and fertilizers in pasture management (USAB 328) Factors influencing 1. variety of grasses and weeds feed value of 2. soil fertility and mineral content pasture 3. weather 4. condition of the pasture USAB 328 5. point in the growing cycle 6. number of horses 7. length of time the pasture has been grazed General notes  pasture that is damaged by overgrazing, high traffic, drought/flooding, choked with weeds or covered with snow may be of almost no nutritional value  low quality pasture may require the feeding of some additional roughage and/or concentrates  pasture grasses are only as good as the soil they are grown in  analyze soil and fertilize as needed Fall General Points  horses living outdoors in winter will do well to go into fall with a little extra fat nutritional value of pasture drops  plants mature  increased stem  go to seed

Nutrient Requirements  supplementary feeding of hay may be necessary  check for toxic plants  horses are more likely to eat a toxic plant if good pasture isn’t available Winter General Points  reduce stress  provide shelter from wind, cold and rain, increase energy content of feed and feed more hay  carefully check condition of horse and make corrections as soon as possible

Nutrient requirements

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 17 1. digestion of fiber  generates heat  helps maintain body temperature during cold weather 2. when pasture is covered in snow supplementary feeding of hay is essential 3. increase calories to hand stress of extreme cold or wet weather especially if aged, pregnant, very young of debilitated 4. free access to water  break ice, insulate tanks, use stock tank heaters Spring General Points  lush grass can cause diarrhea and digestive upset  limit turn out times early in spring (1 hour per day) and increase over two to three weeks  animals prone to laminitis should not be turned onto lush grass  limit grazing time

Nutrient requirements 1. grass grows quickly  high water content and high protein level 2. cut back on supplementary feeding (when horses stop eating the hay you give them, cut it back) Summer General Points  watch for and manage health of pasture during this period

Nutrient requirements 1. free choice salt especially important  lost through sweat 2. supplement with hay if pasture is damaged by drought or overgrazing or is choked with weeds 3. check water sources daily 4. supplement with concentrates if horses are being worked more in summer

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 18 Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 19 Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 20 Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 21 Part V – Evaluating Specific Feeds Purpose 1. Know how to read and evaluate a feed label 2. Know the advantages and disadvantages of including specific feeds in rations (differentiate between various concentrates, roughages etc.) Teaching Suggestions 1. See B2 for discussion of use of oats, bran, pelleted feeds and beet pulp

Reading a feed label What is contained 1. minimum percentages of crude protein on label 2. minimum percentage of fat 3. maximum percentage of crude fiber USAB 319 4. feed ingredients by their common names

 vitamin and mineral levels are not required unless specific claims are made on the label or the mineral content exceeds specified levels Problems with  companies may use collective terms such as “grain products,” “plant protein labelling of products,” “animal protein products,” “processed grain byproducts,” and others ingredients  use of collective terms allows the manufacturer to use various ingredients to provide the same nutrient levels  each batch may be slightly different USAB 320  impossible for horse owner to evaluate quality of the ingredients used in commercially processed feeds  buy from a company with a good reputation for quality control  contact the company, dealer and/or salesperson for further information on commercial feeds, ingredients and recommendations on nutrition

Hays  compare and contrast General Notes  is the primary source of fiber and carbohydrates  digesting fiber creates heat  helps maintain body temperature in cold weather USAB 308  good quality hay provides protein, vitamins and minerals (especially calcium) Factors Affecting 1. Type of hay Quality,  each plant species within the hay has a different level of nutrients and Palatability and palatability Nutritional Value  legume hays are higher in protein than grass hays 2. Soil and growing conditions USAB 309  plant derive nutrients from soil  drought, infertile soil or soil deficiency in minerals can affect the quality of hay (e.g., ground low in selenium grows plants low in selenium) 3. Stage of plant growth at harvest  nutrient content is highest before plant is mature  after maturity, hay becomes coarse, stemmy and less nutritious and palatable 4. Harvesting and curing  properly harvested and cured  retains most of nutrient value  weather damage, improper handling or baling when wet can result in moldy, dusty or less nutritious hay 5. Moisture level  baled hay should have a moisture level of 12 to no more than 18%  before cutting, moisture level is usually 25-27% or higher  reduced by proper drying  baled or stored too damp  develop mold which can be toxic

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 22 6. Storage  stored while damp  generates heat  spontaneous combustion  exposed to weather while stored  loss of nutrients  Vitamin A and D and carotene are reduced by heat, overexposure to sunlight and long periods of storage 7. Non-nutritious matter  should be free of weeds, trash, toxic plants or foreign objects  animal carcasses accidentally baled in  source of botulism  in some areas, check hay for blister beetles (irritating and can be fatal) Grass Hay  contains more fiber and lower levels of protein than legume hays  some common species: timothy, orchardgrass, prairie hay and oat hay USAB 310 Advantages  less likely to overfeed

Disadvantages  more likely to require supplemental concentrates  especially for growing, lactating or animals working hard Seed Hay  from crop such as rye grass and may be mixed with other species (timothy of clover) for mixed hay Legume Hay  plants that utilize nitrogen, producing a higher level of protein than grass hay  some common species: alfalfa, clover and birdsfoot trefoil USAB 311 Advantages  higher protein content than grass hay  higher calcium content than grass hay

Disadvantages  more likely to be overfed than grass hay  more expensive than grass hay (but a cheaper protein in general than concentrates) Vaccum-Packed,  useful for horses allergic to hay or straw dust Semi-wilted Grass  usually higher in protein that hay  feed smaller quantities.  must use content right away after seal of bag is broken  moulds quickly MH 170 Smaller Bales  wire bales of 65-125 pounds  string bales of 35 to 50 pounds USAB 311 Advantages  easy to handle Larger Bales  Large Round or Square bales of several hundred pounds  sometimes used for free choice feeding in pastures USAB 311 Disadvantages  mold and botulism can be serious problems if large bales are stored damp of get soaked with rain or groundwater Processed Hay  ease in storage handling and transportation USAB 311  reduce waste  can be combined with concentrates for mixed feeds or complete rations

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 23 Cubes  hay (usually alfalfa) chopped and run through press making cubes 1.5 inches (range square cubes) Advantages  reduce waste

Disadvantages  result in less time spent eating  may lead to wood chewing  risk of chewing  have water available at all time Pellets  hay (usually alfalfa) ground and processed into pellets  often combined with grain as part of complete pelleted ration

Advantages  reduce waste  convenient to store and transport

Disadvantages  reduce feeding time  may lead to wood chewing  risk of choke  have water available Chopped  hay is chopped into short lengths hay (chop  may be mixed with grain to slow down greedy eaters and add bulk to diet or chaff)  available as commercially product in some areas

Silage  produced by controlled fermentation of high moisture forage  often fed to cattle  toxins produced in spoiled or moldy silage can be fatal to horses and are hard to detect  not recommended as a horse feed

Other Roughages Beet pulp  see B2 Feeding lesson content  calcium content is higher than timothy hay but lower than alfalfa USAB 313  very low in phosphorous and B Vitamins  contains no carotene or vitamin D  ** must be soaked  fed dry can result in serious choke or colic Pasture Grass  good pasture + free choice salt + free choice water  meet all or nearly all of horse’s basic nutritional requirements USAB 313  cut weeds, reseed bare areas, rotate pastures and regularly remove manure

Advantages  supplies CHOs, protein, minerals and other vitamins  high in carotene and vitamin D (may be low in horses kept indoors  especially important for broodmares, growing horses and idle horses

Disadvantages  laminitis risk to overweight and small ponies  horses at moderate to hard work cannot get enough energy  require supplementation  requires considerable time to get nutrients from pasture grass  quality of pasture can vary greatly (see Part IV)

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 24 Grains (see charts above for nutrient content) Oats  most widely fed grain in North America  good quality weigh 32 to 40 pounds per bushel USAB 315  avoid dusty oats or those with small black kernels  possibly contaminated with ergot (fungus toxic to horses)  store for 3 to 4 months after harvest  allow nitrogen levels to drop before feeding

Advantages  contains more fiber and less concentrated nutrients than most other grains  less risk of overfeeding  quite palatable  contain 3 times as much calcium as phospohorous Barley  lower in calcium than oats and about same in phosphorous  weighs 48 pounds per bushel USAB 315 Advantages  similar to oats in nutritional value but lower in fiber and somewhat more concentrated

Disadvantages  should be rolled as harder than those of oats  some horse may not respond well to barley Corn  most energy dense of the grains  may be fed as whole grain, cracked, rolled or on the cob USAB 316  whole ear ground contains ground cobs and reduces energy per pound to about 1.3 Mcal per pound  good quality is plump, clean, firm and dry and smells sweet  weighs about 56 pounds per bushel  moisture content should be below 14%  should not smell must, have black spots or feel sticky or oily  checked under ultraviolet light at feed mill for evidence of mold (can lead to brain damage and death)

Advantages  significant amounts of carotene  low in lysine

Disadvantages  low in calcium and high in phosphorous  can be easily overfed  overweight  sweating Bran  ground up outer coating of wheat kernels  should make up no more than 10% of Total Daily Ration USAB 316  feed dry if horse’s droppings are loose (MH 164)  add to encourage chewing, add bulk and assist digestion (MH 164)  feed damp as mild laxative (MH 164)  cobweb like strands can indicate presence of weevils

Advantages  high in fiber  laxative

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 25 Disadvantages  high in phosphorous and low in calcium  feeding large amounts can severely impact Calcium to Phosphorous ratio making it impossible for horse to utilize calcium  calcium deficiency disease Brewers Grain  byproducts of the process of distilling alcohol Advantages USAB 317  used as a source of protein  quite palatable to horses

Disadvantages  higher in phosphorous than calcium Oilseed Meals  ground from seeds of certain plants

USAB 317 Advantages  excellent sources of protein and fat

Disadvantages  lower in calcium and higher in phosphorous Alfalfa Meal and  used to balance other concentrates that are high in phosphorous and low in Pellets calcium

USAB 317 Advantages  good source of calcium and low in phosphorous Molasses  byproduct of processing sugar can or sugar beets  do not feed at same time as sugar beet (MH 169) USAB 317 Advantages  sweetens feed making it more palatable  keeps dust down  high in energy  good source of calcium

Disadvantages  little or no protein or phosphorous

Mixed and Processed Feeds General  details on these feeds are found in the B2 feeding section

Some Practical Points Linseed  improves condition and gives gloss to coat  very palatable  use left over jelly or tea within 24 hours Jelly 1. 2 oz of seed weighed before cooking into large pan 2. cover with 1.7 litres (approx. 3 pints) water 3. soak for 24 hours to soften 4. bring to boil and simmer until all seed has split ** cook right through as poisonous is partially or under cooked ** 5. mix with evening feed while sill warm 6. feed one or at most twice per week  normally after hard work  for variety soak and cook with 1 pound of barley and mix with evening feed while still warm Tea 1. as for jelly but use more water 2. use to make a bran mash or a warm gruel to drink

Feeding (A) – Instructor’s Guide -- 26 FEEDING – A Homework Key 13 marks total

1. Give the approximate size of the following and discus their role in the digestive system (6) a. stomach  2 to 4 gallons  continued chemical breakdown started by saliva (including breakdown of protein and fats) b. caecum  approximately 4 feet long  absorption of water continues  contains bacteria that breakdown cellulose  bacterial action results in formation of some vitamins c. jejunum  approx. 20 feet long  protein absorbed into blood stream  digestion of soluble CHOs including sugars  some fat absorption

2. Give the function of the following in the horse’s diet (3) a. magnesium  needed for bone structure and soft tissues (KYH 19)  an enzyme activator (VN 588)  blood level may drop when horse under stress (e.g. during transport)  muscle spasm (VN 588) b. sulphur  constituent of certain amino acids  part of building processes of some cells c. 3 main electrolytes  sodium, chloride, potassium  maintaining pH (acid-base balance)  fluid levels in cells (USC 195)  important role in muscle contraction (KYH 19)

3. Define/describe the following (4) a. fat-soluble vitamins  vitamins that can be stored in the fat of the horse  can be present in toxic amounts  DEAK b. water-soluble vitamins  must be provided regularly in diet  are soluble in water only  all other vitamins besides DEA and K (most notably the B complexes some of which are produced in the large intestine of the horse) c. DOD  Developmental orthopaedic disease: results from excessively fast growth in young horses  large pasture with free exercise reduces risk d. bad doer  difficult to keep in condition despite every care and attention  may be suffering from dehydration, infection or indigestion

Feeding (A) – Homework Key -- 1 FEEDING -- A Student’s Guide

Part I – The Digestive System Purpose 1. Know the components and processes of the digestive system in detail

The digestive system Purpose of the Digestive system (4)

USAB 236

Basic description

USAB 236

Parts of the system (USAB 236-238 and other references as indicated) Part Discussion Mouth Lips and Muzzle (MH 435)

USAB 236-8 MH 435

Salivary Glands (MH 435)

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 1 Part Discussion Saliva (from salivary glands)

Tongue (MH 435)

Pharynx

Epiglottis

Esophagus/gullet General

USAB 236-8 MH 435

Stomach General

USAB 236-8 NZ2 198 MH 435 KYH 15

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 2 Part Discussion Cardiac Valve (MH 435)

Hydrochloric acid

Enzymes (3) (MH 435)

Pyloric Valve

Small Intestine General

USAB 236-8 MH 436

Duodenum

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 3 Part Discussion Jejunum

Large Intestine General

USAB 236-8 MH 436

Ileo-cecal valve

Large Colon

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 4 Part Discussion Small colon

Rectum

Pancreas General

USAB 236-8

Liver General

USAB 236-8

Comprehensive function list (7) (KYH 11)

Bile Functions (2) (MH 436)

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 5 Part II – Feed Components Purpose 1. Know the nutrient classes in detail 2. Be able to discuss the importance of trace minerals and signs of their deficiency

Nutrients Nutrient Discussion Water Requirements

MH 179

Carbohydrates Definition

USC 189

How are they used

Proteins General

USC 191 VN 586

Amino Acids

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 6 Nutrient Discussion

Expressing protein needs

Sources

Fats/lipids General

USC 191

Essential Fatty Acids

Requirements

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 7 Nutrient Discussion

Sources

Trace Minerals What is a trace mineral

MH 181

Trace Mineral Functions and deficiencies (VN 589) ** note that potassium appears as both a major and trace mineral in Veterinary Notes Mineral Function Indications of deficiency Iron

Copper (Cu)

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 8 Mineral Function Indications of deficiency Zinc (Zn)

Iodine (I)

Manganese (Mg)

Potassium (K)

Selenium (Se)

Cobalt KYH 20

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 9 Mineral Function Indications of deficiency Molybdenum KYH 20

Flourine KYH 20

Sulphur

KYH 20

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 10 Part III – Feeding Problems Purpose 1. Be able to identify and address digestive upsets 2. Know how to deal with various feeding problems including delicate feeder, glutton and horses with stable vices 3. Know the causes and solutions for not maintaining condition in spite of good feed and care

Digestive Upsets Problem Description Colic General Description/Treatment

VN 11 USC 219 MH 365 Spasmodic Description

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 11 Problem Description Impactive Description

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 12 Problem Description Gaseous Description distension (tympany) of intestines

Symptoms

Treatment

Intestinal Description catastrophy (twisted gut)

Symptoms (add KYH 99)

Feeding (A) – Student’s Guide -- 13 Problem Description

Treatment

Thrombo- Description embolism USC 220

Choking Description

USC 225 KYH 99

Symptoms

What to do

Prevention (and MH 267)

Laminitis  See laminitis information found in foot and shoeing for a complete discussion Enteritis Description

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Feeding Problems Problem Description/Related Problems/Possible Solutions Greedy Eaters Description VN 582