Nutrition for Performance Horses
Lesson
Ten
FEEDING THE RETIRED PERFORMANCE HORSE
Caring for an older horse can be
expensive and time consuming. You have to observe body condition, be aware of
any changes – both physiological and psychological.
A complete physical examination should
be done. Blood tests will show if the
horse is experiencing any liver or kidney problems. If you know how well the horse can utilize
protein, calcium, and phosphorus it will be easier to provide the senior horse
with a safe feed program.
What works for one senior horse may
not work for yours. Some experimentation
with different grain, forage, supplements, and timing of feedings will occur
before the right formula is found. And
then as your horse continues to age, the formula may need to be adjusted. Caring for the retired performance horse is a
commitment that comes from the heart.
The senior horse’s body is going
through changes you must constantly check.
Digestion (which includes teeth) is being compromised; old health issues
are going to be more apparent and new ones harder to overcome. Adequate nutrition must be provided to
maintain health and condition.
Older horses have the same basic
nutritional requirements as younger horses.
These are water, carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, and
vitamins. The tools used to meet these
needs are forage, grain, supplements, and access to fresh, clean water.
The challenge is now providing the
quality and quantity of feed an aging performance horse can utilize.
Forage
Good quality pasture can provide many
of the needed nutrients listed above. It
is no surprise when a horse in poor condition is put on good pasture they
usually gain weight. This is what every
horse’s digestive system is designed to utilize – soft, easy to digest grass,
available 24 hours a day.
Observation of the horse is
important. If the senior horse is
maintaining weight on pasture then a free choice loose mineral supplement
formulated for your location and loose white salt should be available.
The nutrient value of grass can vary
during the different growing seasons.
In the spring when the plant’s
moisture content is high the available nutrients will be diluted. There is also a risk of laminitis during the
lush growing season. Mature horses prone
to laminitis may have to be restricted from grazing when the forage is high in
sugar content.
During drought, late summer, or when
the available forage becomes depleted, alternate forage sources and supplements
may be needed. Caution must be taken
when adding these products to the diet.
The introduction of new feeds should be gradual.
If no pasture is available, hay is the
next choice. To have good quality hay you must start with a good quality
product that has been processed correctly.
Mature horses require soft, easy to chew, and digest hay.
Analyze hay to be used in the diet of
a mature horse. The quickest way to
decide hay digestibility is to look at the Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and the
Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) levels.
The ADF rating should be lower than 45 and the NDF value should be lower
than 40. Also, check the Relative Feed
Value (RFV) rating; it should be 125 or higher.
If the ADF, NDF, and RFV values are not suitable for the senior horse
then the rest of the nutritional information is without value.
A second way to decide if you want the
hay – and you should do this even if the producer has a forage test; is look,
smell, and feel. You will have to open
several bales in order to get a good overall view of the hay. Look for a nice green color, it should be fine-stemmed,
and contain leaves. There should be no
weeds, mature seeds, or material the horse cannot eat. Give it a shake – you should not see any dust
hanging in the air. Now smell the hay –
it should smell sweet with no moldy or musty odor. Then take a large handful and squeeze it –
the hay should feel soft and pliable, and there should be no coarse stems.
Concentrates
There are many feeding options
available for feeding the mature horse.
Because of this it can become very confusing as to which is best.
If the horse is still able to eat at
least 1.5% of body weight in forage, then a calorie dense concentrate may be
all that is needed. Look for a product
that is high in fat and contains good quality ingredients. Forage must be provided when feeding these
types of products. If the forage quality
is poor or the horse is unable to consume enough roughage to meet nutritional
requirements, then forage substitutes may be the next step in the feeding
program.
Beet pulp, alfalfa pellets, hay cubes,
and chopped hay are examples of forage substitutes.
Beet pulp is a by-product of the sugar
beet industry. It does not have high
sugar content as the sugar was removed during the processing of the beets. It is high in calcium, very low in
phosphorus, and B vitamins. The advantage to feeding beet pulp is it provides a
highly fermentable fiber. Beet pulp does
not provide enough long stem fiber to maintain normal digestive function. So, it is advised to feed it along with good
quality forage. It is safe to feed up to
1% of the horse’s body weight in beet pulp per day. It is not necessary to soak beet pulp unless
the horse bolts the feed. Soaking does
get more water into the system, which is always a good thing. Just don’t let it ferment.
Alfalfa pellets are made from
dehydrated ground alfalfa forage. Like
beet pulp, alfalfa pellets do not provide enough long stem fiber and should be
fed along with good quality forage.
Alfalfa pellets, which are high in protein, should be avoided if the
mature horse has been diagnosed with liver or kidney problems.
Hay cubes are a good source of long
stem fiber. The forage is dried,
chopped, and compressed in to cubes.
Alfalfa, alfalfa/grass, or alfalfa/corn is examples of the ingredients
that make up hay cubes. Hay cubes always
contain at least fifty percent alfalfa.
The alfalfa helps hold the cubes together. Like alfalfa pellets, alfalfa cubes will be
high in protein and should be avoided if the horse has adrenal gland problems.
To avoid the danger of choke and aid the senior horse with chewing, the hard
cubes can be soaked for ten minutes before feeding. If hay cubes are used as the only source of
roughage, the recommended feeding rate is 1.5 to 2% of the body weight per day.
Chopped hay is another good source of
fiber. The fiber length should be
between 1 and 1 ¾ inches. This length
will help provide the necessary long stem fiber required by the equine
digestive tract. Chopped hay is
available in grass and alfalfa formulas.
Molasses is usually added to the product, as it will keep the leaves and
stems from separating in the bag. If you
feed chopped hay as the only source of fiber it should be fed at a minimum of 1
to 1.5 % of the horse’s body weight per day.
In summary, alfalfa cubes and chopped
hay are true forage substitutes. They
provide the needed long stem fiber and can be fed as the sole source of
forage. Beet pulp and alfalfa pellets
are used to supplement the diet.
Feed manufacturers have recognized the
need for specialized products. There are
many formulations available that have the older horse’s nutritional
requirements as the focus.
The formulas that have been developed
for older horses will usually have the word “senior” or “mature” in the
name. These feeds are considered to be
complete, because they offer forage and other nutrients that the older horse
requires, all in one bag.
If you compare the feed tag to a
conventional horse feed tag you will see several differences.
In some cases the protein level may be
somewhat higher in the senior product, because the ability to digest protein is
reduced in the senior horse. Most
protein levels in the feed will range between 12% and 14%. This is not
considered to be excessive. The quality
of the protein is more important than the percentage level. Look for soybean meal or heat processed
soybeans on the label. Soybeans are the
best source of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Protein is important for maintaining bones,
muscles, and soft tissues.
The next analysis on the feed
tag is crude fat. Fat increases energy,
improves coat condition and provides calories.
The premium horse feeds will use corn oil or vegetable oil as a fat
source. These two are most palatable to
the horse. Animal fat is sometimes used,
as it is less expensive; avoid animal fat if possible.
Increasing fat to obtain higher energy
levels and provide more calories is preferable to adding grains, such as corn
or oats. Grains increase carbohydrates,
which the senior horse can have trouble utilizing. The fat level will be around 4% in most
senior feeds.
The third level listed on a feed tag
is fiber. The difference between a
senior feed and one for adult horses will be noticeable. Remember, this is considered to be a complete
feed, so the fiber level will be higher.
The analysis for fiber on the senior product will probably be around 15%
to 18%. The level on a feed for adult horses
can be between 5% and 10%, about half of what the senior feed contains. The source for the fiber is usually beet pulp
or alfalfa.
The next section of nutrient levels on
the tag is vitamins and minerals. These
levels may be slightly higher than the adult horse feed. The ability to absorb vitamins and minerals
decreases as the horse ages, so the levels provided must be increased. Research has proven some older horses loose
the ability to manufacture their own vitamin C; so many feed manufacturers are
now adding vitamin C to their products.
The feed tag will list the ingredients
that are in the product. Some
ingredients will be the same, and some will be different product to product,
even when comparing senior feeds to each other.
The main concern is that the ingredients be of good quality and can be
utilized by the horse. That is why it is
important to purchase feed from a well-established and reliable company.
There will be a noticeable difference
between the senior feed and the adult product’s feeding directions. For example, an average 12% protein sweet
feed designed for mature horses may have a recommendation of 5 pounds of sweet
feed and 14 pounds of hay to be fed to an 1100-pound horse per day. The recommended amount for the same sized
horse needing the senior product may be as much as 17 pounds per day, but with
little or no forage.
Because the fiber source in the senior
product is alfalfa or beet pulp your mature horse is still lacking a long stem
fiber. Use soaked hay cubes or chopped
hay to provide this important part of your horse’s diet. Try to get the horse to eat a minimum of
½ percent of body weight per day to insure good gut motility.
The method used to manufacture feed is
very important. Processing makes it easier
to chew, prevents the horse from sorting, increases digestibility, and allows
the addition of needed ingredients, which will make the feed more nutritional
for your senior horse. Pelleting or
extruding are the common methods used to manufacture senior formulas.
Pellets are made from ingredients that
have been finely ground, steam-heated, and mixed with a binder. Pellets eaten quickly and not mixed with
enough saliva can become stuck part way down the esophagus, creating an
obstruction. As the horse continues to
eat, more feed is packed against the obstruction resulting in a problem called
choke. Placing a few smooth rocks in the
feeder or soaking the pellets can help avoid the possibility of choke.
Extruded formulas have been cooked at
high temperatures. This process allows
the starch to be more available to the aging digestive system. The extruding process also allows higher fat
levels to be added to the formula.
Extruded feed will be less dense (more bulk) than pellets. There is also
less chance of choke with extruded formulas.
The high heat used in manufacturing
pellets and extruded formulas can decrease the availability of vitamins. Feed manufactures have taken this into
consideration and add an increased amount of vitamins to the formulas.
Another benefit of pellets and
extruded formulas is the fact soaking can soften them. If the senior horse is
prone to choke or has severe teeth problems the mush will be easier to eat. The added water will also be a plus,
especially in the winter when horses tend not to drink as much. In the summer, make sure the soaked feed does
not ferment in the heat.
The next challenge faced is the timing
of the meals. Small and frequent meals
are the key.
The stomach of an average sized
horse (1,100 pounds) only holds about 2 to 4 gallons. The stomach (about the size of a football)
fills quickly and empties quickly.
Horses should never be fed more than 5 pounds at one feeding. But, many of the feeding directions for the
senior formulas recommend 17 pounds of the product each day for a horse of that
size; that means 4 meals spaced out at regular intervals.
Picture this situation. You do chores at
Remember: Small, frequent meals at
regular intervals.
The perfect schedule would be 4 meals
spaced 6 hours apart. Based on an
average sized horse of 1,100 pounds, each meal could consist of: 4.25 pounds of the soaked senior formula and
.75 (3/4 of a pound) of a long stem fiber source, such as soaked hay cubes or
chopped hay. A fifth meal or snack
consisting of 2.5 pounds of the long stem fiber product would insure you are
providing enough fiber for good gut function.
Probiotics
Good gut function also depends on
“bugs” within the cecum. As a horse ages
the system loses the ability to maintain a healthy environment for the
beneficial bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, and fungi, which make up these
microorganisms. This is where probiotics
may help.
The definition of a probiotic can be
described as being the opposite of an antibiotic. Antibiotics destroy or arrest the growth of
microorganisms; both good and bad.
Probiotics feed and nurture the existing microflora population by
supplying nutrients and enzymes.
Yeast culture is one of the best
probiotic ingredients on the market. It is different from other yeast
products. Yeast culture is fermented,
contains live yeast cells and metabolic by-products. Other yeast sources, for example, brewers
yeast, are good sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but do not offer
the beneficial microorganisms.
Many feed manufacturers add yeast
culture to their horse feed formulas. It
will be listed under “Ingredients” on the feed tag. Be sure to purchase fresh feed as yeast
culture is affected by heat and age.
There are many probiotic supplements
on the market. They can be top-dressed
or administered in paste form. Look for
a product that contains several species of bacteria and enzymes, in addition to
the yeast culture. These products
provide a more balanced supplement. Make
sure the product is fresh and has been stored away from heat.
One last comment on feeding probiotics
to horses; there has been very little scientific research done on how well
horses utilize probiotics in the equine digestive tract. Some manufacturers have done their own
testing using control groups and consumers have reported seeing improvement in
horses being fed probiotics. There have
been many situations where they have made a positive difference. Probiotics are safe to feed and if the horse
does not need the extra microbes they are washed out of the system. Find a product from a reputable company and
try it.
Water
Water:
fresh, clean, freely available.
Water is the most important nutrient to all living things. A horse can live several weeks without food,
but will die in five to six days without water.
If a horse is not
receiving enough water, sufficient amounts of food will not be consumed to meet
nutritional requirements. The
horse will decrease the food intake in order to decrease the need for
water. Horses need adequate water to
digest food.
A lack of water will also increase the
chances of impaction colic. The
digestion of fiber requires water.
Without adequate water intake the fiber will not be broken down in the
digestive tract.
Make sure the water source is clean,
fresh and accessible. Constantly monitor
the horse’s water consumption. Know what
is normal, so you will be aware of any changes.
If you use an automatic waterer have a flow meter installed. Clean the containers daily.
During the winter you must be even
more alert. Water consumption decreases
during the colder months. Offer the
horse warm water several times a day.
Make sure the horse has access to free choice loose salt.
One of the benefits to feeding
pellets, beet pulp, chopped forage products, hay cubes, and the senior formulas
is they can be soaked. The soaking
provides even more water in the horse’s diet.
Management
Horses like company. They are herd animals. They believe there is security in numbers.
But a senior horse that has to compete
with younger or more aggressive horses will not do well. Competition for food and avoiding
confrontation can be very stressful for the mature horse. Being chased around the pasture by a playful
youngster or forced away from the hay feeder will take its toll.
The senior horse will want to be
with the herd, but you may have to take steps to protect the horse.
Because of the special diet and need
for small frequent meals a herd situation twenty-four hours a day may not be
beneficial. Even if the horse gets along
with pasture mates, you will need to bring the horse in several times a day to
insure he or she is getting the nutritional diet you have worked so hard to
provide.
Total separation from the herd on the
other hand may not be in the horse’s best interests either. The stress of being totally separated from
companions can cause weight loss and poor health. If other horses are tormenting the senior
horse, then pairing with a special friend is the best option. That friend might even be a goat or sheep.
Weather and environment is a concern
when it comes to caring for the mature horse.
On a cold, damp, windy day in March don’t allow a horse to stand
knee-deep in mud, hunched up, and shivering.
It takes energy for a horse to keep
warm. For a senior horse, which is
suffering from a decreased ability to utilize nutrients, cold weather can cause
problems from which there may be no recovery.
Bring the horse in, put a blanket on, make sure there is plenty of fresh
water, and provide a dry place for the horse to stand and eat.
The heat of the summer can also cause
problems. Mature horses have trouble
regulating their body temperature. It
may be necessary to body clip the horse several times during the summer months.
Insects can cause horses to expend
extra energy. If the horse spends a lot
of time trying to avoid biting flies, the horse is wasting energy and that can
cause weight loss. Provide the horse
with a shelter that will offer shade and a place to get away from insects.
Monitor the condition of the retired
performance horse. There is no
established age used to determine if a mature horse needs a special diet or
care. For example, a horse at 17 years
of age may require specialized care while a horse at 25 years of age may be
doing fine on a normal balanced diet.
Observation is the key.
Assignment:
Visit your local feed store (or do
research online) and examine two products designed for senior or mature
horses. Please send answers to the
following questions to elblazer@horsecoursesonline.com.
1. What are the names of the two
feeds?
2.
What is the crude protein level?
3.
What is the crude fat level?
4.
What is the crude fiber level?
5.
What is the first ingredient listed?
6.
What are the recommended feeding rates for a 1,000-pound
horse
without forage in the diet?
7.
What are the recommended feeding rates for a 1,000-pound
horse
with forage in the diet?
8.
Does the manufacturer recommend other supplements be fed
along with the product?
9.
If so, what are they?
Compare the two feeds and report on
the following:
1.
How are they similar?
2.
How are they different?
3.
Why would you choose one product over the other?