omega fatty acids
Most of us know that horses can suffer from equine gastric ulcers syndrome (EGUS), a condition where horses develop ulcers in their stomachs. Horses can also develop ulcers in their large intestines. This condition is referred to as colonic ulcers or right dorsal colitis (RDC). In a recent study of 545 horses tested for RDC, 44% of nonperformance horses and 65% of performance horses had colonic ulcers. Although they are not as prevalent as gastric ulcers,... Read More »
Category : Digestive Health | Nutritional Minutes | Tips and Topics
Summer seasonal recurrent dermatitis (SSRD), commonly called sweet itch or summer itch, is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of a biting gnat known as the Culicoides midge. Many people refer to them as “no-see-ums.” These bothersome fellows are active from April through October. They live and breed in ponds, marshes, and areas where water is standing and stagnant. Gnats can travel up to half a mile to find a good meal. They tend to be most... Read More »
Category : Health & Management | Other Topics of Interest | Tips and Topics
Over the past couple of decades improved management, nutrition, and veterinary care have contributed to increase longevity in today’s horse population. It is not unusual to hear of horses living well into their thirties. As horses age, the wear and tear of a lifetime of activity takes its toll on joints, leading to the development of arthritis. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways we can keep older horses more comfortable. What is... Read More »
Category : Health & Management | Tips and Topics
Horses 18 years of age and older are considered geriatric or senior horses. Some horses, like some humans, age more gracefully than others. Frequently, older horses struggle to maintain a healthy body weight. The reduced ability to absorb nutrients from the diet As horses age, the wear and tear of a lifetime of exposure to parasites and other damaging events negatively affect the efficiency of their gastrointestinal tract. Even horses on stringent... Read More »
Category : Health & Management | Tips and Topics
Packed with energy Fat is an effective energy source for horses. Pound for pound, fats provide 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrates. In a natural state, horses consume only small amounts of fats, but they digest and absorb them well. Fats are broken down into fatty acids in the small intestine and stored as triglycerides in the adipose tissue of the body. Fat is utilized to fuel long-term, slow work. Some fat is necessary Fat is necessary for the... Read More »
Category : Fat & Fiber | Nutritional Minutes | Tips and Topics
Omega fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized in the body and must be provided in the diet. Omega fatty acids are split into two categories: omega-6 and omega-3. It is the amount of both of these acids relative to each other that is important for overall health. When properly balanced, the two types of fatty acids work in concert to keep your horse healthy. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are metabolized by... Read More »
Category : Nutritional Minutes | Tips and Topics | Valuable Nutrients
Providing proper nutrition for your horse is one of the most basic ways to ensure his well-being. High-quality forage and well-formulated, properly fortified concentrates should provide the basis for his diet. Occasionally, however, these components are not enough to guarantee optimal health. In cases in which beneficial nutrients cannot be delivered through a diet of forage and concentrate, scientifically proven supplements should be considered. Care... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Tips and Topics
Does your horse struggle with dull, flaky hair coat? Are his mane and tail dry and brittle? The quality of your horse’s hair is based in part on his genetic makeup, but nutrition can also play a role. Nutrients affect hair quality Protein: Skin and hair need protein. Proteins are made up of different amino acids and each amino acid has a purpose. Protein deficiency is rarely seen, but your horse may be lacking certain amino acids that affect hair... Read More »
Category : Health & Management | Nutritional Minutes | Tips and Topics
