Answer Exchange

  • Q:

    I own an 11-year-old, 1,100-lb (500-kg) Warmblood mare that is ridden five days a week. She was previously on just a balancer pellet but is now fed 1.5 lb (0.7 kg) of low-starch, high-fiber feed because it is better for mixing with supplements, and 20 lb (9 kg) of fescue hay per day. She is also on 8-12 hours of turnout each day. She was once extremely gassy, and this was accompanied by much tail-wringing and resistance during riding. Probiotics seemed to alleviate that significantly, though not entirely. I would like to add EquiShure to her diet, but I am unsure whether it can be given with the probiotics.

  • A:

    I understand your concern about mixing two products, and I am grateful that you have chosen to seek professional advice. These two products have different actions but will work together quite well. One side effect of probiotic use can be a decrease in fecal pH, and EquiShure raises pH. Beneficial bacteria thrive best in a more neutral pH, so I believe that EquiShure would be a good fit with the probiotic. (EquiShure can be purchased through Kentucky Equine Research by calling 888-873-1988 or visiting its online store.)

    You do not mention whether your mare is still receiving the balancer pellet. Because she is receiving well below the recommended feeding rate of the low-starch feed, she still requires 1 lb (0.45 kg) per day to round out her diet.

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