Equinews

Nutrition Affects Hoof Growth in Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 9, 2011

Hoof quality is dependent on balanced nutrition, and the correct building blocks are needed in the horse’s diet to ensure healthy hoof growth.

Feeding Draft Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 17, 2011

A common nutritional problem encountered in easy-keeping drafts is undersupplementation of key nutrients in their diets. If they are on a low-grain or forage-only diet, they are likely receiving inadequate quantities of vitamins, minerals, and possibly protein.

Autumn Grass Poses Risk for Laminitic Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 19, 2011

Horse owners know to be cautious when allowing horses access to lush green pasture in the spring. But that tired-looking autumn grass can be just as dangerous for some animals at risk of laminitis.

Vitamin K Supplementation for Horses

By Dr. Peter Huntington · September 19, 2011

New research has shown that the most effective way to supplement horses with vitamin K is in the form of K3, or menadione.

Fish Oil Reduces Inflammatory Joint Compounds in Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 14, 2011

Researchers investigated the intra-articular production of a potent inflammatory compound following 90 days of oral supplementation with two different types of omega-3 fatty acids.

Preventing Colic and Laminitis After a Horse Overeats

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · September 13, 2011

A horse bingeing on grain is always a cause for concern, but with a plan and veterinary assistance, horse owners can help to keep ill effects of equine overeating to a minimum.

Preventing Equine Motor Neuron Disease

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 11, 2011

Prevent equine motor neuron disease through a proper balanced diet with less confinement and greater exposure to green pasture.

Horse Feed Management and EPM Prevention

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · July 7, 2011

To prevent EPM, opossums should be kept out of the barn and especially away from sources of hay, feed, and water.

Equine Nutrition in the Management of Flexural Deformities

By Dr. Peter Huntington · June 21, 2011

Nutrition often plays an important role in the onset of developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) in horses.

Vitamin K: Essential for Bone Development in Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · May 31, 2011

Vitamin K status should be considered in the analysis of bone disorders in horses.

Provision of Vitamins Important in Convalescing Horses

By Dr. Peter Huntington · April 28, 2011

Vitamins are especially important when a breakdown in tissue occurs due to injury or illness.

The Importance of Protein During Convalescence

By Dr. Peter Huntington · March 23, 2011

Formulating an appropriate diet for a horse with a musculoskeletal injury requires knowledge of protein use within the body.

Calcium: How Important Is It for Hoof Health?

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 28, 2011

The macromineral calcium is important for hoof health.

Feeding to Avoid Laminitis

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · January 24, 2011

One of the simplest ways to help manage metabolic diseases in horses is through dietary manipulation.

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Arthritis

By Dr. Bryan Waldridge · December 17, 2010

Omega-3 fatty acids have direct anti-inflammatory actions that can be useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis and lameness.

Poor Nutrition Impacts Hooves

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · March 15, 2010

Equine nutritionists are frequently asked questions about dietary influences on hoof health.

Feeding Laminitic Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 8, 2010

Horses recovering from an acute case of laminitis must have a carefully designed feed management plan in order to avoid a recurrence of the problem.

Feeding to Prevent Developmental Orthopedic Disease

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2008

Proper nutrition of the mare throughout pregnancy and lactation and of the young horse during its first two years of life will help prevent developmental orthopedic problems

Skeletal Development in Thoroughbreds

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008

While bone tissue continues to respond to exercise throughout the horse's life, cartilage loses almost all of its ability to adapt or regenerate by the time the horse is mature.

Response of Quarter Horses to High Fat, Low Carb Diets

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008

Excessively high insulin sensitivity and a build-up of glycogen in the muscle fibers are also characteristic of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), a chronic form of tying-up syndrome. Horses with clinical signs of PSSM have been known to benefit from diets lower in starch and higher in fat than traditional equine rations.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Provides Significant Benefits

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 21, 2008

Horses need to consume both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but the traditional equine diet tends to provide a skewed ratio of these compounds, minimizing the supply of omega-3s and oversupplying omega- 6s. Continuing research is revealing more information about the benefits of supplementing horses with omega-3 fatty acid to achieve a more nutritionally sound balance.

Sugar Accumulation in Grass May Harm Horses

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2007

Scientists have revealed that Dr. Green may not be the best prescription for all horses. Under specific growing conditions, common pasture plants can harbor sufficient sugar to cause metabolic problems in certain horses that are especially sensitive to carbohydrates.

Managing Horses on High-Fructan Pastures

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 27, 2007

All horses are subject to digestive upsets associated with lush spring pasture. The content of highly fermentable carbohydrates in lush pasture can be overwhelming to the unadapted digestive system.

Nutritional Considerations for Warmbloods

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · October 26, 2007

European warmbloods and warmblood crosses have become prominent as sport horses in the United States, where they compete regularly in dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing. Feeding nutritionally balanced rations and attending to nutrition-related idiosyncrasies of warmbloods are the first steps in producing and maintaining sound athletes.

Bran Mash: What’s it Really Good For?

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 4, 2003

Bran mashes remain a staple in the feeding regime of some horsemen and continue to be a traditional meal for horses recovering from sickness, for mares immediately following foaling, and for aged horses with dental problems. A bran mash is often the meal of choice for horses following an intense workout, especially for those that do not drink adequately during or after intense exercise and teeter on the brink of dehydration.

Laminitis Basics

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 2, 2003

While obesity-associated laminitis is not well understood among researchers and veterinarians, affected horses may go on to lead otherwise healthy lives if treatment is swift and diligent. Recommended treatments center around corrective trimming and shoeing, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain, and strict diet. Forced exercise can be imposed once all laminitis-related pain has abated.