Equestrian Life March 2018 Issue

feed and veterinary
Feeding the
Competition Horse
A
competition horse is generally classed
as one that is working above the level
of a leisure horse; however across the
vast range of disciplines, competition horses
will be working at different levels of intensity.
The functioning of the gut has a huge impact
on the overall health and well-being of the
animal and this is particularly important in
regard to the hindgut. When horses are asked
to perform, there is increased stress on the
gut meaning appropriate diets and feeding
management is even more crucial.
Whatever the level or type of work, any
equine diet should be based on forage and
many horses can compete successfully to
high levels on forage-only diets. Any forage
offered should always be of excellent hygienic
quality. By this we mean without the presence
of moulds, dust and mycotoxins. Of course,
it is impossible to find a forage source that is
completely free of any such contamination
but the aim is to use as good a quality as you
can.
There are benefits to
addressing the issue of
fibre. Overfeeding cereal
rations can result in
undigested grain passing
into the hindgut where
it alters the pH balance;
killing off the beneficial bacteria and leaving
the pathways open for harmful, sometimes
pathogenic bugs to take hold.
In trials, the yeast culture Saccharomyces
cerevisae has been shown to support a healthy
hindgut by creating the optimum pH and
stimulating the activity of fibre-digesting
bacteria. This stable gut environment helps
buffer against the effects of stress, such as
loose droppings for example, maximises fibre
digestion and increases nutrient absorption.
Lifeforce Elite from Alltech is specially
designed for competition horses and those
faced with stressful situations.
It supports a healthy immune
system, increases the availability of
antioxidants and creates a healthy digestive
environment.
Backed by more than 30 years of Alltech’s
scientifically proven, fully traceable
technologies, Lifeforce Elite contains cutting
edge ingredients that fully comply with
competition standards, where consistency and
safety are a top priority.
A 5kg tub of Lifeforce Elite retails at £120, for
a three month supply.
For further information please visit www.
lifeforcehorse.co.uk or telephone 01780 764512.
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New TopSpec Electrolytes
New TopSpec Electrolytes
are designed to help
compensate for electrolyte
loss after heavy
sweating.
WHAT ARE
ELECTROLYTES?
Some minerals are also
called electrolytes.
This is because when
dissolved in body fluids
they carry spare ions which give
them an electrical charge.
Electrolytes use this charge to
help control the water balance
in a horse, trying to maintain a
sufficiently hydrated status at
all times. Electrolytes also play
an important role in muscle
function and through their role
in hydration both temperature
regulation and the transport of
nutrients and waste products
throughout the horse’s body.
If electrolytes are not added to a
horse’s diet many problems may
occur including dehydration or
excessive hydration. Dehydration
can be life-threatening and is
frequently performance-limiting,
with colic and ‘Tying-Up’ the
most well-known consequences.
A horse has only
to become mildly
dehydrated in order
to lose performance,
sometimes reported as
a lack of stamina and
slow recovery rates. If
the losses of electrolytes
are very high a disruption in the
balance of electrical charge both
inside and outside of a muscle cell
can upset normal contraction and
relaxation processes.
Divide the daily amount fed
equally amongst meals and mix
well. It is recommended that this
electrolyte preparation is used for
at least two days after sweating.
TopSpec Electrolytes are available
in 1.5kg - £17.50 / 3kg - £24.50 /
9kg - £67.39 and 20kg - £98.
For further information please
contact the Multiple Award-
Winning Helpline on 01845 565030
or visit www.topspec.com
32 March 2018 Equestrian Life