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EQUINE MEDICINEDentistry, Digestion and Nutrition

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THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEMFunction: Deliver food into body Process food Eliminate wastes

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DENTAL ANATOMYDental Formula: Upper I C P M 3 1 3(4) 3 Lower I C P M 3 1 3(4) 3

*Adult formula/Multiply by 2

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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Designed for grazing and roaming

Ideally eat for 15-20 hours per dayKnown as Hindgut Fermenters

Have small, simple monogastric stomach

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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Efficient system if mainly forage is usedExcess grains pass into the hindgut unprocessedHindgut bacteria ferment feed releasing lactic acidLactic acid lowers gut pH killing bacteria and releasing toxinsToxins cause colic, laminitis, muscle problems, and other diseases

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NUTRITION

WaterNecessary for almost all of the processes in the bodyHorses MUST have access to fresh clean water at all times!!!Average Consumption is 10-12 gallons per dayAmount increases when: Dry feed is fed Hot weather is present Intense workload is present Mares are pregnant or nursing

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NUTRITION

EnergyNeeded for: Body maintenance Performance Growth Reproduction Up to 80-90% of feed is converted to energyOften measured in megacalories (Mcal) or kilocalories (Kcal)Excess in the diet is stored as fatMay be difficult to supply adequate amounts in hard working horses

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NUTRITION

EnergyCarbohydrates:Nonstructural-Starches & SugarsMostly grainsDigested in the small intestine

Structural-Cellulose & HemicelluloseFermented in hindgutFat:Large amount present in feedsCommonly underutilized in dietsProtein:Needed for body tissue growth and repairSome are made by the horse, some are needed in the dietAbsorbed in the small intestineCommonly overfed to horses

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NUTRITION

Fat SolubleA-All fresh green forage Excess Stored in liver Excess in diet bone weakness

D-Gained with sunlight access

E-Helps decrease tissue damage Works closely with selenium

K-Blood clotting Made in intestinal tractWater SolubleB-complex found in high quality forage Vitamin B made in hindgut Biotin often used to improve hoof wall

C-Made in the liverVitamins

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NUTRITION

Major-MacromineralsCalcium-bonePhosphorus-boneCa:P ratio is very importantPotassium-sweatSodium-sweatChoride-sweatMagnesiumSulfur

Minor-Trace mineralsCopperIodineIronSeleniumCobaltManganeseFluorineZinc

Minerals

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NUTRITION

Forage

Legumes have higher protein content than grass hay (in general)Grass hays contain more digestible fiber at the same plant stageLess mature plants have more available energy and proteinHorses like soft, sweet smelling hay, and it has a good energy contentGreen hay has more vitamin ACoastal Bermuda hay tends to be fine and dry, causing impactionsMany horses are calmer on a grass hay dietAll hay diets should be supplemented with a balanced vitamin/mineral supplementAll diets should be forage basedAverage 1000 lb horse needs at least 20 lbs of hay per dayFeed your horse as an individual!

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NUTRITION

FatUsed to increase energy in the dietMay be up to 10% of diet

Good supplements are vegetable oils and rice branAdditions to the diet should be made slowlyRice bran should be stabilizedOils are better digested if included in feed vs. poured onOils need to be stored in a cool place during hot months

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NUTRITION

Digestible FiberHelps move feed through the systemDiet should contain at least 12% fiberSoybean hulls and beet pulp are good sources of fiber and energy

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NUTRITION

No more than 6 lbs per day should be fed Cereal GrainsCorn-70% starchOats-50% starch, grain-highBarley-low energyGrain Mixes & Fortified FeedsMixed Grains-no vit or minFortified Feeds-vit & min addedSweet Feeds-very popular!Pellets-processing may increase digestibility

Grains (High-Starch Feeds)

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CONCLUSION

Horses are individuals and need to be fed individuallyAll diets should be forage basedFat is an excellent source of extra energyAll diets should have at least 12% crude fiberAll feed changes should be made slowly, to allow your horse to adjust to different feedsTo decrease the risk of colic, feed no more that 6 lbs. of grain per day

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