Experts to talk about horse nutrition

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

How do you know if your horse is getting properly balanced feed and nutrition for his age and activity level?

Anne Beaumont, from the nutrition division of Co-op Atlantic, and Stuart Crawford, of Valley Flax will be giving presentations on equine nutrition at the Annavale Country Store in Middleton on October 21.

In addition to information, participants are eligible for door prizes and will receive a complimentary two-kilogram sample bag of Valley Flax.

Beaumont will be giving a general overview of equine nutritional requirements to ensure horses maintain healthy condition throughout the year.

Horses have different dietary needs, depending on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. Horse lovers know that an equine diet is a delicate balance of the right grains, hay, supplements, and water intake.

With the wide range of feeds on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Beaumont will discuss the various products available at Co-op.

She says one of the most commonly confused areas for both horse and cattle owners, is recognizing the difference between protein and energy.

The protein needed for growth, and muscle condition is found in hays. Legume hay, such as alfalfa, tends to be higher in protein than grass hays such as timothy.

Energy, the main part of feeds, is found in plant starches, and sugars. Oats are the most common grain fed to horses, but corn and barley are also high sources of energy.

The horse’s overall condition is the best indicator of whether or not it’s receiving enough energy, according to Beaumont.

Even with a proper balance of feed and hay, most horses require additional trace minerals not found in their regular diet sources.

Calcium and phosphorus, and trace minerals such as iodine, copper, iron, manganese, and selenium are also needed for general health.

While flax (linseed) has been used as a feed supplement in Ireland for at least the past 100 years, local horse owners have recently discovered it.

Stuart Crawford, of Middleton-based Valley Flax, will also be giving a presentation on the benefits of adding flax to your horse’s diet.

Flax is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins. It has a soothing effect on the digestive tract, helping to reduce colic.

This is beneficial for horses grazing over sandy soil. The flax seed has a natural coating that, when mixed with stomach liquids, forms a paste-like substance that coats the intestines and helps the horse to safely pass possible irritants.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that flax wards off a range of diverse and crippling inflammatory conditions such as laminitis, heaves, and joint problems.

Cracked hooves, dull coats, and dry itchy patches are all signs that the animal’s diet is lacking in fatty acids, and therefore a candidate for dietary flax.

The presentations will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21. For more information, contact Kerwin at the Country Store, 825-6400.