Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is a critical nutrient in equine diets, especially known for enhancing hoof, hair, and skin health. It's a water-soluble component of the Vitamin B complex, significantly impacting energy metabolism and hoof growth.
While naturally produced in the horse's hindgut and available in forage, variations in forage quality often necessitate supplementary biotin. Adequate biotin supports the growth rates and hardness of new hoof horn, with 15-20 mg per day commonly recommended for optimal hoof care. It's vital to pair biotin with nutrients like methionine, zinc, and copper for comprehensive hoof and overall health benefits.
While primarily recognized for improving hoof structure and condition, particularly in horses with brittle hooves, its positive impact on hair and skin, and possibly mood, is also noted. Continuous supplementation is necessary to observe significant improvements, as hoof growth takes several months.
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We examine the equine microbiome, the importance of microbial balance in a horse's hindgut, the critical role of prebiotics and probiotics, and the significance of feeding sufficient fiber for optimal equine health. Microbial balance within this ecosystem is crucial; it aids in nutrient absorption, synthesizes vitamins, and supports immune function.
Disruptions can lead to issues like colic or laminitis. Prebiotics and probiotics play a significant role in maintaining this delicate balance. Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria, fostering a healthy microbiome, while probiotics introduce live beneficial microbes, assisting in gut function and resilience against pathogens.
Sufficient fiber intake is paramount as it's the primary substrate for fermentation by gut microbes, producing volatile fatty acids that are a critical energy source for horses. Providing a diet rich in various fiber sources ensures a diverse and robust microbial community, underpinning digestive health and overall well-being in equine care.
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In equine nutrition, the inclusion of fats and omega fatty acids is essential for comprehensive health and peak performance. Fats are a dense source of energy, yielding over twice the calories of carbohydrates, making them an efficient fuel for working horses. They contribute to cellular integrity and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are crucial for various physiological functions. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, categorized as essential, must be obtained through diet since horses cannot produce them internally. Sources like flaxseed and fish oil (though if you've ever tried feeding fish oil to a horse, you'll find it's nearly impossible!) are rich in Omega-3s, which support immune function and overall cellular health.
On the other hand, Omega-6s, found in corn and soybean oil, are integral for reproductive health and maintaining healthy skin. Balancing these fatty acids is crucial for sustaining long-term health and optimizing energy utilization, making fat and omegas an indispensable component of equine dietary management.
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Timothy and orchard grasses both offer high nutritional content for horses. Some horses- especially those in hard work- should have access to high quality hay. Others, such as overweight horses or pasture pets, should avoid eating large amounts of high quality hay. In this video, Dr. Worth demonstrates how to tell if your timothy and orchard grass hay is high quality. Some of the important elements of high quality hay include:
Color: Good quality grass hays are often brighter in color, which indicates that they hay was cut and dried by the farmer at the right time. If the hay is yellow or brown, it may have been left in the field too long, which can reduce its nutritional value.
Aroma: Good quality grass hays normally have a fresh, sweet aroma. If the hay smells musty or moldy, it may not be safe for horses to eat.
Leaf retention: Good quality grass hays retains its leaves and is not stemmy. If the hay is stripped of its leaves, it may have been over-handled or stored for too long, which can reduce its nutritional value.
Softness: Good quality timothy hay should be soft and pliable, not brittle or crunchy. If the hay is brittle, it may have been over-dried, which can reduce its digestibility for horses.
Dust content: Good quality timothy hay should have a low dust content, as dust can cause respiratory problems in horses. You can check the dust content of hay by rubbing it between your hands. If a lot of dust is produced, it's best to avoid feeding it to horses.
By checking for these characteristics, you can determine if timothy hay is of good quality and safe for your horse to eat. If you have any doubts about the quality of your hay, it's best to have it tested by a laboratory to ensure it's safe and nutritious for your horse.
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Hay Nets and Teeth
Recent research presented at the Equine Science Society Meeting has shed light on the impact of hay nets on a horse's dental health, a topic of concern among many horse owners and veterinarians. Traditionally, there has been apprehension that feeding hay through nets, particularly those with smaller openings, might cause abnormal tooth wear or lead to dental issues due to the unnatural eating posture and the way horses pull at the hay. However, this new study has provided reassuring insights, indicating that the use of hay nets, even with smaller mesh sizes, does not have a detrimental effect on equine dental health. This finding is significant as it dispels a common worry, offering peace of mind to those using hay nets as a means to control feed intake or slow down eating.
Hay nets, especially slow-feeder nets, have become increasingly popular as they mimic natural foraging behavior, reduce waste, and help manage weight by prolonging feeding time. Concerns had been raised about whether this feeding method could alter the natural wear patterns of a horse’s teeth, potentially leading to sharp edges or uneven tooth surfaces. The recent findings from the Equine Science Society Meeting, however, suggest that these concerns may be unfounded, and that hay nets can be a safe and effective feeding tool. It’s important to note, though, that regular dental check-ups remain crucial for all horses, regardless of their feeding method, to ensure that any developing dental issues are identified and addressed promptly.
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Raspberry Leaves
Raspberry leaves have gained popularity as a natural supplement for mares during their heat cycles. Traditionally known for their muscle-relaxing and toning properties, raspberry leaves are believed to ease the discomfort associated with the estrous cycle.
They are thought to act as an herbal antispasmodic and uterine tonic, potentially alleviating symptoms like moodiness and cramping, which can affect a mare's behavior and comfort. While scientific research supporting these benefits specifically in horses is limited, many horse owners and equine herbalists report positive results.
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Alfalfa Makes Horses Hot
Does alfalfa make horses hot?
While alfalfa is a high-protein forage, its effect on horse behavior is often overstated. The 'hotness' attributed to alfalfa is generally more related to excess energy intake, not specifically due to alfalfa itself. It's rich in calcium and protein, making it beneficial, especially for young, growing horses, lactating mares, and hard-working performance horses. However, like any feed, alfalfa must be fed in appropriate quantities and balanced with other dietary components to avoid issues such as weight gain or nutrient imbalances.
While alfalfa is a valuable component in many equine diets, the key lies in understanding each horse's individual nutritional needs and adjusting their diet accordingly to avoid any adverse effects on their behavior or health.
Dr. Melyni Worth of Foxden Equine explains more.
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Grasses and legumes are two different types of forage made into hay for horses. Grass hays are generally easier to grow than alfalfa but also lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates. The most common types of grass fed to horses in the US are timothy, brome, bermuda, and orchard grass.
Alfalfa hay is made from the legume alfalfa and like all legume hays, it is high in protein and is usually very palatable. Due to its high protein content, it has a high feed value and thus is especially useful for young horses, pregnant mares, and lactating mares. The protein is not always useable and over feeding alfalfa will result in a high urine output. It needs to be fed with discretion and ideally should be fed along with grass hay.
One of its benefits is that being a legume it does not have the seed cycle that grasses have, so it can be cut several times a year. Each cut will have roughly the same feed value.
The leaves of the alfalfa are tiny, but this is where most of the nutrition is, so if there is extensive leaf drop it can lose feed value. The stalks can be hard and tough if the plant is too old at the time of hay making. Due to weather constraints, the first cut of the year may be a stalkier, less nutritious cut.
It is a very useful feed for horses but needs to be fed with discretion.
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Equine Nutrition Q & A Live in Roanoke
Ask the Equine Nutritionist, Dr. Melyni Worth
