Sunday, November 24, 2013

Feed Management to Minimize the Risk of Impaction in Horses

KER.Equinews.com - Full Article

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · November 8, 2013

Winter, with its icy water sources and lowered equine activity levels, is one of the riskiest times for horses that tend to develop intestinal impaction. Fresh grass has been replaced in the diet by dry hay; horses tend to drink less when offered very cold water; and with a break in regular training and exercise, they may not sweat enough to feel thirsty. These are all contributing factors to impaction colic because they are all conducive to slower movement of ingested material through the digestive tract.

Regular intake of suitable forage, adequate chewing and moistening of this forage with saliva, and proper hydration status are important in preventing impaction. Exercise also encourages movement of ingested material. Horse owners need to be sure they are carrying out management steps to help their horses avoid problems...

Read more here:
http://ker.equinews.com/article/feed-management-minimize-risk-impaction-horses?utm_source=KER+Newsletter&utm_campaign=f0b6494b3f-KER_Newsletter_Kentucky_Equine11_20_2013&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d95781dfc-f0b6494b3f-11166

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