Horses are also unique in that they do not have a gall bladder. This makes high fat diets hard to digest and utilize. Horses can digest up to 20 % fat in their diet, but it takes a span of 3 to 4 weeks for them to adjust. Normal horse Read more…
Medina Spirit, horse at heart of Medina Spirit controversy, dies while training. Medina Spirit, the horse at the centre of a doping controversy at this year’s Kentucky Derby, has died during a workout. The colt suffered a suspected heart attack while working out at California’s Santa Anita track on Monday. Read more…
small intestine. Abstract. Recent studies on the digestive physiology of the horse are reviewed. It was suggested that the small intestine is the primary site of digestion and absorption of protein, soluble carbohydrates, most minerals, fats, fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. Where are lipids absorbed in horses? Lipid digestion Read more…
Horsekeeping in Snow Most horses will avoid running in snow and ice unless they are feeling the energy build-up caused by being kept in a stall. Can horses run through snow? Horses are very capable in the snow, but when it gets that frozen layer over the top, it is Read more…
Or could it have been a mini-stroke? Answer: Yes, horses can have seizures, though it is not too common. A single seizure may not be a problem, but if there is a second one you should have your veterinarian examine him. Seizures in horses can be very dangerous if you Read more…
A halter or headcollar is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears (behind the poll), and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope is attached. What is the harness on a horses head called? Read more…
What food can horses be allergic to? Whilst your horse can develop a negative reaction to anything in their diet, there are some food groups that have been reported to provoke more allergies. These include wheat and feed additives, oats, potatoes, barley and bran. What are most horses allergic to? Read more…
Veterinarians often use mineral oil as partial treatment for impaction colic. Given through a nasogastric tube as a large bolus, mineral oil helps the horse pass the impacted mass. What can you give a horse to prevent colic? Mad Barn founder Scott Cieslar refers to salt as the best anti-colic Read more…
Fats are a beneficial inclusion to a ration, as they increase the energy density of the ration via a ‘cool’ form of energy, improve coat quality, prolong the onset of muscle fatigue and reduce the dry matter intake in warmer climates where horses typically experience a reduction in appetite. What Read more…
The use of corn oil as an energy source is particularly valuable in the hot months of the year because its digestion produces less heat than any other energy constituent in a horse’s diet. Can oil make a horse hot? While oil can be an appropriate energy source for excitable Read more…