BASIC
HORSE NUTRITION:
To develop
a good feeding program, it's important to understand the horse's
unique digestive system. *This
article covers the basic of the horses digestion system and what
is need to maintain balance. Below this article we've listed what
POUNDS has in it, all from natural sources.. no synthetic vitamin
or minerals are used in POUNDS.
|
FROM
THE TOP
|
FROM
THE STOMACH |
Food
enters the small intestine, where enzymes that digest soluble carbohydrates,
fat and protein are secreted. Carbohydrates are turned into
glucose and other simple sugars that are absorbed and used for energy.
Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are used as building
blocks for the body. Bile secreted in the small intestine
helps digest fat. Many minerals are absorbed in the small intestine.
In the large intestine, large populations of bacteria help the horse
digest fiber. These bacteria also help synthesize many B vitamins. Efficient
digestion is influenced by a number of factors. Feeding your
horse certain rolled, cracked or crimped grains allows the horse's
enzymes to work more effectively. However, cooking does not
improve digestibility, and feeding large amounts at once can decrease
digestibility by increasing the rate at which food passes through
the horse's body. The faster food moves through the system the less
time bacteria have to act on the fiber. Light
exercise has been found to slightly improve digestion by slowing
the rate of passage. However heavy exercise can decrease digestibility. |
|
MINERALS
|
Horses
require at least 22 mineral elements. Seven are considered macronutrients,
because larger amounts are needed. Trace minerals, or micronutrients,
are required in small amounts.The amount of minerals each horse
needs depends on a variety of factors, including the horse itself.
Young horses need more than full-grown horses, as do pregnant and
lactating mares. Genetics also plays a role; some horses are prone
to deficiencies. Bio availability, or how efficiently an element
is absorbed and utilized, affects the quantity required. The
mineral's chemical and physical form influences its bio availability.
For example, iron in ferrous sulfate is readily available, while
iron in ferric oxide, or rust, is almost useless Other minerals
and nutrients in the diet influence bio availability. Feeding high
levels of one mineral can lead to problems. While the best way for
horses to get the right balance of minerals is naturally, through
their feeds, this isn't always possible. Feeding a multivitamin/mineral
supplement can help provide the necessary nutrients within a reasonable
balance. |
VITAMINS |
Vitamins
are organic compounds the body needs for normal functioning.The fat-soluble
vitamins, vitamins A, D and E, are stored in the body. Excesses of
these vitamins can be toxic. Water-soluble vitamins including the
B vitamins and vitamin C are flushed out in the urine when the body
has too much.
VITAMIN A: Essential for normal vision, skin, hair, nerves,
growth and reproduction.
VITAMIN B1 OR THIAMINE: For nutrient metabolism, energy utilization
and nervous system function.
VITAMIN B2 OR RIBOFLAVIN: For healthy skin, hair and nerves;
energy utilization; and normal healing
VITAMIN B12: For blood building, a healthy appetite, and proper
growth.
VITAMIN C: Required to form collagen. Synthesized from glucose
in the horse's system.
VITAMIN D: Works with calcium and phosphorous to build and
maintain strong bones, joints, and teeth.
VITAMIN E OR TOCOPHEROL: Works with selenium to help prevent
tying up and white muscle disease. Promotes healthy muscles, body
tissues, skin, coat and reproduction.
VITAMIN K: For normal blood clotting.
BIOTIN: For healthy skin, coat and hoof condition.
CHOLINE: For fat metabolism, cell structure and nerves.
FOLIC ACID: Helps form red blood cells.
NIACIN: For healthy appetite, nutrient metabolism, proper growth,
skin conditions, and nerves.
PANTOTHENIC ACID: For healthy skin, coat, appetite and nerves.
WATER: The most important nutrient is water. A horse can live
for weeks without food but only a few days without water |
ABOUT
WATER |
Dehydration
occurs when water loss exceeds water intake. Inadequate water supplies,
severe diarrhea, excessive sweating, or the physical inability to
drink can cause this. A horse can be expected to drink 2 quarts of
water for every pound of feed. A sedentary, 1100lb horse may drink
up to 10 gallons a day. An active, hard-working horse requires much
more, especially in hot, humid weather. A lactating mare needs about
5 gallons more water than the average horse. Horses should always
have fresh water available and should be allowed to drink all they
need. The only time a horse shouldn't be allowed to drink is when
it's overheated after exercise. Watering a hot horse shocks the system,
and can lead to founder. Once the horse cools down let him drink all
he wants. |
ESSENTIAL
MINERAL ELEMENTS
|
macro
nutrients;
Calcium, Chlorine, Sulfur, Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorous
micro
nutrients: Iron, Cobalt, Fluorine, Selenium, Tin, Arsenic,
Iodine, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Vanadium, Nickel, Silicon,
Zinc, and Copper.
|
**This
is a list of What POUNDS has in it, the functions and the deficiency
that are covered. **No Synthetic ingredients are used in POUNDS!
|
Lab
Analysis of Natural Nutrients |
Functions |
Deficiency |
Vitamin
A
|
Smooth
coat, resistance to infection Alfalfa hay (good quality) produces
50,000 IU per pound of pro-VIT. A. |
Night
blindness, infertility scaly skin & rough coat. |
VIT.
D2 |
Calcium
absorption, bone and teeth formation. |
Rickets,
weak & easily Broken bones, bowed legs. |
VIT.
E |
Reproduction
increases endurance stamina by allowing muscles & nerves
to function with less oxygen. Works against environmental
poisons Prevents oxidation of hormones, fats. |
Muscular
dystrophy, muscle weakness, Synthetic VIT. E is
49% less effective than natural VIT. E. |
Vitamin
K
|
Blood
clotting |
Coagulation
time of the
Blood is increased & prothrombin level is de creased. |
VIT.
C
|
Fights
infections, detoxifies environmental Pollutants. Helps maintain
collagen. |
Supportive
evidence indicates hypascorbemia (A deficiency of ascorbic
acid in the blood.). |
VIT.
B1 THIAMINE
|
Healthy
nervous system |
Lack
of appetite, muscle weakness. |
VIT.
B2 Riboflavin
|
Maintains
normal function of the eyes Plays a role in a number of enzyme
systems that are essential to normal Metabolic processes. |
Poor
appetite, retarded growth, lack of stamina periodic ophthalmic |
VIT.
B6 Pyridoxine
|
Synthesizes
protein for muscles, blood, skin & hair. Coenzyme involved
in Amino acid metabolism. |
Muscle
weakness, poor growth rate |
VIT.
B12 Cobalamin |
Methionine
metabolism essential for growth maintenance of normal blood
composition. |
Diminished
reflex response, pernicious Anemia. |
Panthothenic
Acid |
Healthy
coat & nerves, body enzyme that plays a central role in
carbohydrate, fat & protein metabolism. |
Loss
of hair, scaly skin |
Folic
Acid
|
Aids
in formation of red blood cells |
Anemia,
poor growth |
Biotin
|
Fatty
acid synthesis. Amino acid metabolism & formation of body
Carbohydrates. |
Dermatitis,
loss of weight. |
Carotene
|
Source
of VIT. A, each mg equal to 400 IU of VIT. A. |
Night
blindness, scaly skin, rough coat & infertility. |
Choline
|
Transmission
of nerve impulses, health of liver & kidneys, utilization
of fats. |
Reduced
appetite, slow Lameness & stiffness. |
Niacin
|
Necessary
in tissue respiration. Essential component of important enzyme
Systems involved in cell metabolism. |
Slow
growth, poor hair& Skin condition. |
Iodine
|
Constituent
of the hormone, Thyrozin which controls the metabolic rate |
Reproductive
failure, & poor hair & skin condition. |
Potassium
|
Regulates
body fluids, nerve and muscle excitability, and carbohydrate
metabolism. |
Poor
reflexes, energy not available to muscles, reduced
appetite. |
Sodium
|
Acid
base balance works with potassium. |
Retarded
growth, decreased utilization of protein & energy. |
Zinc
|
Metabolism
of vitamins, growth & reproduction. |
Prolonged
wound healing Fatigue, susceptibility to infection. |
Magnesium
|
Nerve
& muscle function, regulation of body temperature. |
Nervous
irritability, Staggering gait. |
Copper
|
Hemoglobin
formation pigmentation of hair. |
Anemia,
poor growth Muscle un-coordination. |
Iron
|
Builds
quality of the blood resistance to stress & disease |
Anemia,
difficulty in breathing. |
Maganese
|
|
Lameness
& stiffness, Impaired reproduction, dead or weak foals
at
birth. |
Selenium
|
|
White
muscle disease in foals. |
Calcium
|
Nerve
impulses, strong teeth & bones (ideal ratio 1.4 over 1)
|
Enlarged
joints, stiffness, muscle spasms, and slow pulse rate. |
Phosphorus
|
Associated
with calcium, strong teeth & bones, healthy nerves |
Stiff
joints, muscular weakness, and low fertility. |
Cobalt.
|
Requirement
is less than.05 ppm. It is an essential metabolic constituent
as a portion of the Vitamin. B12 molecule. |
A
normocytic normochromic anemia may result, concomitant with
loss of appetite, retarded growth & general emaciation. |
|
.E-MAIL
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS TO: info.gremida@comcast.net
|
Web-Design
by L.L. Design, Albany, OR 4.masonlori@gmail.com
All Right reserved © Gremida Inc.
Updated 01/2015
TOP |