Winter is coming and in many areas in Australia, it’s already here.
During the cooler months, a horse’s energy level requirements increase to help maintain its body temperature and keep warm. Their need for additional energy as the weather gets colder means we sometimes need to adjust our feed to accommodate. Managing your horses’ weight in winter can be hard, especially if they are getting a bit older, however, there are many ways we can help them get through winter and have them come out in tip-top shape for springtime.
A few points to take into consideration to help manage weight in winter are…
Increase Roughage
You may think the first thing to do to increase your horse’s energy is to increase your grain or premix feed, however, the most important ingredient to manage is their fibre intake (i.e., roughage). Grain is an instant source of energy whereas fibre is digested in the hindgut, making for a slower, steadier energy release. The fermentation process that occurs during hindgut digestion will also provide additional heat.
During winter we advise increasing your horse’s roughage provision to between 1.5% to 1.75% of its own body weight. This will help your horse maintain their condition through winter, assist in heat production and assist in maintaining optimum Gastrointestinal Health.
It is important to ensure you are feeding quality roughage. If your horse does drop condition and you are feeding the recommended amounts, look at the quality. Our Eastern Australian cropping lands have been severely impacted by the weather systems of the last 4 months and this will be showing in both the availability and quality of our feeds. Although it is out of our control, make sure that you are not getting short-changed for the quality you are expecting (and paying for!) by your supplier. If you suspect that the quality may not be providing the energy and nutrients your horse requires during winter, it might be worth a shop around!
Supplementation
Grass quality and growth are reduced during winter which limits the amount your horse consumes and the level of vital nutrients he/she may be receiving. You can counteract this by ensuring you increase their roughage provision and by also considering a multivitamin supplement. Supplementing their feed with a product such as Ranvet Ration Balancer will ensure they are getting all their daily requirements, from a reliable, high quality, and bioavailable source.
Healthy Body Condition Score
Having a healthy score will ensure your horse has adequate fat stores for insulation and increased energy requirements. The addition of an oil such as Ranvet Grand Prix Oil provides an extra cool energy source, helping to maintain good body condition throughout the colder months. Adding oil to your horse’s diet is a great way to increase calories without having to increase their amount of feed.
Rugging & Shelter
You can also do that little bit extra to help manage weight during winter by rugging or, if available, stabling your horse at night. Providing these options will help to generate and maintain warmth, meaning your horse won’t have to call upon as much of its stored reserves to keep warm.
If you are concerned that your horse’s current diet may not be meeting its nutritional requirements for winter, please feel free to complete Ranvet’s Free Online Diet Evaluation Submission and one of their nutritionists will tailor a report and feed plan for your horse.
This article was written and published in conjunction with Ranvet.
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