FEED ROOM ESSENTIALS THIS WINTER

As winter sets in and temperatures begin to drop, some changes in your horse’s ration may be required in order to maintain their optimal health and condition.  

In winter we are often faced with a decline in both the quality and availability of pasture, one of the largest components of our horses diets. Further to this, our horses will have natural increases in demand for energy, due to the climatic conditions. This combination can quickly become the perfect recipe for condition loss over winter. Here are our top 4 feed room essentials when it comes to winter feeding!  

Hay: Pasture quality and availability naturally declines as the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, reducing the hours in which optimal growing conditions are achieved. Supplementing with hay is the best way to counteract these deficits. Whether it is feeding out each day, or providing an adlib round bale, providing hay allows our horses to not only maintain their daily roughage intake for optimal gut health (a minimum of 1% of their body weight per day should be consumed in roughage!), but its digestion and fermentation also help to raise body temperature.  

Conditioning Supplement: In preparation for a decline in temperature, a horse should be in, and maintain, a healthy body condition score (3-4). Feeding for a healthy condition score will ensure a fat supply is available to cope with the increased energy requirements during the winter months. For those horses that are poor doers, or for our golden oldies, this may be easier said than done. Supplying a concentrated conditioning supplement, such as Ranvet’s Topline FX, may assist in boosting Body Condition Score. Topline FX is a premium protein and amino acid supplement, that at just 300g a day, can be added to the ration to encourage weight gain and conditioning.  

Oil: During winter the energy requirements increase to allow for the additional energy needed for heat production. The use of oil within the ration is a beneficial inclusion due to its digestibility and energetic value. Oil is readily absorbed across the wall of the small intestine and utilised to fuel metabolic processes or stored in adipose tissue as body fat, acting as both a source of insulation and energy reserve for future use. Ranvet’s Grand Prix Oil® is a highly palatable blend of Omega-3, 6 & 9 fatty acids which could be added to your horse’s winter diet to increase energy intake, maintain a healthy body condition score and coat shine (even through the winter woolies!). Grand Prix Oil® contains natural garlic oil to maximise palatability and provide numerous associated benefits. It has been proposed that garlic may have respiratory health benefits such as reducing respiratory mucus and relieving coughing symptoms. 

Electrolytes: Yes, you read that right! It is a common misconception that because of a reduction in temperature during winter, that electrolyte provision is not vital. When in fact, a horse will continue to sweat and lose electrolytes on a daily basis despite outside temperatures, even if it is not directly visible. Electrolytes also play a pivotal role in stimulating the thirst reflex and the subsequent intake of fluids. Decreased water temperatures in conjunction with declining electrolyte provision can pose a threat of inadequate fluid intake, a reduction in gut motility and therefore increase the risk of impaction colic. We recommend continuing to feed an electrolyte such as Ranvet’s Salkavite® daily to maintain hydration. Adding a Salt Lick in your horse’s paddock/stable is also a great way to help stimulate the thirst reflex and encourage water intake. 

If you would like any further information on feeding your horse in winter, feel free to contact Ranvet’s Nutrition Team on 1800 727 217 or submit your diet for a free evaluation via our website www.ranvet.com.au/nutrition-centre/diet-evaluation/ 

You can find these winter essentials at your local AIRR member store.