laminitis
Dr Tom Shurlock, British Horse Feeds Nutritionist explains an often poorly understood aspect of equine nutrition
Why are fat ponies at more risk of developing laminitis than fat horses? What is different about their metabolism that commonly results in an increased incidence of laminitis?
It is generally accepted that some breeds of equines are more susceptible to laminitis than others. There are regular surveys on the incidence of laminitis and perceived risk factors and although the results vary between surveys, a review of how the observations are analysed and what constitutes laminitis (some surveys, for example, look at lameness per se, some at metabolic causes etc.), confirms the consensus that some breeds appear more susceptible. There are indications that age may be the most important factor, followed by season, whereas sex, breed, height and weight all produced some conflicting results. However, some research surveys do find a very strong risk factor in so-called cold blood ponies, which include native British ponies, Norwegian Fjord and Icelandic breeds. Surveys of Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds gave variable results and it appears we are looking at a spectrum of breeds where the risk factor varies with some parameter of height; Draught horses, for example, seem to have the lowest risk of all. Beyond these parameters, the major triggers for laminitis, which are common to all breeds, are reported to be seasonal grass changes (spring and
autumn) and obesity, both of which are indicative of too great an energy (sugar/starch) intake. Where this maybe resonates with the question of why some breeds are more susceptible, is the relationship between the metabolism of the horse or pony and sugar rich diets. Every spring there is an outpouring of articles on the dangers of spring grass and its impact on the laminitic and it is always worth running through the broad nutritional effects to more fully understand the subject.
The gastro-intestinal tract of the horse is designed to deal with a fibrous diet. Whilst we have bred animals for activities, some of which mean we need to supplement energy, and whilst we have changed the nutrient profile of grass, the horse’s gut has not really changed. It means, unless we are very careful, we are supplying our horses with protein and sugars in excess.
One result is obesity but another is the inability of the small intestine to digest and absorb all the protein and sugar we feed. These then flood the hindgut (along with those bacteria that utilise them in the small intestine) where disruption of the normal hindgut environment occurs. Acidity in the hindgut increases
Speedi-Beet from British Horse Feeds is a highly nutritious and extremely versatile, quick soaking beet pulp feed and is suitable overweight horse and ponies, and those prone to laminitis. Starch free and unmolassed, Speedi-Beet is 95% sugar free and can be fed in small amounts to overweight horses and ponies as a carrier for a multivitamin and mineral supplement. There’s a high proportion of soluble fibre, mostly pectins in Speedi-Beet, which means its fibre is more easily digested than that found in forage, for example hay. This makes it a great source of non-heating slow release energy.
Speedi-Beet can also be fed in larger quantities to a poor doer for weight gain, or to a competition pony for energy.
Made using only best quality British Beet Pulp, Speedi-Beet is subjected to British Horse Feeds’ patented cooking process to produce a unique soaked feed, ready to use in just 10 minutes.
Speedi-Beet is available in easy to handle 20 kg bags and costs around £11.35-£12.30. Visit
www.britishhorsefeeds.com
Equine Page 10
www.theequinesite.co.uk
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