8/ AUGUST 2018 THE RIDER The Way of Horses: Feeding Beet Pulp
Anne Rodiek of the Depart- ment of Animal Sciences, Cal- ifornia State University, Davis, published a study. In this study oats were given the glycemic index value of 100, as the av- erage. Corn came in with a value of 117 and beet pulp (plain with no added molasses) a value of one. Maintaining a low blood
By Eleanor Blazer Copyright @ 2018
High in digestible fiber. Low glycemic index. 10% crude protein. What is this miracle feed for horses?
Beet pulp! After sugar is extracted from beets
the left over pulp is a form of highly di- gestible fiber suitable for horses. Beet pulp contains 18.0% crude fiber, which puts it on the borderline of being classified as for- age.
The equine digestive system is de-
signed to utilize fiber. The cecum, which is part of the large intestine, contains mi- crobes. These microbes break down cel- lulose and fiber. The fiber in beet pulp is broken down in the cecum and produces energy for the horse to utilize, just like for- age.
Another advantage of plain beet pulp
is the low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a numerical
number given to a food or feed. This num- ber represents the average increase in blood glucose after a meal. For example,
glucose level helps keep some horses calm. Feeds that con- tain high glycemic levels can spike blood glucose which causes some horses to become full of energy or “hot”. Horses that suffer from the
metabolic syndrome known as Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dys- function (Cushing’s disease) will also benefit from a diet that is beet pulp and forage based. These horses do not pro- duce insulin normally and blood glucose is not regulated properly. The resulting high levels of blood glucose can trigger a toxic situation result- ing in laminitis. There are two basic forms
of beet pulp: shredded and pel- leted. Many suppliers of beet pulp add molasses to make it more palatable to the horse. If you are using beet pulp to maintain a low glycemic index do not get the product with the added molasses. Though beet pulp is high
in digestible fiber it does not contain enough long stem fiber
to be fed as the only source of forage. Up to 25.0% of the horse’s total diet may be re- placed with beet pulp. Keep in mind that at least 5.0% of the horse’s diet must be a source of long stem fiber, for example; hay, pasture or alfalfa/timothy cubes. The long stem fiber is needed to keep the hindgut working properly. The fiber pieces should not be less than three quarters of an inch long. Here are two myths that
persist about feeding beet pulp to horses. Myth number one: it will
swell up and rupture the stom- ach.
The stomach of the horse
has the ability to detect when the maximum content level is approaching. A hormone called motilin is released. This hormone causes the stomach to empty - passing the contents into the small intestine and in turn to the large intestine. There is plenty of room and the beet pulp will be utilized very efficiently. Myth number two: beet
pulp needs to be soaked. Numerous horses have
been fed beet pulp dry with no problems. Horses that tend to eat
quickly or gulp their feed should have the beet pulp soaked or they may choke. Horses that choke on beet pulp may choke on other concen-
trated feeds. These horses usu- ally bolt their feed. A few large rocks in the feeder will slow down their consumption rate. Soaking may help…no matter what the feed is. Some horses may eat it
more readily if it is soaked. The pellet form may also be very hard, so soaking will help break it down. The amount of time to
soak beet pulp varies; many owners will just soak for 15 minutes in hot tap water, while others will soak it for an hour before feeding. Be sure to
throw out any soaked beet pulp that is not consumed in a rea- sonable amount of time, as it will ferment. Also, soaking helps get
more fluids into a horse. Beet pulp can help the
horse that has trouble maintain- ing weight or problems chew- ing. It can also be used as a hay extender if hay supplies are running low. There are many products
on the market that have a beet pulp base, for example senior feed. These products also con- tain the needed minerals and
Yor equine soutios patne since 1987
vitamins to balance the diet. As always, when intro-
ducing a new feed make all changes gradually to allow the microbes in the hindgut to ad- just.
* Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Equine Studies or certification as a Professional Horse Trainer or Riding In- structor. Start your new career as a riding instructor, horse trainer, or stable manager. All courses are online. Visit
www.horsecoursesonline.com for information.
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