( FOCUS ON FEEDING ) Fast Fibre – Hay Shortage T
he summer may have been glorious but high temperatures and a lack of rain has had serious implications for grazing and forage supplies. There is wide expectation that there will be a hay shortage in many areas over the winter. With owners already having to feed hay to their horses out in the fields due to a lack of available grass, Joanna Palmer, Equine Nutritionist, Allen & Page Ltd advises that careful conservation of forage supplies is of the utmost importance. With fibre (in the form of forage) being the most important component of every horse’s diet, how do we ensure their fibre needs are met when we’re having to watch our precious stores of hay diminishing rapidly before winter has even started? Fast Fibre is the answer! Our quick soaking, high fibre feed is similar to hay in terms of the nutrition it provides, and can be used as a partial forage replacer. Being very low in starch and sugar Fast Fibre is ideal for horses and ponies prone to, or at risk of laminitis.
Whilst long fibre such as hay is the most natural winter forage for horses and ponies, do not wait until your hay supplies are running low before taking action. Early preparation and careful planning is key to maintaining a workable, cost effective solution to any potential forage shortage. Just by replacing a small
proportion of your horse’s daily hay allowance now you will help to avoid any sudden changes in his feed in the future. For instance if your horse normally has an 8kg net of hay over- night, try reducing this amount to 7kg and topping up his fibre needs with 1kg (dry weight) of Fast Fibre. This won’t be a huge change to his diet and will continue to ensure he receives adequate fibre whilst allowing you to keep some hay back to feed later in the winter. Why is fibre so important?
Horses have digestive systems that are designed to be trickle fed an almost constant supply of fibre. Not only is this fibre vital for good digestive health, but its digestion also creates body heat as it is fermented in the gut which helps to keep the horse warm during the colder weather. A lack of fibre in the horse’s
it is also a perfect choice of feed for older horses and ponies who have difficulty chewing hay, due to natural, age-related decline in their dental condition.
diet will result in weight loss regardless of how much high calorie 'bucket' feed he is given. Horses that do not eat enough fibre are more likely to develop digestive problems such as colic, along with behavioural issues, including ag- gression, grumpiness and crib biting due to the horse’s inability to fulfil natural feeding and chewing behav- iours. Not only can Fast Fibre be used to help ease a potential hay shortage,
As part of our ever-popular Barley & Molasses Free Range, Fast Fibre is free from barley and molasses and also doesn’t contain any whole cereal grains or alfalfa, making it ideal for horses and ponies who suffer from intolerances to these common feed ingredients. Fast Fibre contains no artificial flavours or aromas, instead we only use natural herbs including, mint and fenugreek for their well-known properties and to ensure it is appealing to even the fussiest of horses. Being a soaked feed Fast Fibre is also ideal for those with worn or missing teeth.
For more information on our feeds and feeding forage this winter call our friendly, award-winning nutrition helpline on 01362 822902,
email us at
helpline@allenandpage.co.uk visit our website
www.allenandpage.com or find us on Facebook @allenandpagefeed
12
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
For the latest news visit
www.centralhorsenews.co.uk
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