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TheHorse.com THE HORSE September 2016
was expecting the other horses' breathing
issues to resolve, but this horse's improve-
ment was an unexpected surprise."
The horse with the tracheotomy
produced significantly less mucous, and
his condition improved greatly within
a week. Mueller saw the same scenario
in the horse with equine asthma. "The
composted bedding kept the dust down
and improved breathing, keeping airways
from constricting and causing an asthma
attack," she says.
"It was important anecdotal evidence,
and I'd like to see it in a double-blind
study to prove the results we had," she
adds. "Startup costs are high, but once
installed, the system saves money over
time. It's more environmentally friendly
and beneficial for the horses because it
holds a level of moisture in the bedding
that keeps dust and allergens down."
Seed Hulls and Plant Byproducts
The thin seed coats (as opposed to hard
shells or pods) and other byproducts from
cottonseed, oats, peanuts, rice, wheat,
and other agricultural crops are generally
available in the geographic area in which
they're grown (rice on the West Coast and
in the Southwest; wheat in the Northwest
and Great Plains; peanuts in the South).
Mixing the lighter hulls with a more
absorbent bedding keeps the surface dry,
while moisture drains into the heavier
layer and can be lifted out. The combina-
tion composts relatively slow, however.
Online reviewers say rice hulls dry out
quickly (so on the flip side, they aren't
super absorbent); are easy to use because
the dry hulls readily fall through the
muck rake; result in fewer hoof problems;
and as a bonus, put a great shine on
horses' coats. However, horses reportedly
like to eat rice hulls (so, an impaction
worry) unless mixed with a less palatable
material or soiled.
One example of a seed hull product,
made from rice hulls, contains diatoma-
ceous earth and montmorillonite clay to
increase absorbency and combat odors
and flies and costs $9-14 per 50-pound (6
cubic feet) bag.
Take-Home Message
When evaluating various types of
bedding for your particular horse(s)
and operation, keep in mind that the
less product used, the less you'll have to
purchase, store, move, and dispose of.
To select the best bedding for your (and
your horse's) needs, evaluate those factors
along with the health risks and benefits of
all the products available in your area.
h
FARM&BARN;
TH 2016-09b
Tired of guessing what product
your horse needs?
Ask your vet.
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Developed by:
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KPPvet.com, 859-873-2974
WeightGainWise
TM
Safely adding condition after
weight loss due to illness.
Composted bedding, seen being turned here, is
the new kid on the block.
COURTESY
GREEN
MOUNTAIN
TECHNOLOGIES