The Horse

DEC 2017

The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.

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43 December 2017 THE HORSE TheHorse.com are no specific 'winter supplement' re- quirements, and products that claim such benefits are usually overpriced and not necessary. Be sure to carefully evaluate the label claims and avoid products that do not give a complete and specific list of ingredients." Williams adds that confining horses to stalls for long periods due to inclem- ent weather imposes stress that might compromise immunity. Horses might find relief in immune-boosting supple- ments such as vitamin E (around 1,000 mg per day) and vitamin C (0.01 gram per kilogram body weight, twice a day). And, she says, if horses are cold-stressed, adding higher-calorie supplements such as grain-based concentrates or high-fat supplements such as rice bran or edible oils might be warranted. Water It's vital that horses continue consum- ing sufficient water in winter. "Reduced water intake reduces feed intake, which reduces energy intake," says Coleman. In warm weather pastured horses eat more—and substantially wetter—grass than hay. So, in winter, if their forage changes to hay, they'll need to drink more water to digest it effectively. Horses are known to avoid ice-cold water, so heating your horse's water will make it more palatable. "Use a water source that can be warmed to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4 degrees Celsius, and check that the water doesn't become too warm, which can also reduce intake," says Coleman. He also advises checking to be sure the electrical service is well- grounded so no stray voltage zaps your horse. And, he warns that heated water buckets can be fire hazards. "We know that horses will maximize their water consumption when the water temperature is between 45 and 65 degrees NEW & IMPROVED FORMULA CROUP LOIN WITHERS & BACK Nutrena's unique approach to topline health. Featured in specific Nutrena ® premium equine feeds. Look for the Topline Balance TM emblem. ©201 7 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Just like humans, horses have a core muscle group that enables motion, performance, and drive—and proper nutrition is key to a healthy core. Known as the topline, a horse's core plays an important role in how a horse performs, looks, and feels. A strong and healthy topline signifies core strength and proper nutrition. Research proves Nutrena ® feeds are the best when it comes to topline. Experience it by trying new Empower ® Topline Balance TM horse feed. THE FIRST CHOICE IN TOPLINE HEALTH Empower® Topline Balance TM Evaluate your horse's topline health and get a tailored feeding recommendation at ToplineBalance.com. Give horses with shaggy winter coats a hands-on assessment of their body condition. ISTOCK.COM

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