Horses, just as people, are individuals and have certain dietary needs and special requirements, according to the age of the horse, whether it is pregnant, lactating, stressed, getting older or any other factors that should be considered. It is important that the horse's diet includes the right amount of nutrients for its level of exercise, the condition of the horse, and even the time of the year.
For instance, in spring when rain and sunshine increase spring grass produces an excess of potassium. When horses get extra potassium from eating the spring grass, it reduces their magnesium uptake. Since horses do not store magnesium well, it can leave them deficient in this nutrient and this is one of the different supplements that can be of use to your horse this spring. It is important that the horse gets enough of this mineral, since it helps in muscle function, keeps blood sugar level and even helps to regulate the horse's moods. The uptake in magnesium is sometimes aided by sodium and that is one reason to have salt licks or loose sodium available at all times.
Horses love to graze and although their digestive systems are able to handle forage foods such as grass, they can get too much of a good thing. The spring grass has a high sugar content which can unbalance a horse's minerals and vitamins and disturb the natural bacteria in the intestines. If this occurs, the horse may exhibit symptoms such as spookiness, excitability, muscle soreness, stress, diarrhea and skin problems.
Another issue that arises from too much spring grass intake is caused by a mycotoxin fungus on the grass that may not be visible but will affect the horse. It can cause skin problems, diarrhea, anxiety and abnormal behavior. Some horses are very sensitive to this fungus while others appear to be immune. If any of these problems occur there are two main treatment options.
Treatment Options
If any of these problems occur there are two main treatment options. The horse can be kept from eating spring grass at all and just given its regular feed and hay. If this is not practical then try giving a toxin binder supplement that includes B Complex Vitamins B1, B6, St. John's Wort and magnesium. These ingredients promote normal nervous system function and prevent unwanted behavior and discomfort from nutrition deficiency. Do not look for the least expensive binder on the market as it may not have enough effective ingredients. A change in the horse should be noticeable in about two weeks.
Spring is also a good time of year to check out the general condition of your horse. Horses should have a good worming when needed and a good feeding program should be planned for each individual horse. Teeth should be checked so that food can be well chewed to aid in digestion and the hooves should be in good condition. Regular brushing and grooming will help shed the winter coat and let the sleek summer coat to come through. This is essential to the horse's comfort and temperature regulation in the summer.
A bit of research and a talk with the veterinarian will no doubt produce other ideas and different supplements that can be of use to your horse this spring. Excellent care and continued good treatment will help ensure you have a delightful, healthy animal that you can love and enjoy for many years.
Author Resource:-
Horses are designed to eat forage and chaff but this may need an equine supplement to add any deficient mineral content to the forage.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.megaezines.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed