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A healthy home life: Clean, airy stalls advantageous for horses
Creating a Healthy Stable Environment: Clean, Airy Stalls for Happy Horses
For thoroughbred racehorse trainers in Australia, maintaining clean, well-ventilated stalls is critical for the health and performance of your horses. Whether they are resting, recovering from injury, or simply spending time out of the paddock, the stable environment directly impacts their respiratory health, comfort, and overall well-being.
Why Clean, Airy Stalls Matter
Horses often spend significant time in stalls, especially when preparing for races or recovering from illness. While stabling has its advantages—like protecting against injuries and keeping coats in pristine condition—it also has its downsides. One of the biggest risks is exposure to aerial ammonia, a by-product of protein digestion that can accumulate in poorly ventilated or unclean stalls.
Ammonia irritates the lungs and can weaken the horse's respiratory system, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to take hold. Over time, this can compromise your horse's athletic ability and long-term health.
The Source of Ammonia
Ammonia comes from the breakdown of urea in horse urine by bacteria. The more protein your horse consumes, the more urea is excreted in their urine, which means higher potential ammonia levels in the stable. Feeding excessive protein is not only costly but also unnecessary for most horses.
In Australia, high-protein feeds like lucerne (alfalfa) hay are commonly used but may not always be suitable. Lucerne hay typically contains 11-20% protein, compared to 6-10% in grass hay. If you’re feeding lucerne, consider balancing it with lower-protein concentrates to avoid overloading your horse’s diet.
Managing Ammonia Levels
To keep ammonia levels in check, follow these simple but effective strategies:
Clean Stalls Regularly: Remove all manure and soiled bedding daily. Use deep bedding so urine can drain to the floor without pooling on the surface.
Choose Bedding Wisely: The type of bedding (straw, sawdust, or sand) doesn’t significantly affect ammonia levels, but the depth does. Use enough bedding to keep stalls dry and minimize odours.
Use Ammonia-Reducing Products: Sprinkle zeolite, hydrated lime, or sodium bisulphate on stall floors to neutralise odours and absorb moisture. These products have been shown to reduce ammonia levels and protect respiratory health.
Improve Ventilation: Proper airflow is critical. Ensure stables have wall vents, roof openings, or fans to keep fresh air circulating. This dilutes ammonia and helps maintain a healthier environment.
Feed Balanced Diets: Avoid overfeeding protein. Consult an equine nutritionist to ensure your horse’s ration meets their needs without excess. For most racehorses, grass hay or mixed hay (grass and lucerne) is sufficient.
A Healthy Home Means a Healthy Horse
Your horses’ respiratory health is vital for their performance and longevity. Reducing ammonia in the stable not only promotes better lung health but also creates a more pleasant environment for horses and handlers alike. Clean stalls, adequate ventilation, and thoughtful feeding practices are essential steps to support your horses’ well-being and set them up for success.
By implementing these measures, you’ll help your horses breathe easier, recover faster, and perform at their peak—all while maintaining a clean and professional stable environment.