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Picture Perfect Condition
Picture perfect condition is something we all dream about for our horses, but what really is “perfect” condition and how can we achieve it without the associated negatives – excess fat and energy. Condition is the relationship between muscle and fat, and factors in a horse’s body conformation, general alertness, behavioural normality and stamina. Increases in weight do not necessarily correlate to improved condition.
Energy vs Protein vs Fat
Feeding your horse to improve condition can be a complex and dependant on a few key factors:
Energy intake (fat, carbohydrate, or fibre energy)
Protein levels and amino acid profile
Minerals, trace elements., vitamins
... And most importantly the intake of the correct type of forage.
Improving condition requires a balanced intake of nutrients, allowing the horse to build skeletal muscle and deposit reasonable amounts of fat whilst still providing energy for maintaining its internal systems. This means an increase in all nutrients in a balanced, easily digestible and bioavailable form is crucial for achieving a horses’ ideal condition.
When only energy intake is increased, the condition of a horse does not improve. Increasing fat or carbohydrate levels will increase the energy levels but, energy intake that is greater than energy output will only result in additional fat deposits.
When only increasing the protein content, excess amino acids will be broken down leading to increased fat deposits and increased urinary nitrogen, which can over time place strain on the kidneys. It is safe to add small amounts of oil (fat) to the diet to increase energy reserves, and this can be more beneficial than using some forms of carbohydrate, however this should be considered as a short-term measure, unless exercise increases to match the higher nutrient intake.
About Barastoc Fibre-Beet Mash
Barastoc Fibre-Beet Mash combines Lucerne and Speedi-Beet™ together into one easy feed and offers an excellent source of highly digestible fibre in a wet feed form that is gentle for recuperating horses.
Barastoc Fibre-Beet Mash is a conditioning feed with a carefully formulated combination of Speedi-Beet™ and lucerne supplemented with biotin, sodium and calcium. It contains high levels of easily digested soluble fibre for slow energy release, along with being very low in starch and sugar.
Lucerne provides quality protein containing essential amino acids for muscle tone and function and the oat fibre provides a complementary nutrient profile. Barastoc Fibre-Beet Mash is designed to be fed wet and is ideal for horses in recovery.
