What determines the level of lysine used in Ultium, Strategy, the Omolenes and Equine Junior?

Equine research provides estimates of the daily requirements for lysine by different classes of horses. Many studies on amino acid requirements of horses have also been conducted at the Purina Horse Research Center. Based on the information available, Purina horse feeds are formulated so that the requirement for lysine is met when the feed is fed as recommended. Then further studies are conducted at the Purina Horse Research Center and with research cooperators to confirm that the feeds perform as expected before they are marketed.

What should I feed a geriatric horse?

The older horse has many problems that may affect the utilization of its feed. One of the most common problems is the loss of the ability to chew hay and grain. Purina's Equine Senior was designed to meet the special needs of the aged horse by preprocessing the hay and grain so chewing is unnecessary. Equine Senior also contains sources and levels of carbohydrates, protein and fat as well as vitamins and minerals that meet the unique needs of the older horse.

How should I feed a young horse to avoid abnormal bone development?

In order to grow to their genetic potential, young horses have to be fed high quality feeds with the proper levels and balances of protein, minerals and vitamins. Many problems can be prevented by paying careful attention to feeding the proper feed in the proper amount. Purina products such as Omolene 200 & 300, Strategy and Equine Junior were designed for feeding to young horses. Unfortunately, many factors besides nutrition influence bone development in young horses. These factors include genetics, management, injuries and disease. If these factors are involved, it is advisable to obtain veterinary medical assistance and counsel. It may be necessary to reduce growth rate by restricting feed. If feed is restricted, it is essential to provide a feed with high levels and proper balances of essential nutrients. Purina's Equine Junior is a complete feed containing both hay and grain that is especially useful in cases where it is necessary to maintain close control of the quantity of hay and grain being fed while still assuring adequate intake of essential nutrients. For further information on feeding young horses, click here.

What is the biotin level in horse feeds?

Biotin is one of the B vitamins. Biotin has many roles in animal metabolism but is probably best known for the effects it may have in improving hoof condition in some problem horses. Natural feed ingredients contain 0.1 to 0.2 mg of biotin per pound of feed. Biotin is also synthesized and absorbed from the cecum and large intestine of the horse so that the total amount from feed plus absorption from the intestine is more than adequate to meet the needs of most horses. Horses that have been off feed or sick, especially with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal conditions, may benefit from Biotin supplementation. Also, research has shown that feeding very high and expensive levels of Biotin (total intakes of 15 mg to 30 mg per day) for a year or more will improve hoof condition in some horses. Supplements can be purchased that are designed to furnish high levels of Biotin as well as certain other nutrients believed to be involved in hoof growth. Most horses will not need additional Biotin supplementation if they receive high quality feeds such as the Purina Ultium, Omolenes and Strategy that contain normal levels of biotin along with the proper levels and balances of protein, minerals, and other vitamins.

What affects the potassium level of horse feeds?

Potassium is a mineral that is very important in animal physiology and is very abundant in most natural feedstuffs. It is found in very high levels in certain horse feeds such as alfalfa and other legumes, molasses and protein meals used as supplements in horse feeds. Grains contain the least amount of potassium. Therefore, feeds that contain large amounts of alfalfa, molasses and/or protein supplements will have higher levels of potassium. Normally, horses have no difficulty excreting excess dietary potassium. Horses that have the condition known as hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) appear to have difficulty excreting excess dietary potassium and benefit from diets containing lower levels of potassium. The greatest reduction in dietary potassium can be accomplished by replacing alfalfa hay in their diet with grass hay. Additional reduction in potassium intake can be realized by using feeds containing the least amounts of alfalfa, molasses and protein. Purina sweet feeds and pellets with lower protein levels and Strategy can be utilized in diets of horses with HYPP. Complete feeds with roughage such as Equine Senior, Equine Junior and Equine Adult can also be fed to horses with HYPP if the horses do not receive additional hay or pasture with these feeds.

How should I feed a pregnant mare?

The pregnancy period of mares is approximately 11 months. The mare should be fed to maintain excellent body condition and should receive feeds supplemented with vitamins and minerals throughout her pregnancy. At birth, a normal foal will weigh approximately 10% of its mother’s weight. Most of this weight is gained the last 90 days of pregnancy. The mare should receive a diet with higher levels of protein, minerals and vitamins during the last 90 days of pregnancy to support rapid fetal growth. Thus, a mare can be fed good quality hay or pasture and a high quality feed such as Omolene 100 or Strategy during early pregnancy and fed increased amounts of Strategy or Omolene 200 during the latter stages of pregnancy. Refer to the Purina product information on Strategy or Omolene for more detailed feeding instructions. Click here for Omolene and click here for Strategy.

How should I feed a horse after colic or colic surgery?

The veterinarian treating the colic or who performed the surgery should be consulted for specific recommendations on feeding the horse. The veterinarian is in the best position to know how the cause of the colic and/or the site and extent of the surgery will affect feeding recommendations. Purina Equine Senior, Equine Adult or Horse Chow are often used because they contain little or no grain and have fiber with small particle sizes that are easily digested with limited residues. Purina Ultium may also be recommended in some situations, due to the high fat, high fermentable fiber, and low nonstructural carbohydrate content.

How should I feed a horse that has laminitis?

The horses should be fed to maintain moderate to low body weights so that excess weight does not aggravate the laminitic condition. Diets for horses with laminitis should contain digestible fiber sources and fat with little or no starch. Purina products to consider include Ultium, Strategy, Equine Senior, Equine Adult, Horse Chow, Nature’s Essentials Mare & Maintenance and Nature’s Essentials Born to Win.

What should I feed a horse that "ties up"?

The condition in horses commonly referred to as "tying up" is characterized by muscle stiffness, difficulty in moving, hard, tense muscles in the back, and dark colored urine. These signs are all due to muscle damage that can result from a variety of causes including feeding methods and training techniques as well as genetic defects in the muscle. Feeding high levels of grain during idle periods is a major nutritional cause of tying-up. Grain levels should be reduced when the workload is reduced and the horses should be fed more hay. It is hard to predict when tying-up will occur, but it is more likely to occur in females than males. Nervous, high-strung horses seem to be especially susceptible to the condition. It may be helpful to use feeds that contain lesser amounts of starch and more digestible fiber and fat. Purina products such as Strategy, Ultium and Amplify may be useful in managing the tying-up condition.

Should foals be "creep" fed?

The term "creep-feeding" generally refers to the supplemental feeding of foals while they are still nursing. The term "creep-feeding" originated with calf feeding where feeding facilities were constructed to prevent adult animals from getting access to the feed while groups of small calves were able to "creep" through a small opening to gain access to the feed. Similar facilities have been used to “supplement feed” groups of foals. However, this is not the preferred method of supplemental feeding because of risk of injuries to foals and because it may allow more aggressive foals to over-consume feed and grow at excessive rates. Excessive growth rates in foals may result in abnormal bone development and lameness. If at all possible, foals should be individually fed so that each foal can be fed according to its needs and so that each foal will get the intended amount of supplemental feed. Purina Strategy and Omolene 300 are good choices for creep feeding.