Management of the Older Horse
Management of the older horse has become a topic of discussion in recent years due to an increase in the number of older horses. Horse owners are becoming more aware of special management concerns as well as nutritional needs for these horses.
Areas of concern with regard to nutritional management are poor teeth, and reduction in digestive capabilities of the older horse.
Poor teeth or lack of teeth can prevent the older horse from eating hay and sometimes pasture. This can lead to insufficient quantities of digestible fiber for these horses. Poor teeth can result in decreased ability to chew whole grains, resulting in poor digestion and feed wastage.
Research has shown that digestion of protein, phosphorus and fiber is reduced in the older horse. They may also have lower plasma levels of vitamin C than younger horses. The Total Diet levels for the older horse should contain 12% protein and .3 - .4% phosphorus (D.M. basis). Signs that indicate a decrease in digestion are weight loss, poor hair coat and general unthriftiness.
Dietary management of the older horse can be addressed in two ways depending on whether or not the horse can still eat hay and/or pasture in sufficient quantities.
1. If the horse can eat hay well, and it is grass hay or pasture, the
concentrate should be 14% protein and .5 to .6% phosphorus (as fed basis). At these levels, the Total Diet recommendations listed above should be met.
If necessary, calories can be increased by adding a fat source to the grain mix. A low fiber level in the concentrate will also keep calories elevated.
Extrusion of the grain mix will also benefit the older horse. The extrusion process breaks down grain structures so they are more easily digested in the upper gut. This prevents undigested starches and sugars from reaching the cecum, altering microbial fermentation, and upsetting the digestive system.
The concentrate should contain appropriate trace mineral and vitamin levels, including vitamin C for the older horse.
2. If the horse cannot eat hay well, a complete feed should be fed. You will find small hay balls near the hay if they are having a problem swallowing it. Digestible fiber sources such as beet pulp, soy hulls or alfalfa can be processed into complete feeds. Protein and energy sources, minerals, vitamins and oil are added to the fiber sources to make the appropriate diet.
Since no additional forage can be eaten by these horses, feeding a complete feed should be broken down into 4X daily feedings. This helps maintain normal gut function and reduce boredom. The owner must also realize that a complete feed contains the concentrate and forage portions of the diet “in the bag”. A 1000 lb. horse will eat 15 to 20 lbs. per day (1.5 to 2.0% of body weight) of a complete feed if no additional forages are fed.
If the horse has difficulty chewing the complete feed, water can be added to make a slurry that is more easily swallowed.
Management of the older horse also includes a preventative health care program, exercise and a comfortable environment. Along with proper nutritional management, the older horse should be with us for many more years of enjoyment.
BUCKEYE FEEDS FOR THE OLDER HORSE
Maturity/Senior - 12% protein .8% Ca
Formula 5% fat .4% P
15% fiber
Maturity/Senior Formula is a texturized (sweet) complete feed that contains beet pulp and soy hulls as the fiber sources with added oil and vitamin C.
Wrangler - 12% protein .8% Ca
3% fat .4 % P
20% fiber
Wrangler is a pelleted complete feed with alfalfa as the fiber source.
Endurance 101 - 14% protein .9% Ca
10% fat .6% P
4% fiber
Endurance 101 is an extruded feed that is easily digested by the older horse. Mineral and vitamin levels including B-vitamins and vitamin C are elevated. The horse must be able to eat hay with this feed.
Buckeye Nutrition
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