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Obese horse – How should I feed it?

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Sport Pony – How should I feed it?

From a sporting point of view, a pony is defined by the FEI as “a small horse which, measured on a level surface, does not exceed 148 cm in height without shoes or 149 cm when properly shod”. This sporting definition is broad, including horses of small stature as well as ponies of a specific breed (e.g. the Shetland).

Ignoring the characteristic phenotypic differences of ponies, what differentiates them from horses from a nutritional point of view?

Although a pony's digestive system is identical to that of any other equine, there are some peculiarities to consider. During the evolutionary process, ponies have adapted to make their survival viable in adverse conditions, namely with a shortage of food resources and lower quality food. For this reason, ponies generally maintain an adequate body condition without large food resources, and are commonly referred to as easy keepers. Therefore, one of the main difficulties in managing the diet of ponies is providing them with the nutrients they need without this leading to an excessive caloric intake, with consequent weight gain.

It should also be noted that ponies, when compared to other horses, have a higher risk of developing problems such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and laminitis. Obesity, in turn, causes joint overload and loss of performance. Therefore, establishing adequate feeding management in ponies is particularly important, as is monitoring it efficiently through assessment of body condition.

General rules for feeding ponies

Like horses, a pony should consume 1 to 2% of its live weight in forage and/or feed daily. For example, a pony weighing around 200 kg should consume around 4 kg of dry matter, in hay and concentrated feed. Given their pronounced appetite and the calorie restriction that is necessary to avoid obesity, weighing the feed and controlling the portions administered is particularly important.

The forage ingested (hay/grass) may not be sufficient to guarantee an adequate mineral and vitamin intake, particularly in sport ponies, so it may be necessary to include a complementary compound feed (“ration”) in the feeding management of this pony.

These foods provide the necessary minerals and vitamins, but they also provide calories. If this intake is sustainable, considering the pony's physical activity, a regular concentrate feed can be used in an appropriate quantity. In ponies that have a tendency to gain excessive weight, other complementary options are recommended.

Other possible options

We can use a balancing food, which will meet the needs of lysine (limiting essential amino acid), vitamins and minerals, with a low caloric intake, reducing the risk of obesity. In general, these foods are extremely concentrated, which is why they are given in small portions, with a low supply of non-structural carbohydrates, which makes them safe to use even in ponies diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or laminitis.

BALANCE

Another possibility is to add a vitamin and mineral supplement (“supplement”) to complement the forage diet.

MULTIVIT

A good suggestion is to use a fine mesh net to feed the hay. This way, we can prolong the time it takes for the pony to eat and chew, allowing it to display a more natural eating behavior, thus promoting a greater feeling of satiety and gastric well-being.

to retain:

• Ponies are prone to obesity, so portion and calorie control is particularly important.
• In ponies that tend to be overweight and are subjected to intense physical effort, we must supplement the hay with a balancer or a mineral and vitamin “supplement”.

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Fiber – What are super fibers?

Pastures or forages are, naturally, the first source of fiber in the horse's diet. However, there are foods that are also important sources of fiber and that have a higher energy density than forages, with a higher content of digestible fiber - these foods are called "super fibers".

The energy density of “super fibers” is lower than the energy density of cereals (e.g. corn, barley and oats) and, given their fibrous nature, they do not present the risks associated with excessive starch intake, and are therefore considered a safe way to provide extra energy and promote intestinal health.

“Super fibers” are often constituents of complementary compound foods (“rations”), providing fiber to this food, and are particularly present in commercial foods with claims of “rich in fiber” or “cereal free”. In the latter, in the absence of cereals, fat also plays a prominent role in the energy supply.

They are also used as a complement to forage and the usual compound feed, and are particularly useful:

• Complementing hays with low digestibilities.
• When we want to provide more energy without increasing starch levels (when concentrate consumption is already significant or in horses particularly susceptible to it, as is the case of horses with Gastric Ulcers or predisposition to myopathies).
• In animals with dental problems, such as geriatric horses, given the difficulty they have in consuming adequate amounts of forage/pasture.
• In horses with difficulty maintaining adequate body condition.
• In horses subjected to prolonged efforts (such as in endurance racing), they benefit from this source of energy, which additionally promotes water retention in the extravascular space, helping the intestine to function as a reservoir of water and electrolytes.
• Among other uses.

Most used “super fibers”

The most commonly used “super fibers” in horse feed are beet pulp and soybean hulls. Other less commonly used types of super fibers include almond shells or citrus pulp, which, despite being highly digestible fibers, have reduced palatability when used in this species.

beet pulp

Beet pulp has a considerable digestible fibre content (around 85% of its fibre is digestible), is low in starch and is considered a food relatively low in sugar (around 10% of sugar). It has a variable protein content (ranging from 8 to 12%), similar to a good grass forage, and the calcium content is significant, although lower than that found, for example, in alfalfa.

Despite the advantages of this product, it is not advisable to use it as a substitute for forage, but rather as a complement, as it is quickly fermentable, contains essentially digestible fiber and is relatively poor in other substances that forage provides (for example, vitamins and other minerals).

ALFABEET

soy hull

Soybean hulls are often incorporated into concentrated feeds to provide fiber, and are highly digestible fibers (around 75%). They are less commonly consumed as a complement to hay and concentrated feed, and are less frequently sold in granulated form to end customers, which means they are less palatable.

Other foods used to provide fiber

Wheat bran

Wheat bran is a common constituent of concentrated feeds. The fibre content of this raw material is not as high as one might think, with 10 to 12% of crude fibre (as opposed to around 20% in beet pulp) and its use alone, in addition to concentrated feed and forage, has some drawbacks that should be taken into account:

• It is a food rich in phosphorus and poor in calcium, and this raw material has an inverted calcium/phosphorus ratio (the calcium/phosphorus ratio of a horse food should be 1.5 to 2 to 1). This ratio is corrected when the bran is incorporated into a concentrated food, through the addition of calcium. When its use is isolated and done empirically by owners, it can contribute to orthopedic problems in growing animals, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, among other problems.
• The starch content is not negligible, varying between 15 and 20%.
• Wheat bran that has not been thermally processed is often a raw material that is not very “clean” from a microbiological point of view.

Lucerne

Lucerne is also used as a source of good quality fiber. Although the digestible fiber content of lucerne varies, like any forage, it is a good option, with a significant protein and calcium content.

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to retain:

• Highly digestible fiber sources with a higher energy density than forage are commonly referred to as “super fibers”.
• The use of “super fibers” allows you to supplement low-digestibility hay, increase energy intake without increasing starch, provide fiber to horses with dental problems, among other uses.

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Fiber – How important is it?

Whether we are talking about sport or breeding horses, the basis of good feeding management is to choose a good forage feed, as well as to provide this feed in adequate quantities. This is because horses are herbivores, and from an anatomical and physiological point of view, they are prepared to meet a large part of their energy needs through the digestion of fibrous feed.

Digestion of fibrous food

Regarding the digestion of fibrous food, this occurs through microbial fermentation in the cecum and colon, with the support of a resident microflora consisting of bacteria, protozoa and yeasts. These fermentation processes result in volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are absorbed into the bloodstream and converted into glucose for immediate use, or stored in the form of fat, constituting energy reserves for future use.

The forage source must therefore be seen as a fundamental energy resource, but it is not limited to this role alone. The provision of forage food, in adequate quantities or “ad libitum”, is beneficial from a behavioral, gastrointestinal and nutritional point of view.

• behavioral

Providing forage is an essential factor in the performance of the horse's physiological behavior, as it allows the horse to reproduce its behavior in a natural environment, providing continued intake over time, reducing behavioral problems (known as “tantrums”).

• Gastrointestinal

Providing forage feed contributes to adequate intestinal motility.

This food is necessary for the maintenance of an adequate resident intestinal flora, and the relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the horse is symbiotic (both parties benefit). The horse needs this microbial flora (mostly composed of cellulolytic bacteria) to digest the fiber. Fiber, in turn, is necessary for this microbiota to remain stable, preventing an increased development of lactic acid-producing bacteria that promote intestinal acidity, making the environment more favorable to the development of pathogenic bacteria such as coli and the Salmonella.

Continued chewing associated with fibrous food contributes to an increase in salivation, as saliva naturally contains bicarbonate that acts as a buffer, promoting an increase in gastric pH and contributing to the prevention of problems associated with gastric acidity, such as Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome, which is so prevalent in athletic horses.

Fiber also contributes to water retention in the intestine, with the large intestine functioning as an important water reservoir, available when the horse needs it, preventing dehydration and electrolyte depletion during prolonged efforts.

• nutritional

Fibrous feed, in addition to being a source of energy, is also a source of minerals and vitamins that are important for horses. It is also important as a fermentable substrate for the intestinal microbiota, which has the ability to produce some B vitamins.

to retain:

• Forage feed is essential from an energy point of view and for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Its quantity should correspond to approximately 1.5% of the horse's live weight and constitute approximately 60% of the total feed provided (minimum 50%).
• Insufficient fiber consumption contributes to the development of behavioral problems (“tantrums”), intestinal acidosis, intestinal dysbiosis, gastric ulcers, “colic”, among other problems.

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Seven myths – Horse feeding

1 – “Concentrated feed is the basis of equine nutrition, hay is secondary.”

Forage (pasture, hay) should make up 60 to 100 % of the horse's diet. Concentrate feed should only be fed to horses in work and/or competition, to mares in the last third of pregnancy and lactation and to other horses whose energy and protein needs are increased. In cases where the available hay alone is not sufficient in terms of energy and nutrients, a feed supplement should be provided.

In short, for the diet to be correct and balanced, it is estimated that the horse should ingest around 2 % of its body weight in dry matter daily, which in a 500 kg horse represents 10 kg of dry matter; these 10 kg should be distributed, ideally, considering a minimum of 6 to 7 kg of forage feed.

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ALFALFA

ALFABEET

2 – “Concentrated feed high in protein causes excitability in my horse.”

Feeding a horse a diet with excess protein causes its body to produce more heat and ammonia, not necessarily excitable behavior.

However, there are studies that show that a diet rich in non-structural carbohydrates (starch and simple sugars) is related to a horse's potential excitability. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the provision of concentrated feeds of this type. Horses with an excitable temperament benefit from feeds low in starch and sugars.

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NATURE MASH

3 – “Feeding cereal grain-based food causes colic in horses.”

The term “colic” refers to a syndrome of abdominal pain, which can be caused by a number of factors. The horse’s gastrointestinal tract is long and complex, and is highly susceptible to inflammation, distension, displacement, etc. Poor feeding management can cause colic, so it is important to evaluate specific aspects of the diet, such as the characteristics of the food, feeding management, among other factors.

The risk of colic increases with: high consumption of concentrated feed (above 4 to 5 kg/day for a horse weighing 500 kg live weight); restricted or no access to pasture; low consumption of forage feed (below 5 to 6 kg/day for a horse weighing 500 kg live weight); ingestion of poor quality forage; decreased water consumption; among other factors.

4 – “Alfalfa is too rich a food to be entirely safe to give to horses.”

Alfalfa contains more protein, digestible energy and calcium than grass hays, but is generally lower in soluble sugars. Alfalfa’s reputation for being “rich” may come from the fact that it is made up of highly nutritious leaves, which are more digestible than most hays; this can contribute to gastrointestinal problems, and even colic, if introduced into the horse’s diet too quickly. It is therefore advisable to introduce alfalfa hay gradually into the horse’s diet so that it can acclimatize.

The use of alfalfa as a single forage feed is not recommended, and it is preferable to provide limited quantities of it simultaneously with grass hay, avoiding excess energy/protein or excess calcium.

Alfalfa provides protection against the development of ulcers (thanks to its buffering effect arising from high levels of protein and calcium) and is considered beneficial in preventing developmental orthopedic diseases (DODs) in foals.

WAFERS

ALFALFA

5 – “High protein diets cause DODs (developmental orthopedic diseases) in growing horses.”

Nutrition, physical exercise and genetics are the main factors that determine correct and healthy bone development, although they can also be the cause of DODs.

Mineral imbalances and protein imbalances are both thought to cause DODs. Feeding a growing foal a diet with excess protein (above protein requirements) will not increase the rate of growth, nor will protein restriction result in improved bone growth. However, restricting protein availability by reducing feed intake will affect growth rate and bone development. A specifically formulated foal feed is essential.

YOUNG

6 – “Providing water to a horse that has just worked and is still “hot” and tired will cause colic.”

Several studies have shown that a “hot” and sweaty horse that drinks water immediately after work is no more likely to develop colic or laminitis than one that only drinks after recovery. Therefore, it is advisable to allow the horse to drink water when it is most thirsty, which will most likely be immediately after training, and not after it has “cooled down”. Providing water only after recovery may result in lower water intake even if the horse is dehydrated, which is undesirable.

7 – “Questions related to the horse’s weight are only related to the way it is fed.”

Not necessarily. Issues related to the horse's weight (above or below the ideal weight) can result from numerous situations such as: dental problems, parasitism, systemic diseases, metabolic problems, laminitis, among others. In cases where a horse increases/decreases its body weight significantly, a veterinarian and/or nutritionist should be consulted.

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Twelve foods not to be fed to horses

It’s perfectly natural to want to reward our horses with “treats” when we feel they deserve it, and there’s no harm or risk involved in doing so. However, to be perfectly “safe,” we must be aware of what we can and cannot provide.

Horses should have as natural a diet as possible, and ideally they should have access to quality pasture. Whether or not they have access to pasture, it is essential to provide horses with quality hay and fresh, clean water. Since the historical evolution of horses has led to their being kept in stables and used for sporting purposes, it has become essential to supplement their diet with a concentrated feed that allows them to meet their increased energy, protein and vitamin needs.

Food to be fed to horses (occasionally)

Carrot, Apple (pitted), Pear (pitted), Watermelon, Plum (pitted), Apricot (pitted), Melon (peelless), Peach (pitted), Strawberries, Mango, Grapes, Raisins, Banana (peelless), Pineapple (peelless), Orange (peelless), Celery.

It should always be borne in mind that over-consumption of any of the above-mentioned foods can unbalance the horse's diet, as well as its natural microbiota, which is essential for normal intestinal function, which is not desirable. Moderation is therefore the key to success.

Foods not to be given to horses

1. Chocolate – Why? Consuming large amounts of chocolate can be lethal to horses because the chemical molecule theobromine is toxic to the species. In competition horses, chocolate can even lead to doping.

2. Meat – Why? Horses are herbivores, so their digestive system is not prepared to digest meat. Since there are no studies that reveal the effects of meat consumption by horses, its supply should be made unfeasible.

3. Dairy products – Why? Adult horses are lactose intolerant, so providing them with cheese, milk, ice cream or yogurt may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis and diarrhea.

4. Bread, cakes, etc. – Why? As a general rule, processed foods for human consumption should not be given to horses, as they can cause abdominal pain (colic).

5. Tomatoes – Why? Tomatoes contain a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to horses. This glycoalkaloid is present in the stems and leaves of the plant, as well as in the fruit (particularly when green). In addition, the food contains atropine, which can cause, among other effects, a decrease in intestinal motility, which can lead to colic.

6. Garlic – Why? Garlic contains a toxic molecule called N-Propyl Disulfide, which causes changes in the enzyme Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase present in erythrocytes, reducing the cell’s ability to prevent hemoglobin oxidation. As a result, oxidative damage to the hemoglobin molecule may occur. The damaged erythrocytes are subsequently removed from circulation, resulting in anemia due to a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells.

7. Onions – Why? Onions are part of the garlic family, so they also contain N-propyl disulfide, which can also cause anemia. Chives and leeks are also part of this family.

8. Potatoes – Why? Like tomatoes, potatoes contain a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to horses called solanine. Eating this food presents a greater risk when it is “green” or rotten.

9. Avocado – Why? Avocado is a toxic food for horses, as is the tree from which it comes, including its skin and leaves. Avocado contains persin, a substance derived from the fatty acids present in the food, which is considered to be responsible for the toxicity of this fruit. Eating avocado can cause an irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, neurological dysfunction or colic, and can even result in the death of the horse.

10. Cruciferous vegetables – Why? Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts should not be fed to horses due to the gas production associated with ingesting these foods.

11. Moldy or dirty hay – In addition to providing horses with high-quality hay, it is also important to check the condition of the hay to ensure that it is free of dirt or mold. Mold spores can cause irreversible damage to the horse’s respiratory system.

12. Feed designed for other animal species – Horses should not be fed feed designed for any other animal species. What is beneficial for cows, for example, is not beneficial for horses and may ultimately result in the death of the animals.

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Covid-19 – Intacol preventive measures

Intacol – Indústria Agro-Alimentares, within the scope of the Covid-19 infection, has defined a set of preventive measures that aim to protect the health and well-being of its employees, customers and the community in general, thus ensuring the normal functioning of the company's activities.

General preventive measures:

• Restriction of visits to clients to what is strictly necessary/urgent;
• Reduction of contact between colleagues, promoting teleworking among the majority of the company's employees;
• Promotion of compliance with the general DGS standards by all those involved (safety distance of at least 1 meter, frequent and appropriate hand washing, use of protective equipment, among others).

Our factory is currently operating at full capacity, with the following preventive measures having been adopted:

• Shifts will be defined for lunch, breaks and travel between buildings in the factory, in order to always ensure distance between workers;
• Workers performing the same function will be placed in different groups and/or shifts to minimize the likelihood of contagion;
• The company's shipments will be made solely through a carrier;
• Drivers from external companies will not be allowed to circulate around the factory.

Therefore, we recommend that you place your orders with more time in advance than usual, as due to the current situation, logistics companies may not be able to meet delivery deadlines.

In order to equally ensure the feeding of all horses fed by us, Intacol will not accept orders whose quantities exceed the usual for 1 month.

“Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures, but the safety and well-being of our customers and employees is our highest priority.”

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Covid-19 – Will it affect equestrian sport?

Will COVID-19 affect equestrian sport? Yes, it will. In the immediate term, the FEI has already cancelled several equestrian sporting events in an attempt to prevent the continued spread of the virus. The future is still uncertain for FEI Championship qualifying events, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In any case, it is clear that we need to take measures as a community to prevent the risk of contagion by the virus, as well as its impact on the health of the members of this community, particularly those in the designated risk groups.

Therefore, it is suggested to riders, in accordance with the recommendations of the DGS and WHO, that:

– Protect yourself and others by leaving the care of your horse to those strictly necessary for its feeding and physical exercise;

– Preferably use outdoor arenas, if this is not possible, opt for well-ventilated indoor spaces;

– Comply with the recommended social distancing – after all, your main partner is your horse! Opt for individual training/rides; avoid close proximity during handling and in the periods before and after practice;

– Good hygiene practices should be adopted, reinforcing hand washing according to the appropriate technique;

– Respect the rules of conduct for respiratory hygiene: cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing, discarding it immediately; or, if you do not have a tissue, use the crook of your elbow (and not your hands).

Illustration 1 – General recommendations from the DGS and WHO.

Regarding your horse, Intacol reinforces the fact that there is currently no evidence that domestic animals can contract or transmit the disease caused by COVID-19. However, the pandemic has imposed changes to our routines that will predictably cause changes in the routine and activity level of horses. In this way it is recommended:

1. Reduce the amount of concentrated food (feed) offered, prioritizing the forage component (hay) of the diet;

2. Allow some daily activity (guide or access to paddock) to stabled horses without planned mounted work;

3. Provide clean water at all times;

4. Given the reduction in exercise and potential impact on the horse's intestinal motility, it is recommended that during bed hygiene, daily monitoring of faeces is carried out (quantity – normal/reduced/increased, appearance – normal/dry/soft) in order to detect early changes in the horse's health status.

Illustration 2 – Practical recommendations for changing the horses’ routine and activity.

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Equine Herpes Virus – What is it and how to prevent it?

Fear and uncertainty have spread across the equestrian world following an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) that began at a show in Valencia, Spain. Several horses have been infected with this dangerous variant of the virus, resulting in some fatalities and new outbreaks in other countries.

How does this LVH behave?

The genetic variant of LVH that caused this outbreak is considered highly contagious and difficult to treat, as it affects the horse’s neurological system. This outbreak is already being described as “probably the worst in Europe for many decades” by Sabrina Ibanez (FEI Secretary General).

How is this LVH transmitted?

It is transmitted by direct contact between horses through the respiratory tract, via nasal secretions. It can also be transmitted indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces: human hands/clothing, equipment, cleaning materials, means of transport, food, etc. Although it is known that the virus can be transmitted via the air, it is difficult to establish at what distance it can be transmitted.

How to prevent the transmission of LVH?

This virus can survive for a few days in the environment, so it is advisable to:

• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment, surfaces and common areas;
• Frequent cleaning and disinfection of the hands of those who come into contact with horses;
• Keep horses that are returning home in isolation and under surveillance;
• Minimize/avoid movement and crowding of horses.

Vaccination against EVH can help reduce its spread, although it does not exclude the risk of a vaccinated horse contracting the neurological form of the disease, so it is imperative to contain its spread.

It is well known that a proper diet is key to keeping any horse healthy. Learn how to feed your horse to strengthen its immune system in our article.

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Immune system – How to eat to strengthen it?

A proper diet is key to keeping any horse healthy, with forage being the most important part of the diet. The remaining part should ensure that the energy, protein, vitamin and mineral needs of each horse are met at each stage. A horse with a healthy immune system can more easily and effectively fight off disease, infection or injury.

Horses in moderate to heavy work

Horses in moderate to intense work, or even in competition, in addition to having higher vitamin and mineral needs, may also be under the effect of stress increased due to the intensity of work, exposure to different environments and travel – The stress can have a significant and negative impact on the ability to fight disease.

There are numerous concentrated feeds specifically formulated for these horses, and they generally have in common a higher level of nutrients essential to the immune system. In more critical/specific cases, these feeds together with forage may not be sufficient, and it is sometimes advisable to supplement the horse's diet.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E and selenium are excellent antioxidants, which means they help prevent muscle damage caused by free radicals after intense exercise. In addition to being a powerful antioxidant, selenium is also essential for maintaining the correct functioning of vitamin E. Recent studies have shown that including a vitamin E and selenium supplement in the diet prevents the risks associated with oxidative stress, promoting improved immunity in immunocompromised animals.

VIT E+

Vitamin A, C and other nutrients

Vitamin A (which plays an important role in improving the function of white blood cells), vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), quality protein (tissue repair and production of enzymes and antibodies), among other nutrients, are particularly important for good “immune health”. Therefore, including a multivitamin supplement in your horse’s diet can bring numerous benefits in terms of combating and preventing diseases.

MULTIVIT

In short, the best way to keep a horse's immune system healthy is to ensure that its diet is as balanced and adequate as possible.

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Food allergies in horses

In general, an allergic reaction corresponds to an immunological hypersensitivity with clinical signs, starting after exposure to a stimulus that does not cause any clinical change in a healthy horse.

In the case of a food allergy, the immune response develops following the ingestion of one or more antigens (molecules recognised as “invaders” by the horse’s immune system), known as allergens. Foods described as potentially allergenic include alfalfa, barley, beet pulp, wheat, etc.

“Food allergies in horses are rare and difficult to diagnose, and can occur at any age.”

signs of food allergy

Food allergies in horses generally present with dermatological signs, such as non-pruritic urticaria, itching and/or lesions resulting from scratching. However, they can also manifest through gastrointestinal signs.

Given the dermatological symptoms presented, other causes of dermatological disease (dermatoses caused by mites, dermatophytosis, bacterial folliculitis, etc.) and other allergic diseases (allergy to insect bites, contact dermatitis or atopy) must be ruled out.

Diagnosis

We currently have available:

• intradermal tests, checking the skin reaction to the inoculation of a possible allergen;
• and blood tests, verifying in the laboratory the reaction of a specific antibody (IgE) to different food molecules.

Intradermal testing has low reliability and blood testing is also not considered a good option on its own because:

• The allergen causing the allergy may not be included in the allergen panel (so it may not be identified);
• Cross-reactions may occur, which can generate false positives.

A group of researchers (Dupond et al., 2016) even concluded that blood tests, based on the IgE reaction, are not reliable for diagnosing food allergies in healthy horses.

Therefore, the most accurate diagnostic method involves an elimination diet, removing the food from the horse's diet (ideally for a period of 8 to 12 weeks) and looking for evidence of improvement from a clinical point of view. Generally, in allergic horses, improvement is seen within 4 to 6 weeks. These horses can then be subjected to a challenge diet in order to confirm the allergen (controlled reintroduction of the suspected food).

Therapy

Currently, therapy involves correctly identifying the food allergen and avoiding its ingestion.

In these horses, careful observation and selection of forage feed and complementary compound feed (feed and supplements) is recommended. Therapeutic success will depend on the owner/rider/handler's commitment to avoiding the identified allergens.

INTACOL FOODS

to retain:

• Although there are no specific figures available, food allergies are considered to be rare in horses.
• The process of diagnosing food allergies must involve an elimination diet.
• Therapeutic success involves avoiding the ingestion of identified allergens.

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