Feeding and Managing Equine

Objectives Examine Reproductive management practices of equine. Describe the types of feedlots fed to equine, and analyze the nutritional requirements of equine Identify common diseases and ailments that affect equine, and determine appropriate prevention and treatments Describe proper tooth care, and determine the age of a horse by examining its teeth Identify the parts of a hoof, discuss the proper care of a hoof, and describe the job of a farrier Explain how to select a superior horse Describe and demonstrate basic horsemanship, training, and riding techniques.

Reproductive Management Horses have a lower conception rate when compared to other livestock ______________________________________________________ Several specific management practices are involved in the care of a stallion and a mare

Stallion ________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Breeding pens are well equipped with padding on the walls and soft flooring materials Great risk is associated with the breeding process. Stalls are well designed for the safety of the horses and their handlers

Stallions When a stallion is not breeding. Stalls are roomy box stalls with 2 to 3 acres of pasture for exercise Stallions should be exercised on a daily basis ____________________________________________________________________ Stallions are evaluated on the number of live, healthy foals that have been sired Many stud farms will evaluate the semen for fertility, volume, and mobility. _____________________________________________________________________

Mares Should be at least 3 years of age _______________________________________________________ Much taller, and fully grown thus better able to handle foaling Essential that the mare is completely trained before breeding __________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

Mare ____________________________________________________ Estrus cycle occurring at 21 day intervals and last 4 to 6 days Once the mare is pregnant she should be kept separate from other mares In an open pasture where she can get plenty of exercise

_____________________________________ It is important to observe mares during parturition for safety reasons Once the water breaks, foaling Should only take 15-30 mins any longer can be a sign of concern

Foals should be cleaned, clearing any membranes covering the mouth and nostril area ______________________________________________________

Essential Production Practices Stall should be kept clean and dry for both mare and foal ______________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Foals should receive Colostrum immediately after With in the first 30 mins to two hours after birth

Mares should be allowed to recover from foaling before rebreeding Foals are weaned from the mare anywhere from 3-6 months of age

Weaning Foals should be comfortable eating grass, grain, and hay before weaning __________________________________________________________ Should be well developed and show signs of independence ___________________________________________________________ Foals should accept a halter and be able to be lead LS-A

Nutritional Requirements ______________________________________________________ Horses require all 6 basic nutrients: Carbohydrates Fats Water Protein Vitamins Minerals

Maintenance Influenced by: _________________________________________ Energy levels and requirements for a horse should be determined by: Weight and size Size should be determines by the use of condition scores or weight tapes

Weight tapes: used to determine the body composition and/or weight of the horse Protein levels generally maintained through good quality forage and grain ___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Calcium and phosphorous levels are extremely important for horses and should be part of an overall balanced diet __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Activity Level ____________________________________________________ Broken down into 3 categories Reproduction Growth Work

Activity level Mares in first 8 months of gestation will only require nutrient levels slightly above maintenance Last 3 months of gestation it’s important to supply adequate levels of nutrients for growth of the foal ______________________________________________________

Activity Level Lactation period-mares require twice the maintenance requirements ______________________________________________________

Young horses Experiencing growth horses require adequate energy and protein levels Additional calcium and phosphorus are essential for bone development Offer adequate trace minerals Lysine-first limiting amino acid and should be balanced within the ration Can be found in high-quality protein Soybean meal

Work/exercise ________________________________________________________________________________ Intensity of work, duration, and size of the horse will determine requirements Water and electrolytes are important for muscle function and fluid balance Light work ______________________ English pleasure Moderate work Roping _____________ Barrel racing Intense work _________________

Feed _____________________________________________ Grains consisting of oats, corn, and barely Important to feed grains free of dust and mold Soybean or linseed meal used as a supplemental protein Forages such as grasses, alfalfa hay, grass hay, and pastures are used ________________________________________________ Fresh clean water is essential Horses drink 10-12 gallons a day

Recommendations Feed twice a day, follow a routine Be consistent with the amount of feed Make sure salt is available Provide a water source, kept at 40F, don’t let horses have free access Control parasites Check teeth Monitor condition/weight Provide regular exercise

Diseases and ailments __________________________________________________________________________________________ Common parasites include: Flies Mosquitoes Lice Mites Ticks Insecticides can be used to control parasites, maintain clean stalls, equipment and facilities are clean

Other parasites Internal parasites Roundworms Pinworms Strongyles ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Good management requires regular worming schedules Rotating pastures and not allowing horses to eat off the ground can also help control internal parasites

Colic _________________________________ Leading cause of death in horses Overeating Drinking while hot Moldy feeds Internal parasites Signs: __________________________________ Constipation ____________________________________________________________________________

Encephalomyelitis _______________________________________________________________ Virus that can be transmitted by mosquitos and flies Signs: Fever Depression Elevated heart rate Diarrhea Death ________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Equine Infectious anemia (EIA) Or swamp fever Virus carried by flies and mosquitos Signs ____________________ Pounding heartbeat Exhaustion Most horses will die in a few days No specific treatment Controlling flies and mosquitos are preventative measures

Founder ____________________________________________ Affects the tissue connecting the hoof wall to the foot Caused by consumption of extreme amounts of grains, running on hard ground, infections, lack of exercise, and drinking cold water after exercising _______________________________________________________________ There are treatment measures for acute types However, severe founder can not be treated

Tetanus ________________ Occurs when bacteria is present and comes in contact with an open wound Tetanus organisms produce toxins that causes muscle contractions and stiffness ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________