1. Feeding and Managing Equine

2. 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.

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

4. Stallion ________________________
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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

5. 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
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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.
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7. Mares Should be at least 3 years of age
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Much taller, and fully grown thus better able to handle foaling
Essential that the mare is completely trained before breeding
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8. 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

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

11. Foals should be cleaned, clearing any membranes covering the mouth and nostril area
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12. Essential Production Practices
Stall should be kept clean and dry for both mare and foal
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Foals should receive Colostrum immediately after
With in the first 30 mins to two hours after birth

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

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

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

16. 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

17. Weight tapes: used to determine the body composition and/or weight of the horse
Protein levels generally maintained through good quality forage and grain
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18. Calcium and phosphorous levels are extremely important for horses and should be part of an overall balanced diet
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19. Activity Level ____________________________________________________
Broken down into 3 categories
Reproduction
Growth
Work

20. 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
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21. Activity Level
Lactation period-mares require twice the maintenance requirements
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22. 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

23. Work/exercise
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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
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English pleasure
Moderate work
Roping
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Barrel racing
Intense work
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24. 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
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Fresh clean water is essential
Horses drink gallons a day

25. 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

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

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

28. Colic _________________________________
Leading cause of death in horses
Overeating
Drinking while hot
Moldy feeds
Internal parasites
Signs:
__________________________________
Constipation
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29. Encephalomyelitis
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Virus that can be transmitted by mosquitos and flies
Signs:
Fever
Depression
Elevated heart rate
Diarrhea
Death
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30. Equine Infectious anemia (EIA)
Or swamp fever
Virus carried by flies and mosquitos
Signs
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Pounding heartbeat
Exhaustion
Most horses will die in a few days
No specific treatment
Controlling flies and mosquitos are preventative measures

31. 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
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There are treatment measures for acute types
However, severe founder can not be treated

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