Racing Issue 5

nac|ngEdltlon
lssue Strrrch-May)
Gallopers
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Feature Article
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Breed ing - New Findings
F Airway Health - Interesting Facts
{$9'
Also a brief on
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swrri:;:,r"
T he new
editor
F Plus regular features
Healthy lungs are essential for racing performance. Many trainers focus
on increasing oxygen delivery by ensuring an adequate red cell count with
supplements of iron, vitamins and other "tonics", but oxygen uptake is
primarily influenced by lung efficiency. Studies by Dr Susan Holcombe and
other leading respiratory specialists found that horses with no or only scant
amounts of tracheal mucus were nearly twice as likely to finish well
compared to horses with a moderate or severe build-up of airway mucus. In
this issue, we focus on the lungs in a review of lung mucus and "bleeding" which has also recently been shown to dramatically affect performance, even
in common low grade cases.
We review feeding fat and give some helpful advice, as well as a brief
on hoof balance, which because of our focus on lung health, will be
discussed more fully in the next issue.
We take a lot of effort to review the latest research and provide you with
'handy hints' and practical advice in "Talking Horses". However, we don't
receive much feedback from trainers as a follow-up on the topics. We
realize that many of you are very busy and don't have the time to read a
newsletter - is there any other way that we can get useful information out to
you? Please let us know- we are only a phone call away on 1800 112 227.
We will be uploading monthly articles on to our website www.kohnkesown.com within the next month or so - do you regularly log
onto the web for information?
In the next issue, we review sacro-iliac lameness - the most common
back problem in racehorses - and provide useful advice and hints on
managing the problem with a combination of massage and simple warm-up
exercises.
cood
Racins
Gontact Details:
lohn Kohnhe
FREECATL 1800 1t2227
FREE FAX 1800 112228
Webslte: wnw. koh n kesown.com
emall: [email protected]
PostalAddrcss: P0 80x3234, Rouse Hlll, NSW,2155
}IANDY}ITNT
Having trouble with a horse 'sucking wind' through
its anus when racing? Simply give 60ml paraffin oil
over the tongue by syringe each morning and evening
for 3 days before a race. On race day, after saddling
or hobbling up, dip your right index finger in a little
paraffin oil and carefully insert it into the anus - take
care not to be kicked - rotate it around thoroughly to
coat the anal canal. Given both ways, the paraffin oil
lubricates the dry anal membranes and prevents air
that is 'sucked in' being trapped and ballooning in the
rectum to cause discomfort.
If a filly sucks wind through the vulva - smear a
coating of paraffin on the lips of the vulva just
before racing - it really works!
FACT
N$MONTH
Subiect: Feeding to Avoid 'Tying Up'
Summary: The latest recommendations on
feeding and training horses that 'tie up'. It's
informative and gives advice that will help
most horses.
Obtain Your Copy: Ring 1800 I 12 227 or
email [email protected]
@
Komkesfiwt
Copyright2}}S
John Kohnke Products
tsLEEDINq -Novtr@
Blood dripping, 'oozing' or 'frothing' from both nostrils during, or within 2-3 hours following a hard 'hit out' or race, is
usually a sign that a horse has bled in the lungs. It is technically refened to as 'exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage', or
EIPH for short, as it is associated with intensive exercise.
The requirement for faster race speeds and selection for performance may have increased the risk of lung bleeding in racing
horses over the last 20-30 vears.
Whilst only 2%o of horses that haemorrhage in the lungs during intense workouts or racing, show blood at the nostrils, studies
indicate that between 43-87% of gallopers and harness horses when examined aftq 3 consecutive races, bleed to some degree in
the lungs, meaning that98% of affected horses are "hidden" bleeders.
Bleedlng Affecb PcrfcrtncncG
A recent combined study by Prof. Ken Hinchcliffand coworkers at Ohio State University, and Prof Ron Slocombe and
colleagues at Melbourne University, indicated that even moderate
amounts of haemorrhage significantly affected performance.
Horses with only a 'fleck' of blood after racing did not race as
well as horses that were clear. Horses with a Grade 4 bleed in a
1200 mehe race - indicated as multiple streams of blood coalescing
on the internal surface of the windpipe (hachea) with pools of blood
at the entrance to the chest (thoracic inlet), finished on average, 3.4
metres (l length) behind the winner than horses with Grade 0 - no
blood. Horses with a Grade 2 or higher were 4 times less likely to
win, and L8 times less likely to finish in the top 3 places. A severe
bleed may result in collapse and death.
Earlier studies indicated that around 1500mL of blood needs to
be lost to show as a "bleeder" at the nostrils, but less volumes may
affect performance. Dr Reuben Rose and co-workers at Sydney
University in the early 1990's indicated that a film of blood from
haemonhage within the lower lung airsacs significantly reduced
oxygen uptake at speeds over 3/c pace in racing horses. Horses with
repeated poor performance often have blood in the lower windpipe
after racing, and cell types (monocytes and haemosiderophages) in
a lung wash [Broncho Alvaeolar Lavages (BAL)] taken after racing.
(See Lung Washes)
lllhen
fu
lt bcrt tc fccpc c horfe thtt
rncy hcnc c bleed?
Blood frothing or dripping from the nostrils within-24 hours
of a 'bleed' should be investigated by scoping the windpipe to
confirm that the blood originates from the lungs. If a horse fails
to perform to expectations (see signs above), then scoping the
windpipe 30-120 minutes after exercise has the best chance of
finding fresh blood and grading the amount relative to severity.
However, if there is no blood found, but there is a strong
suspicion that a horse may have bled, then re-examination 1-2
hours later after the horse has been eating with its head down,
may detect blood in the lower windpipe. Blood can be present for
l-3 days in most horses with EIPH, and up to 7 days after a
severe bleed.
}IANDYHTNT
Reduce dust inhalation, airway initation and mucus production
avoiding dusty bedding - dampen sawdusVshavings, avoid straw
bedding with mould. Do not turn bedding quickly to release dust or
'fluffup' a straw bed. Always remove the horse from the stable
when digging out or 'topping up' bedding, leaving at least 30
minutes for the dust to settle before returning the horse.
ilANDY}ITNT
Horses that 'pull hard', or start well and 'drop
back' suddenly in the home shaight and struggle
to finish, those that cough after work, or horses
that run 'one good race' followed by 'lack lustre'
speed in back up races, are likely to have bled.
Horses that 'pull hard' in a race are more likely
to bleed during hot, humid weather.
lPhy Dc Hcrter Bleed In thc
Lungt?
The underlying cause is likely to be stress and fatigue
related failure of small pulmonary blood vessels
(capillaries) because ofhigh blood pressure generated
during exercise (4 times that in human sprinters and
racing greyhounds). This creates pressure on the thin
blood vessel walls required for gas exchange, repeated
stretching of the vessel walls (pulse waves at 250 times
per minute) and negative lung airsac pressures as a horse
breathes out (140 times per minute at the gallop, 80 times
per minute at the pace) as the gut contents push the
diaphragm forward to expel air. Concussive shock waves
and compression of the chest by the forelimbs may also
lead to sheer stress oflung airsacs. The presence oflow
grade airway disease may initiate erosion of the thin
airsac walls, and once a small amount of haemorrhage
occurs, the resulting inflammation increases the risk of
more severe bleeds. Repeated bleeds result in
inflammation and fibrous scar tissue within the airsac and
artery walls, reducing tissue flexibility and the risk of
further ainvay damage.
tlgnr cf n Eleed
If you find dried blood
at the nostrils or smears
of
blood on the feed bin or stable door etc., after a hard
workout or race, then a lung 'bleed' is likely. However
"hidden" bleeders often fail to perform or 'run to the
post'
}IANDY}ITNT
Ifa
horse is encouraged to put its head down to drain
its airways for 4-6 hours after a poor performance, if it
has 'bled', blood will usually be seen if the horse is
scoped around 6-8 hours after a trial or a race.
M
Lung Wcrher
Treatment and attempts to lessen the severity of EIPH is
controversial because the exact underlying cause has not been
clearly established. Although bronchodilating drugs can reduce
airway pressures, and the diuretic furosemide (Lasix) has shown
mixed success to reduce the severity, both forms of medication
probably have little direct benefit. Furosemide has been shown to
have a direct benefit increasing performance, with horses up to 1.4
times more likely to win races and run faster. It is banned under the
Australian Rules of Racing in all codes. There is also no evidence
that 'bleeders' have problems with prolonged bleeding time or
blood clotting, so that supplementation with Vitamin K and blood
clotting preparations have not demonstrated any benefit. However,
careful management may help to reduce the risk of EIPH.
7 . Truat Lower
A(mtay
Ifa horse has a number ofless than expected performances, but blood
is not detected on a scope, then a tracheal aspirate or deeper "lung wash"
(BAL) may be diagnostic of EIPH. Blood in the airways causes intense
inflammation and a build-up of 'scavenging' or phagocytic cells, such as
monocytes. In fact, repeated small 'bleeds' and subsequent airway
reaction from red cells, will increase risk of a more severe bleed in
subsequent races. Microscopic examination of lung airway fluids (BAL)
can help determine the severity and indicate repeated bleeds by the
numbers of fresh red cells, scavenging monocyctes and purple stained
haemosiderophages (monocytes containing digested iron from
haemoglobin in red cells in the airways) in the BAL lung wash. The
number of red cells may indicate the severity of a bleed, but simple
scoping is also a reliable indicator in most cases.
InflanmaAqt
fiAf\DylftNT
Cond,Aftotw
It
is common practice to withdraw water 6-8 hours before racing. This
may limit lung tissue fluid (oedema) and also reduce hind gut fluid
weight to make a horse more competitive, especially in races over 1600
metres or longer. If the horse is dehydrated or sweats during travelling,
only allow it 1-2 litres of water to drink in the stalls
Ensure that any lower airway disease or inflammatory reaction is
treated prior to returning to training. This is best achieved by
giving a course of an antibiotic/mucolytic preparation, such as
Bromotrimidine powder, over a l0-14 day period as soon as
possible after a 'bleed'. This will reduce risk of infection and assist
before racins.
in removal of red cells from the airwavs. Consult vour vet for
advice.
6.Tra'hning,?roya'rw
2,fAOilifufrrLOtOy Aimlqt Dfa1na4e
uir*uf "
B-leeding is thought to be caused by rupture of the collagen fibre interstitial
the blood vessel walls and lung airsacs bv
all-out galloping' It is also postulated that
H1.0.]:,:1T::,::t:-drrinc from a compacted track surface up the front
increase the risk of
t-tbres' rhe training program can be
1T?E:,t:li:::
moqlrleo to requce oom rnese erTects'
:*liyj:T"t:.t-t:*y:tl
*"i,ir.
fi"j r :,T::::i:"-Itl::":tT:,T::d
d;;t;fi;;il;;, I*:j|1n:::_'j.:1Y:: r::,Tf.:11"r;l':::,lll
a,;#il;::Tf?ll:ible
r.eed the horse below chest height to encourase to*",
drainage, if possible on the ground in an outside v"r["t
horse out to sraze. A rubber ryre feeder t.e cuprilo-*i*o
sare and ensures.head down,feeding. rhis is
ror the 4E hours rorowrng long distance travering or
drainage of fluid and inhaled bacteria from the lower
3 .DantpeW
airways.
o Train using slow long distance aerobic
exercise up to a fast trot or
light canter over the initial 6-8 weeks to obtain cardiovascular and
muscle fitness, as well as allow the musculo-skeletal system to
All/f"ony
Moisten feeds with molasses and/or oil to bind dust. Dampen all
hay by soaking for l0 minutes or saturating with water and allow to
adapt to exercise.
drain. Hay should always be provided below chest height to reduce
inhalation ofdust, facilitate salivation and encourage lower airway
eating.
'1 . V,) artnr up lreforel E xuofus
drainage whilst
Ensure adequate warm-up and warm-down, especially on
cold
o Plan short half pace hit outs over 400-500 metres initially to
reduce concussion and blood pressure elevations - repeat 2-3 times
weekly. Try to work on a softer surface of the track out from the
rail to reduce concussion.
7
'NutYlfrtonaltAd'Y
There are numerous supplements and "treatments" available for reducing
mornings to avoid inhalation of cold air which could iead to
bronchoconstriction and increase lower airway pressures. Work-the the risk or severity of EIPH. None have been demonstrated by research
horse in the predawn period before sunrise, oi alternatively after h" studies to have any benefit (eg bioflavonoid rutin alone). A combination
dawn chill, tb avoid
uir as the inversion layer
io ground of bioflavonoid compounds (hesperidin powder), vitamin E and vitamin C
"orn",
to provide structural compounds for the repair and maintenance of
level. Always work "bld
'bleeders' last so that the ambient
air
collagen fibres in the flexible layer between the blood vessel walls and
temperature is higher.
lung airsacs may be worthwhile. Nuhitional supplements aimed at
F
5. Lhtlit SWimntUrtg,
strengthening the blood vessel walls and flexibli collagen layers may have
Do not allow the horse to swim hard - limit to a short swim for 45- practical benefit when combined with other management guidelines.
il"liilJff;S1ll;ffi:1":Ti*ffiIfffr::H:,f
i".:"'$lfi*
pressure,
may help limit the bursting effect of sustained blood
holdingihe breath or deep breathing on weakened lung arteries
collagen fibres in the airsac walls.
A,
fiAf\DY+flNT f.\
and
all-ou\
drug\
Discuss the use of furosemide diuretic with your vet prior to
training gallops. Furosemide injections should be given2 % - 3 hours
(very early in the moming) before a training gallop to allow the.
action adequate time to reduce lung tissue fluid (oto"*llll9
volume before galloping. This action may help reduce airway and
pulmonary vascular pressures. Furosemide must not be administered
within the prescribed withdrawal period prior to racing - consult your
vet for advice.
S.ptottibrfor siqrwof'tste*tins)
Observe the horse's reaction to training. If it pulls up distressed, reduce
the- speed of work for.3-f days. If the horse 'hits the wall'up the straight
or.loses sp^eed, have-the horse scoped to check for a 'bleed' within 30-120
minutes after the gallop. Space the horse's races out to every 3 weeks or
longer if possible to further reduce lung stress.
9.conq{de*R6*ement
If
\
l'11Tu I
the horse bleeds again from both nostrils within 4-6 months, it is
unlikely to be able to continue in training and should be retired to a less
strenuous equine sport (eg hack, dressage or trail riding), especially if it is
ou", 6 yearJold und hu, had a previou, ,"ue.e 'bleed' out ofthe nostrils.
AIRWAYHEALTH
Seasonal Reminders
The efficient uptake of oxygen is vital for performance in racing horses.
The accumulation of mucus is common in young racehorses in response to
irritation and inflammation of the lower airways due to viral and
bacterial organisms, air pollution, dust and lung 'bleeding'. A build up of
mucus is a response to airway challenge and development of
Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) which was reviewed in Issue 4 of
Talking Horses(Racing) Dec-Feb 2005. Studies indicate up to 33% of
racehorses have increased levels of mucus in their lower windpipe area. A
recent review by Dr Susan Holcombe and colleagues at Michigan State
University, indicated that horses with no or a few strands of mucus were
able to perform significantly better, up to twice as likely to finish well in a
race, compared to horses with higher amounts of mucus evaluated on
scoping the windpipe. Infectious agents, such as Equine Herpes Virus
infection, often with secondary bacterial colonisation of inflamed airways,
are a co[rmon cause of airway inflammation and mucus build-up.
However, in the absence of the 'triggering' of airway reaction by respiratory
viral infection, inhaled contaminants in dust, endotoxins and antigens in
moulds and fungi on hay and bedding, as well as air pollutants are common
causes of reduced airway health and ultimate performance.
Because IAD in young horses is primarily triggered by Equine Herpes
Viral infection, which often causes persistent tonsil inflammation and
monocyte cell accumulation in the back of the throat termed Pharyngeal
Lymphoid Hyperplasia (PLH), it often persists as a form of IAD, formerly
Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), due to air pollutants in stabled horses.
The major emphasis should be placed on reducing dust in bedding
and feed, air contamination and pollutants, by improving ventilation
and isolating horses with symptoms of infectious airway disease.
Worming
Mid April is the time to break the tapeworm
lifecycle in spelling horses or those retuming to
training - use a wonner that controls tapeworms.
Hard track surfaces
Autumn is usually dry and mild, and tracks
can compact after late summer rains. Fitting
underpads and shock absorbing shoes may be
worthwhile
- as well as maintaining optimum
hoof moisture levels by a twice weekly
application of Hoof-Seal.
Skin Fungus
Sweating, swimming and hosing after work
can maintain higher skin moisture levels under
mild conditions, leading to fungal build-up on
skin under the girth, as well as on the front of the
back cannons that are pitted with sand particles
as a horse works. The hair may become patchy
and skin dry and inflamed. Regular weekly
washes with iodine wash (eg Vetadine or
Betadine wash) can help keep fungal counts to a
low level. Leave the iodine wash on the skin for
l0 minutes, then rinse off and pat dry with a
towel.
Preparation for winter
Ensure your rugs are repaired for cold,
wintery weather.
RXSEARCH ROT]ND-T]P
HTNT
If
"snorting" or "whistling" noise through the nostri
when working and becomes distressed by blowing hard after exercise,
check the airflow'at each nostril once the horse has returned to a normal
depth ofbreathing after cooling out. Airflow at each nostril can be
checked by holding a small piece of cotton wool in front of each nostril
in turn (a tissue is too light) and observing air flow. If one side "blows"
less air, the nasal passages could be blocked by discharge, inflanrmation
or a small polyp or tumour. Holding the nostril shut on each side may
also cause respiratory distress ifthe nostril on the "clear" side is b
off, restricting air intake through the blocked side.
Consult your vet for advice.
a horse makes a
DidrYowKrtotu ???
Adequate ventilation in stables is essential to maintain air'quality'.
Fresh air should be drawn into the stable area at around 3.5 metres above
stable bedding level and expelled via a ridge capping vent to avoid drafts in
loose boxes, and 8 air changes per hour are necessary to maintain basic air
quality and reduce airway contamination from inhaled airborne pollutants.
Horses that are racing with evidence of clinical levels of airway mucus,
as confirmed on scoping of the lower windpipe, should be given an
antibiotic course for 5-7 days and fed dampened feed and hay in bins at floor
level to facilitate airway drainage. Rescoping at weekly intervals, especially
if the blood monocyte level is above 60/o monocytes in a horse without
greasy heel and skin reaction, is recommended to monitor improvements.
Ideally, reduction in tracheal mucus to a minimum of 1-2 strands or less is
essential to ensure a horse can reqain race form and oerformance.
Sacro-iliac ligament sprain can account for 60Yo of'back'
problems in racing horses. Diagnosis of sacro-iliac injury is
often difficult and treatment is time consuming and variable
in its benefit. A combination of anti-inflammatory injections
into the sacro-iliac area, complemented by an initial rest
period, then massage or a therapeutic ultrasound, followed
by walking over poles and lateral flexion exercises to help
stretch the topline and improve the strength of the
surrounding muscles and flexibility during exercise, are the
main rehabilitation methods. As the horse strengthens,
trotting and cantering exercises can be introduced improvement occurs over 2-4 months. Tumer Tracy (2003)
AAEP Proc. 49p,71-74.
Editor's Note: We will review sacro-iliac pain and describe
management and exercise more fully in the next issue.
+IANDY}ITNT
Do one or more of your horses fail to finish strongly,
especially when "backed up" 10-14 days after a previous
win or good performance? Besides lung 'bleeding' or airway
disease, the most likely cause is poor muscle energy
replenishment - either by not feeding enough starch in cereal
grains or working a horse too hard between shortly spaced
races. Check your rations, especially if you are feeding a
non-oats feed or one based on protein seeds and added oil you may have to add an extra l-7/z kg ofcom or barley for
the last 3-4 days before a follow-up race to boost energy
replenishment and "top-up the tank" for racing.
Hoof Angles
}NNDYHINT
The hoof structures, especially the front hodies of galloping horses,
withstand high loading forces. It is estimated that the hooves bear up to twice
the horse's body weight during a straight gallop, and up to 5-10 times the body
weight (up to 5000kg in a 500kg horse) when cornering on a sharp bend on a
race track. The hooves must be shod so that hoof wall, rather than the sole
carries the weight, which is important to avoid sole concussion, stone bruises,
It is often recommended that the hooves be
trimmed to balance so that they are symmetrica
on the sides. In fact, trimming to correct poor
balance that the horse has become accustomed tr
relative to its limb conformation. can increase th
risk of severe limb breakdown. Leaving the hoc
balance as nature has intended, provided the toe
and heel angles are trimmed to standard angles,
will help to reduce the risk of severe limb
breakdowns in racins horses.
and'corns',
Hccl Angler
- lheh lnllucncc cn Llmb Brechdcwn
It has been recognized that hoofbalance has a direct influence on the
distribution of forces and gait patterns of the lower limbs of galloping and
jumping horses.
The structure of the horse's hoof, and the heel then toe landing sequence, is
able to absorb limited concussion and repeated loading at the gallop. A study
by Dr. Albert Kane and co-workers at Colorado and Californian universities has
linked incorrect hoof angles and poor hoof balance to limb breakdown injuries
in Thoroughbred racehorses.
These studies found that: Lower toe angles and low undercut heels
increased the risk offetlockjoint and tendon failure in racing horses. Horses
with this type of hoof shape transfer more weight to the rear of the limbs, even
when standing. They place more constant weight and loading on the fetlock
joint and tendons. Decreasing the difference between toe and heel angles when
trimming reduced the risk of this type of limb breakdown.
In the next issue, we will discuss hoof angles and balance to ensure
optimum hoof flexibility and
function.
The proven 'once a week' hoof dressing that
provides a protective thin film over the hoof and
sole to prevent moisture variations. In very dry
or wet weather, a mid week coating to the sole
and frog will help maintain flexible, functional
hooves - no grease, no mess, no worries!
Ff-FJ-rf-zl
TTEDTNq FET -
}IANDY
Fat is used during haining at slower speeds and
can actually help to increase muscle stores of
glycogen (muscle energy fuel) and reduce its rate of
depletion during exercise and pre-race anticipation
and activity. In a practical sense - adding some fat to
the diet helps increase the capacity of the fuel
(glycogen) tank and make it last longer with less
potential for anaerobic lactic acid formation.
This means the fuel supply will not be suppressed
much by accumulating lactic acid in the rapid
contractins muscles.
Mtes(M
ItooDScaIO
SomeUte{ul/llhLy
Is feeding fat a waste of time? No!
Fat boosted diets have an obvious advantage to racing and other equestrian
and pleasure horses working under hot, humid and tropical conditions, as heat
waste from hindgut fermentation is reduced because fat is digested in the small
intestine.
However, don't expect the full benefits of a fat boosted diet within a few
days. It can take up to 3 months for a horse to gain full benefit and start to
perform 'cooler' and with more home straight power and endurance on a fat
boosled diet.
FecGa Gl Stetr
Komkes(M
ffi@lD
Kohnke's Own0nergy Gold contains a blend of
cold-pressed canola and refined sunflower oil to
provide balanced 1.0 part Omega-3 to 3.5 parts Omega6 fafi acid ratio, with oil soluble Vitamin E (3000
iu/L) and an added 'built in' antioxidant boost.
Palatability is assured by adding pure garlic oil (not an
o When l0% fat was
O
A diet containing lTYo energy
as fat increased resting blood glucose by 26%.
a A l0% fat boosted diet increased muscle glycogenby l6Yo, but diets containing
more than
16%o
fat actually reduce muscle glycogen stores.
o When l0% fatby weight
was substituted for 25o/o of the oats in a racing diet,
performance increased by l-2 seconds (5-9 lengths) in races over 1600 metres.
This was shown to be related to reduced gut weight by 5 kg or more in a racehorse
with a lower oat intake.
o During training
exercise, aerobic metabolism offats can delay blood glucose and
glycogen depletion and slow the anaerobic threshold to lactic acid - thus reducing
home straight fatigue.
imitation flavour).
Vitamin E is important to limit the oxidation of fats
within the muscle cell walls, and in any fat boosted
diet, a supplement of 1000 iu - t500 iu vitamin E daily
is recommended (eg Cell-E Premium).
added to diets, racehorses were able to work harder for lonser
periods.
a Adding
well
a
2Yo
oilto the chaffand grain mix - binds dust and reduces separation,
as reducing
as
allergic airway disease.
Feeding extra fat may help reduce the risk of'tying up' in nervy, excitable fillies,
in particular when fed at night, with lupins as a substitute for "carbos" in oats.
msDucTof nG
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I@hnke's(M
Gastro-Coat
Optimum Phys ical Protection
for the Gut Lining
Horses in training confined to stables are unable to graze to
select plants and consume natural feeds with mucilage and
buffering compounds that provide a physical, protective coating
to the upper stomach and small intestinal lining.
Grain based feeds with limited roughage stimulate the
secretion of more gastric acid than alkaline pasture and hays.
Kohnke's own Gastro-Coat provides supplementary feed
compounds that help to maintain this physical protective lining.
The combination of phospholipids, mucilage compounds and
natural gums in Gastro-Coat require chewing that stimulates
saliva production and natural buffering activity as the horse
consumes its 'hard' feed. Saliva buffering and the natural
mucilage compounds in Gastro-Coat provide protection against
acid attack on the poorly shielded upper stomach lining to reduce
'acid burn', and in time, help resist erosion and ulceration.
Daily supplementation at 60 grams per dai with GastroCoat can help maintain the appetite, especially afte-r hard
exercise, in horses with 'heart burn' symptoms on high grain
diets. Gastro-Coat can'be used to complement the action of
therapy for gastric ulcers.
fiAf\DYlftNT
If
persistent cough and IAD, dampen all hay by
soaking in equal its volume of clean water for 5-10 minutes,
then remove to drain, or by spraying with water in a polywoven
bag and soaking for 60-90 minutes prior to feeding. Using
damp 'sweet' feeds or molasses sweetened mixes helps to
reduce dust from feed sources.
a horse has a
V)hat y I w fl\e/ N e4rt I tt4re/?
Hoof Balance-and Angles
Improving the red cell count
Response to training - early fitness
Air Quality - useful tips
Plus regular features, handy hints and more
Addlng fct/cll tc the dlet
Start slowly when a horse is first brought into training, to
allow the digestive system to adapt to the extra fat commence on2-3 tablespoons (40-60 mL) oil daily in a large
morning and evening feed for the initial 5-7 days. Then
increase in a stepwise manner, adding an extra 60mL (3
tablespoons) every 5-7 days, until up to one cupful (250 mL%litre) is supplemented in the morning and evening feed.
This level of fat will boost the energy level by 9 MJ,
equivalent to adding about 7509 (about l% litres) ofoats.
Reducing the oats by 0.75kg will save approximately 1
kg in hindgut weight, or a handicap weight in a distance race.
If you are feeding a sweet feed, an extra cupful of oil can
be used as an energy booster for hard work and save on body
weight as well. However, if the mixed feed has more than
8%o fat (check the label %o crude fat), only add 100-125 mL
fat as oil to avoid excess fat intake. It may take up to 3
months to adapt to added fat.
There's normally no need to add more than one cupful of
oil each evening to racing diets. If you add more, boost the
protein by adding lYz cups lupins or 2 cups tick beans for
every cupful of oil over I cup per day.
What type of oil is best? Suitable oils are a blend of
linseed (57% Omega-3), or Canola (10% Omega-3), corn and
sunflower oil (l% Omega-3) or blends of these oils - larger
amounts of these oils are absorbed more effrciently into the
blood without the need for enzyme digestion. Fish oil from
fish tissue (not cod liver oil which is a source of vitamin A &
D) contains eicosonoid anti-inflammatory fats, but its benefit
for horses has not been established.
}ITNT
Cold pressed canola oil has a good Omega-3 (10 parts) to
Omega-6 (20 parts) fatty acid ratio, acceptance and low risk of
rancidity by oxidation. Although soyabean, corn oil and
sunflower oils are available, they are prone to oxidation and
turning rancid, which reduces their palatability and utilisation.
Oil extracted from oil seeds grown under hot tropical
conditions is more likely to be partly oxidised before harvest,
so oilseed from southem cooler areas is regarded as more
stable. Rice bran oil is very polyunsaturated and easily
oxidized ifexposed to
air during storage.
Disclaimer
The information and recommendations in this newsletter have been
presented as a guideline based on the veterinary experience and
knowledge by the author, Dr. John Kohnke BVSc RDA. Whilst all care,
diligence and years ofpractical experience have been combined to
produce this information, the author/editor, Dr. John Kohnke, accepts no
responsibility or liability for unforeseen consequences resulting from the
hints and advice given in this newsletter.
The information contained in this newsletter is copyright. We
encourage its use in club information sheets or other newsletters, on
request, as long as acknowledgement is given to the author and its
source from this newsletter.