Everyone: a person, an animal, and a plant – needs a sufficient amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that contribute to the normal growth, development and functioning of the body. But it’s not always possible to get these substances from the products we use, the more difficult it is for animals to get them, because they do not control their diet themselves. That is why feeding for horses is an important and integral point in the care of horses.
In what cases should horses be fed
Feeding for horses are different. They vary in appearance, in the concentration of various elements, and in the case in which the introduction of additional substances into the body of the mount is required. By their appearance, top dressing can be:
- In the form of injections. They are administered subcutaneously for better absorption of the drug in animals.
- In the form of special vitamin complexes. As part of such top dressing, you can find many granules (granules) and instructions for use. Such complexes are developed by nutritionists and veterinarians.
In pursuit of countless artificially created vitamin-mineral complexes, do not forget that the horse grass is also a vitamin.
give pets in the summertime the possibility of free walking. Mares should have access to fresh green grass. In winter, this need can be compensated by hay and various additives. In what cases should supplements be given to horses?
- during the period of active growth and development of young animals (just at this time there is skeleton formation, muscle growth and development, weight gain during growth, etc.) ;
- in preparation for horse racing or other competitions to strengthen muscles;
- to strengthen joints;
- during pregnancy and postpartum recovery (horses need an additional portion of nutritious substances that can not always be obtained from grass);
- in adulthood and old age to restore mineral body balance;
- for general prophylaxis according to the testimony of a veterinarian;
- if it is not possible to provide the herd with free-range warm season.
The dosage of the drugs is different for mares and males of various breeds. She is also different for young animals. The condition for the normal functioning of the animal is the balance of nutrients in the body. Water also plays an important role, the necessary amount of which must always be present at the disposal of the steed.
At the first sign of a lack of vitamins (fatigue and lethargy), you should call a veterinarian who can examine a sick animal and prescribe the necessary course of treatment.
Vitamins for horses are sold in veterinary pharmacies in the form of entire complexes or, if it’s an injection, in ordinary pharmacies in the form of ampoules.
How to properly feed horses
The famous phrase “We are, what we eat ”extends not only to humanity. The health of our smaller brothers also depends on the quality and quantity of food consumed. But vitamins for horses should not be abused. The animal diet should not consist entirely of chemical additives, ordinary grass, rich in the mass of elements required by the mare, and the presence of ordinary, clean, fresh and better quality drinking water in sufficient quantities are also important.
Vitamin deficiency is a serious problem. It is easy for a farmer who carefully watches his cattle to notice the first signs of this disease, so you should always carefully monitor the condition of your horses. Signs of vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis can be:
- insufficient joint mobility;
- delayed shedding period;
- abortions or stillborn offspring in mares;
- weak newborn calves with reduced vitality;
- foals are stunted and have eye problems.
With insufficient care and a small amount of attention paid to the disease, vitamin deficiency can take on a global character and cause high mortality of animals due to overwork and infectious diseases that are attached to vitamin deficiency through weakened immunity. For example, vitamin C is important for horses: it improves the immunity of horses, promotes the production of collagen.
Minerals and vitamins for horses, like for any other creatures on our planet, play a very important role, which can hardly be overestimated. Most (about 85%) farmers at least once in their life added fertilizing (most often, according to the survey, it was vitamin C for horse agility) to the diet of their wards and only the remaining 15% consider this an unnecessary and empty exercise.
What minerals and vitamins should be given
In the daily diet of animals you can and should include complexes of minerals and vitamins for horses. But the farmer may be at a loss: amid the abundance of synthesized substances, which ones should be added as top dressing for a horse? More about everything. First, it’s worth understanding that there are vitamins and minerals (this includes macro- and micronutrients). Vitamins to be included in the horses menu:
- beta-carotene;
- vitamins A, D, H, K, group C vitamins for horses and group B vitamins.
The next group is minerals.Essential trace elements:
- iron;
- copper;
- zinc;
- manganese;
- cobalt;
- selenium;
- iodine.
Next is the next subgroup – these are macroelements. These include:
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- magnesium;
- potassium;
- sodium.
It is worth noting that it is better for farmers to adhere to the principle of the golden mean: not to overdo it, but also not to overlook the care of their wards. Minerals and vitamins for horses can be given in the form of injections or granules from specially developed vitamin complexes.
In addition to feeding, horses need enough drinking water and a well-balanced food. A great opportunity is access to free-range and fresh green grass that contains vitamin C.
Conclusion
Beginning horse breeders don’t have to worry about how to choose the right nutrition for horses. A qualified veterinarian can answer this question.
He will also help if necessary, choose the right complex of vitamins and minerals for the mare, as well as give recommendations on the introduction of these additives in the animal’s menu Do not be afraid and take care of your animals, because the main thing in this matter is love and care!
