Useful Equine Nutritional & General Terms Defined
A - Vitamin A
Vision, bone, muscle growth, reproduction, and healthy skin. Occurs naturally in pasture and good quality hay in levels that are more than sufficient to satisfy the horse’s requirement.
Abcsess (pus in the horse foot)
A hoof abscess, also known as pus in the foot is a common cause of lameness, particularly in wet weather conditions. Infection sets in, followed by a build-up of pus which becomes extremely painful.
Amino Acids
The "building blocks" of protein - muscle development & repair of tissues.
Anti-oxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, have protective action against free radicals, which can be harmful to cells.
B - Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, pantothenic acid, B6 (pyroxidine), biotin, B12 (cobalamine), and folacin (folic acid or folate). B vitamins are essential for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids; energy metabolism; and the synthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine, red blood cells, and DNA.
Bio-availability
How easily nutrients can be absorbed by the horse and utilised by the body.
C - Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects body cells from harmful free radicals. Plus contributes to the formation of collagen in the body & strengthens bones and teeth.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells).
COPD
Obstruction of the airways - symptoms include coughing and nasal discharge. Mainly caused by allergy to dust and spores contained in hay, straw and bedding.
Digestion
The equine gastrointestinal tract can be divided into two main sections: the foregut and the hindgut. The foregut consists of the stomach and small intestine. The hindgut or large intestine is made up of the cecum and colon.
Digestive Discomfort
Horses may show just one or a few signs of gut discomfort including:
Anxious, grumpy, unsettled outlook.
Resistance under saddle.
Dislike of being tacked up, rugged, groomed.
Poor body condition, lack of coat shine.
Failure to gain weight, despite feeding regime.
Lack of appetite.
Lack of positive energy & stamina.
Foregut digestion
Food chewed, and swallowed.
Stomach adds gastric acid to breakdown food.
Breakdown of food continues in the small intestine.
Small intestine is the main site of nutrient absorption.
Hindgut digestion
Digestion in the hindgut is performed by positive bacteria which efficiently break down plant fibres and undigested starches into simpler compounds. Fatty acids are generated which supply energy/calories. Plus produce B vits, K vits and some amino acids. Nutrients and water are absorbed, as the food moves along the digestive tract. Common problems with horse digestion are ulcers, colic and diarrhea/scouring/loose droppings.
Foot Abcsess (pus in the foot)
A hoof abscess, also known as pus in the foot is a common cause of lameness, particularly in wet weather conditions. Infection sets in, followed by a build-up of pus which becomes extremely painful.
D - Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth and is involved in the absorption of calcium and p
hosphorus. Usually produced naturally by the horse, that receives sufficient amount of sunlight (6-8 hrs per day).
E - Vitamin E
Vital for the reproductive, muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems. Plus is an antioxidant protecting cell membranes from free radical harm.
Electrolytes
Minerals lost in sweat. Significant loss of electrolytes can adversely affect performance through the early onset of fatigue.
ERS / Tying-up / Azoturia
Caused by the build-up of lactic acid, which is produced when glycogen is used in muscles. This results in muscle damage in the back and quarters.
Fatty acids
The building blocks of fats and oils. The ratios of different types of fatty acids in the diet have implications for health and well-being, for example the balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Grain Free
Avoiding cereal grains (starch).
Molasses
Molasses thick dark syrup type liqiuid. It is syrup left over from sugar production of sugar cane or sugar beet.
Prebiotics
Do not contain live organisms. Promote healthy gut flora.
Probiotics
Contain live bacteria to help restore healthy population of micro-organisms in the digestive tract.
Phytobiotics
Plant derived preparations obtained from herbs that contain biologically active secondary metabolites. To improve performance.
PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy)
Prevents the normal metabolism of glycogen. Affected horses cannot tolerate an excess of carbohydrate in their diet.
Protein
Amino acids for growth and repair of body tissues such as muscles, blood, skin, hair and hoof.
Starch
Energy provided by cereal grains. (Carbohydrates).
Thrush - In horse foot
Thrush is a common bacterial infection that occurs in the frog area of the horse foot. Especially common in wet, muddy condition, can cause pain and lameness.
Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae – yeast grown on sugar, commonly used in horse feed and supplements.
Yarrowia Lipolytica Yeast
Yeast grown on vegetable fat – highly efficient at delivering nutrients into the horse’s body. Plus providing gastric & hindgut support.
This yeast is ONLY found in Equinox supplements.
Vision, bone, muscle growth, reproduction, and healthy skin. Occurs naturally in pasture and good quality hay in levels that are more than sufficient to satisfy the horse’s requirement.
Abcsess (pus in the horse foot)
A hoof abscess, also known as pus in the foot is a common cause of lameness, particularly in wet weather conditions. Infection sets in, followed by a build-up of pus which becomes extremely painful.
Amino Acids
The "building blocks" of protein - muscle development & repair of tissues.
Anti-oxidants
Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, have protective action against free radicals, which can be harmful to cells.
B - Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), niacin, pantothenic acid, B6 (pyroxidine), biotin, B12 (cobalamine), and folacin (folic acid or folate). B vitamins are essential for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids; energy metabolism; and the synthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine, red blood cells, and DNA.
Bio-availability
How easily nutrients can be absorbed by the horse and utilised by the body.
C - Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects body cells from harmful free radicals. Plus contributes to the formation of collagen in the body & strengthens bones and teeth.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells).
COPD
Obstruction of the airways - symptoms include coughing and nasal discharge. Mainly caused by allergy to dust and spores contained in hay, straw and bedding.
Digestion
The equine gastrointestinal tract can be divided into two main sections: the foregut and the hindgut. The foregut consists of the stomach and small intestine. The hindgut or large intestine is made up of the cecum and colon.
Digestive Discomfort
Horses may show just one or a few signs of gut discomfort including:
Anxious, grumpy, unsettled outlook.
Resistance under saddle.
Dislike of being tacked up, rugged, groomed.
Poor body condition, lack of coat shine.
Failure to gain weight, despite feeding regime.
Lack of appetite.
Lack of positive energy & stamina.
Foregut digestion
Food chewed, and swallowed.
Stomach adds gastric acid to breakdown food.
Breakdown of food continues in the small intestine.
Small intestine is the main site of nutrient absorption.
Hindgut digestion
Digestion in the hindgut is performed by positive bacteria which efficiently break down plant fibres and undigested starches into simpler compounds. Fatty acids are generated which supply energy/calories. Plus produce B vits, K vits and some amino acids. Nutrients and water are absorbed, as the food moves along the digestive tract. Common problems with horse digestion are ulcers, colic and diarrhea/scouring/loose droppings.
Foot Abcsess (pus in the foot)
A hoof abscess, also known as pus in the foot is a common cause of lameness, particularly in wet weather conditions. Infection sets in, followed by a build-up of pus which becomes extremely painful.
D - Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and teeth and is involved in the absorption of calcium and p
hosphorus. Usually produced naturally by the horse, that receives sufficient amount of sunlight (6-8 hrs per day).
E - Vitamin E
Vital for the reproductive, muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems. Plus is an antioxidant protecting cell membranes from free radical harm.
Electrolytes
Minerals lost in sweat. Significant loss of electrolytes can adversely affect performance through the early onset of fatigue.
ERS / Tying-up / Azoturia
Caused by the build-up of lactic acid, which is produced when glycogen is used in muscles. This results in muscle damage in the back and quarters.
Fatty acids
The building blocks of fats and oils. The ratios of different types of fatty acids in the diet have implications for health and well-being, for example the balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Grain Free
Avoiding cereal grains (starch).
Molasses
Molasses thick dark syrup type liqiuid. It is syrup left over from sugar production of sugar cane or sugar beet.
Prebiotics
Do not contain live organisms. Promote healthy gut flora.
Probiotics
Contain live bacteria to help restore healthy population of micro-organisms in the digestive tract.
Phytobiotics
Plant derived preparations obtained from herbs that contain biologically active secondary metabolites. To improve performance.
PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy)
Prevents the normal metabolism of glycogen. Affected horses cannot tolerate an excess of carbohydrate in their diet.
Protein
Amino acids for growth and repair of body tissues such as muscles, blood, skin, hair and hoof.
Starch
Energy provided by cereal grains. (Carbohydrates).
Thrush - In horse foot
Thrush is a common bacterial infection that occurs in the frog area of the horse foot. Especially common in wet, muddy condition, can cause pain and lameness.
Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae – yeast grown on sugar, commonly used in horse feed and supplements.
Yarrowia Lipolytica Yeast
Yeast grown on vegetable fat – highly efficient at delivering nutrients into the horse’s body. Plus providing gastric & hindgut support.
This yeast is ONLY found in Equinox supplements.
