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Feed Additives, Nutritional Supplements, and Nutraceuticals for Horses

Having this article on hand to read was good timing. As the writer intended, it somewhat clarified things. The writer well knows that for many of us, that coming up with a balanced equine diet is problematic. Van Saun is right to say “With so many different choices and marketing propaganda, the horse owner often becomes disillusioned and uncertain about what should be fed.” He also rightly ads “Often times products are fed more in line with the owner’s perception of feeding practices rather than product-based feeding directions. This approach can often lead to nutritional problems.”

With this in mind Van Saun states that he has two objectives in writing this paper. The first is to “clarify roles of feed supplements for horses and provide guidance on how to make objective comparisons between products .” The second is to provide an overview of feed additives and nutraceutical products relative to horse nutrition and summarize available information applicable to making a decision for their use.” These objectives are in line with his intent, to make us more knowledgeable consumers.

Some important points that support the above follow:
“Forages, especially grasses, may not be solely capable of meeting energy or protein needs.” This then, is a good rationale for adding supplements to a horses’ diet. The question then that he anticipates us asking is “How does one decide on the right supplement? The answers, (which include supporting information are:

• Match supplement nutrient content to forage nutrient deficiencies.
• Minimize over-supplmentation of any nutrient.
• Assess source and bioavailability of the nutrients within the product.
• Assess palatability of the product
• Develop a practical feeding method within your feeding program
• Figure out the feeding cost of supplement

Van Saun also writes about feed additives, and in this way makes things a bit clearer for this horse owner. There are, he says “two general categories of feed additives that may be incorporated into horse foods. The first is ”non nutritive food constituents that impart some technical effect on feed characteristics. “ The second is “true feed additives or those substances, nutritive or non-nutritive, that are or become incorporated into the feed and are expected to impart some effect on animal health, structure, or performance.”

Very important, the four R’s. The author writes “a number of studies have shown many nutritional supplements not to contain as much active ingredient as was listed on their label. In evaluating these nutritional supplements use the 4R’s criteria as follows:
• Response: What is the effect expected from the product?
• Research: Is the product backed by nonbiased studies?
• Results: What are the results with your animal?
• Returns: Is it economically beneficial to use this product?

This is a good guide for the backyard horse owner because if we pay attention to it, we’ll become more aware and informed consumers. I’m planning on keeping this article on hand and reviewing it from time to time.


 

Horse Behavior: Books consulted

Feed Additives

Cow Nutrition

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