Pegus News

Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for the horse. However, the carbohydrates are a big family including a great variety of components from the simple sugars to the more complex starches and celluloses. The different carbohydrates are digested either enzymatically in the small intestine or fermented by intestinal microbes mainly in the hind-gut. Small intestinal digestion In the small intestine, sugar and starch is enzymatically broken down to simple sugars and absorbed to the blood as glucose (blood sugar). Here it is transported to the liver, muscles and other…

Potassium (K) is the mineral (ion) found in highest concentration in all cells in the bodies of humans and animals, as well as in the cells of plants. In blood and in the fluid surrounding cells, sodium (Na) dominates, and the concentration of potassium is low. Potassium and sodium are both positive ions, and in a complicated cooperation, the two cations ensure that nerves and muscles function normally. Potassium from feed is rapidly absorbed through the gut wall and transported by the blood stream to the cells. About 75% of…

  Adjusting rations for the mares in late pregnancy  At this time of year, many pregnant mares are in their last months of pregnancy. The foetus now increases its growth rate and demands more nutrients to support that growth. The mare has to deliver these nutrients to her foetus and her ration will have to be adjusted accordingly Foetal growth In the first 7 months of pregnancy, the foetus grows moderately and only reaches about 20% of its final birth weight. This means that the mare’s nutrient requirements in this…

Fructans in pasture grasses Pasture grasses produce fructans as a storage carbohydrate. As the horse cannot digest the fructans enzymatically in the small intestine, they are digested by the microbes in the hind-gut, leading to production of volatile fatty acids and lactate. Increased lactate concentration lowers pH and alters the balance between the different strains of gut microbes. High intake of fructans can therefore lead to severe conditions as colic and laminitis in horses. What are fructans? Fructans consist of fructose units that are linked together. The chain length can…

How we define the level of exercise for your horse? The energy requirement of exercising horses is mainly depending on the horse’s body weight and the amount of exercise. However, many find it difficult to define the average amount of exercise over a given period, eg over one or two weeks. When using Pegus PC-Horse to set up rations for exercised horses, you will have to provide information about the average level of exercise or training. You can select the pre-defined levels by double-clicking on the blue text or moving…

Group feeding of horses during winter Many horses are kept outdoors and fed as a group during winter. For this, we have to take into account extra challenges presented by cold weather conditions. Horses are very adaptable to cold weather, but factors such as age, body condition, breed, acclimatization and feeding will all influence the tolerance of cold in each individual’s case. A good management and feeding regime is therefore especially important during winter. Temperature oC Wind m/sec Effective temperature Definition of wind What determines the cold tolerance? How well…

It’s time to make plans for the upcoming breeding season. Now April is here, most owners wanting to breed a horse will have decided what stallion they want to use for their mare. If your brood mare is pregnant and expecting a foal in the spring, you should inform your chosen insemination centre of your mare’s expected foaling date. Agreement must be reached with the stud owner concerning transport of the mare before foaling and return afterwards with the foal or, if the mare is to foal at home, transporting…

How to define the level of exercise for your horse? The energy requirement of exercising horses is mainly depending on the horse’s body weight and the amount of exercise. However, many find it difficult to define the average amount of exercise over a given period, eg over one or two weeks.  Declan Cullen and Seavaghan Ash use  Pegus Diet Planner When Pegus Horse Feeds design rations for exercised horses, we will ask you  to provide information about the average level of exercise or training. We will  select the pre-defined levels…