The elderly horse

Question 1

What are the energy requirements for an older horse?

Answer 1

-decline in maintence requirements
-changes in thermoregulation (more energy needed)
-appetite reduces (higher energy feed required?)

Question 2

Nutritional requirements of older horses?

Answer 2

-fibre digestibility is low (therefore horse need lots)
- protien digestibility is low (supliment lysine (20) and theronine(15)
-lowered phospurous digestibility (may have to be supplimented)

Question 3

Name some age related diseases?

Answer 3

-colic
-ulcers
-respitory problems
- arthritis
-pittuitary pars intermedia disfuction (PPID/ Cushings)

Question 4

How or the microbacteria effected by age?

Answer 4

-lowered fibre digestibility effects microflora
- bacteria diversity is altered

Question 5

How can nutrition support the older horse?

Answer 5

-increase forage quality
-alfalfa
-soaked un-molased sugar beat
-water soluble b vitimin supplimentation