Why Fibre is Essential for Horses
Every equine nutritionist will tell you: fibre is essential. It should make up at least 50% of your horse's daily feed ration. Why? Because a lack of fibre can lead to a myriad of health issues like acidosis, colic, leaky gut syndrome, and laminitis. Plus, it promotes proper dental wear, saliva production, and even helps prevent equine gastric ulcers. In short, for the health and well-being of your horse, fibre is non-negotiable.
The Problem with Traditional Fibre
But there's a catch. While fibre is crucial, it's often low in energy and digestibility. For instance, the average hay bale contains 7 to 9 megajoules (MJ) of digestible energy per kg of dry matter. Grains, however, pack almost double that energy. So, when your horse needs more energy, like during intense riding sessions, hay alone won't cut it.
Traditionally, grains like oats and barley are added to the diet. But grains come with their own set of problems. They're rapidly digested and contain high levels of sugars and starch, which can compromise a horse's immune system and lead to health issues.
The Solution: Highly Fermentable Fibres
Enter highly fermentable fibres. These are the game-changers in the equine diet. They offer the benefits of traditional fibre but are much more digestible and energy-dense. Think of them as the superfoods of the horse world.
What Makes Hеmр Hulls Special?
Among these super fibres, hеmр seed hulls stand out. They contain over 30% crude fibre and virtually no sugars or starch. Plus, they're packed with over 20% crude protein. With a high fat content and plenty of fermentable fibre, hеmр hulls offer about 20 MJ per kg of dry matter. That's almost double the energy of oats, without the sugar-related issues.
Why Your Horse Will Love Hеmр Hulls:
Feeding your horse hеmр hulls offers numerous benefits:
- Chewing & Saliva Production: Promotes dental health.
- Gut Health: Supports a healthy digestive system.
- Low Sugars & Starch: Ideal for horses sensitive to high sugar and starch diets.
- High Energy: Perfect for horses that require sustained energy.
- Hydration: Acts as a water reservoir to prevent dehydration.
For horses that can't eat enough hay or those that need a steady energy source, hеmр hulls are a godsend. They're also ideal for horses sensitive to high sugar diets, like those prone to laminitis or insulin resistance.
Interested in Introducing Hеmр Hulls to Your Horse's Diet?
The numerous benefits of hеmр hulls might have piqued your interest in incorporating them into your horse's nutrition. As with all equine feeds, it's crucial to choose a product that ensures quality and safety.
For those looking for a trusted source, our Gut Health+ product offers high-quality hеmр hulls tailored for equine health. If you'd like to learn more about Gut Health+ or need guidance on equine nutrition, don't hesitate to reach out or visit our website.
By Dr. Mark Barnett, PhD
MTB Equine Services
www.mtbequine.com
