11/01/2023
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲?
1. The horse’s stomach (which is about the size of a rugby ball) can broadly be divided into two sections; the upper non-glandular (or squamous) region where food enters the stomach, and the lower glandular region where stomach (hydrochloric) acid is produced. Although the lower region is constantly exposed to acid, it generally has adequate protection and ulcers are most commonly found in the upper region.
2. Having evolved to spend around 16-18 hours per day foraging, the horse’s stomach is constantly producing stomach acid to digest food, even when the horse is not eating. A combination of prolonged periods of stabling with little or no forage and exercise can results in gastric acid ‘splashing’ onto the upper region of the stomach.
3. Saliva provides a natural buffer to stomach acid but unlike people, horses only produce saliva when they chew. Feeding short chopped fibre helps to extend eating time which in turn encourages saliva production and increases the horse’s ability to buffer damaging stomach acid. Chaff also forms a protective 'fibre mat' on top of the stomach contents, thus helping to prevent strong stomach acid splashing up onto the non-protected (squamous) region of the stomach where it can increase the risk of ulcers forming.
𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱?
Ideally choose a fibre containing alfalfa as the high protein and calcium content is thought to further help buffer stomach acid. SPILLERS Alfalfa-Pro FIbre makes a great choice and has the added reassurance of the BETA EGUS approval mark.
For more advice, do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team of nutritionists who are on hand Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached via;
📞 01908 226626
📧 [email protected]
For local availability, head to your nearest stockist or buy online.
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