Horses need amino acids to make the proteins required for every physiological process, including maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the digestive tract. Deficiencies in essential amino acids can adversely affect these processes, even if your horse gets adequate crude protein from their diet.
GI tract health is one of the most important components of whole horse wellness and performance. The digestive system directly affects many other systems in the horse’s body. But this aspect of equine health is also the most susceptible to disruption from modern management practices.
Injuries are an unavoidable part of horse ownership. Depending on the injury, your horse may need extensive rehabilitation and recovery time to return to full work. But unfortunately, the recovery process can take a toll on other body systems.
Since many factors that influence stallion fertility trace back to gastrointestinal tract health, good digestive function is a necessary step toward optimizing fertility. Keep reading to learn how you can increase your chances of producing healthy foals by supporting fertility in breeding stallions.
Research has revealed a strong link between systemic inflammation and GI tract health in horses. Intestinal diseases related to inflammation, such as leaky gut syndrome, can lead to chronic inflammation and other metabolic and musculoskeletal problems that will wreak havoc on your horse’s health and performance.
While horses need constant access to forage throughout the day and night for optimal digestive function, owners should consider glycemic responses when determining the best time to feed grain.
