Optimizing horses' nutrition: the importance of hay feeding practices
Horses thrive on a natural diet of fresh grass, which consists mainly of water. However, when horses are unable to access pastureland, hay becomes a necessary alternative. While hay provides essential nutrients, it presents challenges in terms of nutrition intake. Unlike grass, hay is consumed in larger portions, leading to a rapid food intake. To address this issue, horse owners often divide hay into multiple servings throughout the day. However, this contradicts the natural feeding behavior of horses and can lead to digestive issues, stress hormone production, and undesirable behaviors.
Hay feeding challenges
In various situations, horses cannot graze on pastureland round the clock. In such instances, hay (or haylage) becomes the primary source of sustenance. While hay is a suitable alternative, it presents an inherent challenge. Hay contains 20% water and 80% food, meaning a single bite provides more nutrition than grazing on pasture. Horses tend to consume hay in larger tufts, creating an overload of food intake. Although dividing hay into 3 or 4 portions per day is a common practice, it goes against a horse's natural instincts and can lead to digestive issues.
The natural needs of horses
Horses are biologically designed for constant movement. Their digestive systems are optimized for this active lifestyle. Unlike humans, horses' stomachs cannot expand, causing discomfort and gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) when they remain empty. Additionally, horses lack a gallbladder, which means stomach acid and bile flow directly into their intestines. This situation triggers the production of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to undesirable behaviors and a relentless search for food sources, including potentially harmful ones.
The ideal solution: FeedingMaster
​The ideal solution for horses dependent on hay is to feed it in small, frequent portions throughout the day. This replicates their natural grazing behavior and ensures their stomachs and intestines remain active. The FeedingMaster system accomplishes this by providing short segments of hay with breaks in between, allowing horse owners to control the amount of hay provided over a 24-hour period. This innovative feeding approach prioritizes equine health by mimicking natural feeding habits and preventing digestive issues and related health concerns.
Revolutionize hay feeding for optimal equine health with the FeedingMaster
The FeedingMaster system is designed to facilitate precise and controlled feeding of roughage to individual horses or groups. Whether horses are in a stable, paddock, or track, this system allows horse owners to prioritize their well-being by closely mimicking their natural feeding habits and preventing digestive issues. Safeguard your horse's health with the FeedingMaster.
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