With brisk temperatures and frequent fluctuations of our North Carolina winter weather, it is always good to remember how critical these changes can be to our equine companions. If you’ve been in the horse business long enough, you have probably encountered a horse experiencing colic due to temperature changes. Keeping horses warm and hydrated in the winter, as well as in good body condition can be a challenge, especially during weeks like this one. Key factors in achieving this are providing shelter from the wind and rain, along with plenty of clean water and good hay. Here are some things that should help keep your horse healthy this winter.
Maintaining ample water intake is the most critical part of
ensuring the health of your horse during cold weather. The horse prefers a water temperature of
45-65°F. Under normal conditions, the horse will
consume one gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight per day. An 1100 pound horse will consume 10-12
gallons of water daily. As the water temperature
decreases, horses will consume less water.
An 1100 pound horse may consume as little as 1-3 gallons of water per
day when water temperature is 32°F.
Low water intake is
directly related to the increased incidence of impaction colic. Water intake can be encouraged by increasing
the amount of forage being fed prior to a drop in temperature. The resulting increase of dry matter
encourages the horse to drink more water.
Concentrate mashes can also be fed during the actual cold period when
water temperature is below 45°F. Feeding 2-3 gallons of hot water mixed in a
mash with a textured or pelleted concentrate mix will provide additional water
intake. To minimize gas colic, allow for
the mash to sit for 15 minutes. This will permit the feed to expand prior to
feeding. If possible, offer 10 gallons
of water (at 65°F or warmer) twice
daily. Break and remove ice from water
tubs, making certain to provide water that is available free choice.
Providing good quality, nutritious hay is another critical
aspect to winter management of horses.
This is the time of year where hay supplies sometimes get thin, so
planning ahead and purchasing enough hay to get through the winter is
critical. When temperatures get below
freezing, winter pasture growth reduces tremendously, and hay is our only
forage option. Horses, along with other
grazing animals, need hay to stay warm.
Hay and other forages are digested in the cecum and large intestine of
the horse, and this digestion process is the primary source of regulating body
temperature. Many horses can maintain their weight through the winter with just
an increase in hay consumption. Those
that are harder to keep weight on or older will often need a gradual increase
of grain as well. Horses should consume at least 1.5% of their body weight in
hay during cold periods. For example, a
mature 1000 pound horse should consume 15-18 pounds per day of hay to meet
these temperature needs in cold weather. It’s important to pay close attention to body
condition during these periods, and actually “feel” your horse. A long hair coat or winter blanket can often
cover up thin spots on a horse, so be sure to examine your horse closely and
get a feel for where your horse’s ribs, backbone, etc. are and how much fat or
“cover” there is over and around them.
If a horse given plenty of hay is having trouble maintaining weight,
increasing fat to the concentrate diet may also be helpful. Many “high fat” feeds are on the market just
for this purpose.
These are just a few tips to help you and your horses get
through these brisk winter days. For more information or advice, don’t hesitate to contact
your Extension office.
Written by Eileen Coite
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