There are visual signs that a horse is underweight and to varying degrees. The ribs can be easily seen and felt, tail head is quite prominent, a ridge down the back and prominent back bone, bones in the neck may be quite easy to see.
Some reasons for poor condition:
- There may be dental issues indicated by dropping feed while chewing, facial swelling, weight loss, bad smelling breath. Consult an Equine dentist.
- The horse may have a parasite infestation which is indicated by a dull coat, itchy tail head and a reduced appetite. There are a wide range of worm medications available in the fodder store and consider pasture management and faecal egg counts.
- Stress can be a factor in weight loss and is expressed by pawing, chewing and biting, fence or stable walking. To reduce stress, increase social contact and time out in pasture, consider small frequent feeding throughout the day, access to more roughage.
- Disease or illness can interfere with weight gain and a horse’s appetite as well as affect the nutrient absorption in the digestive system. Consultation with a vet may be beneficial.
- Gastric ulcers can cause discomfort, poor appetite and weight loss. There may also be an attitude change in the demeanour of the horse. Some strategies include more free access to pasture and hay, more frequent smaller meals or feeding a small amount of lucerne 30 min before exercise acting as a buffering to gastric acid. Vet treatment for the ulcer.
- Sounds obvious but it may be a result of not having enough feed. Just like humans, some horses have a faster metabolism and need a higher calorie intake to maintain weight and energy. Adhere to feeding recommendations if using a pre-packaged bagged feed, don’t underestimate the size, weight and nutrition needs of your horse. ‘Poor Doers” may have difficulty keeping weight on and easily lose weight especially as the weather turns cold, necessitating the use of a rug during colder times of the year.
Introducing our new store cat.
She is in need of a name.
Comment your suggestion of a name below and the names with most likes will be selected for in-store voting.
🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈🐈 ... See MoreSee Less
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Skittles
Cali or Calico A calico cat (US English) is a domestic cat of any breed with a tri-color coat. The calico cat is most commonly thought of as being 25% to 75% white with large orange and black patches; however, they may have other colors in their patterns. Calicoes are almost exclusively female except under rare genetic conditions.(From Wiki)
Tilly or Matilda.
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Awww isn't Quintin a gem?
He constructed a fence mockup to add to my display ... See MoreSee Less
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When he has a spare moment he can head down here and do our fencing 😉
The cautious rest of the team have still been wary on touching it 👀😂
Well done Quintin, you always were creative,
If you're planning some fencing for the weekend, we have electric fence gear. All this and more. ... See MoreSee Less
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When Matthew is doing the deliveries 😆😆 ... See MoreSee Less
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Matthew must have some great rope tying abilities 🤣 Let's hope there's no speed bumps or corners he has to maneuver 🤣
How clever!!!
As long as the road is straight and no bumps.
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Dog food specials
catalogue sale until June 22nd
#dog #pet #dogfood #chalkboardspecials ... See MoreSee Less
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