Feed the natural way - fibre, fibre, fibre!

Article from RD1's 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth', December 2011.

Fibre is often referred to as 'bulk' or 'filler', however it is much more than that. It provides horses with a good source of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins at varying levels, depending on the type. To achieve optimal hind gut health, fibre intake should be maximised and the intake of sugar and starch minimised. Cereals produce instant energy whilst energy derived from fibre is released slowly with a low glycaemic (GI) response, preventing the energy level peaks and troughs often observed in horses on a cereal/sugar rich diet. A horse with a steady, even energy level will appear calmer and be more consistent in his work.

Many horses and ponies can extract enough energy from fibre to maintain their bodyweight as well as support any work they are doing. Good doers may just require the addition of a vitamin and mineral supplement alongside their fibre. For horses in hard work or that need additional help to keep their weight and condition, consider using a higher energy fibre source before turning to concentrates. Did you know that Annandale Performance fibres contain similar energy to a low energy concentrate mix?

The horse's stomach continuously produces acid, but acid buffering saliva is only produced as he chews. By adding chaff to concentrate feeds, chewing is encouraged; this helps maintain gastric health and normal digestion.

The diet of a horse has great bearing on his contentment and behaviour. Year round access to pasture and ad lib fibre from the ground have been shown to prevent or lessen stereotypical behaviours. It's not solely the mental and physical occupation that does the trick. The head down posture has a calming effect on horses, as does the reassuring feeling of some fibrous food constantly present in and passing through the gut.

Annandale Chaff Range

Our advanced chaffing mill is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and incorporates a Steam Enhanced Nutrition process giving our chaff a multitude of additional benefits:

• Increased digestibility - up to 18% over traditional chaffing processes
• Elimination of dust mites and mould spores - commonly found in raw product
• Increased nutritional value - due to full leaf retention
• Naturally dust free - without the addition of sugars or additives
• Excellent source of naturally occurring minerals and vitamins
• High dry matter values - not diluted by water content
• Long shelf life
• Naturally healthy - no molasses or additives

Annandale Fresh Forage benefits

• No molasses or additives
• Convenient size for travelling
• Easy to feed - hay like slices make feeding easy
• High moisture content - for additional hydration
• Highly palatable
• Produced to reduce the risk of yeasts, moulds and aerobic bacteria
• Produced on equine only feed mill
• Produced from current seasons raw product in small batches - for optimum freshness

Feeding Arrow

• Annandale Performance Fibres are highly digestible forms of fibre, with high energy levels and naturally provide a source of quality protein, calcium and a host of vitamins and minerals. This range is particularly suitable for horses in work, those requiring condition, or where a high fibre low starch ration is desired.
• Annandale Balanced Fibres are widely used and represent another rich source of fibre for horses with lower energy requirements or on high concentrate diets.
• For good do-ers Annandale High Fibre options are a suitable source of fibre, providing the necessary gut fill required to maintaingut health while limiting associated weight gain due to its relatively low energy value per kilogram.

For more information about Annandale feeds, visit www.annandale.co.nz or talk to the team at your local RD1 store.