Mitavite® super premium breeding feeds support optimal growth and development

Article from RD1's 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth', September 2010

Breeding mares and working stallions need to be kept in good condition and health to ensure pregnancy rates, foetal growth and sperm health are optimised.

Incorrect nutrition at breeding, during pregnancy and lactation can affect pregnancy rates and the development of the foal. To produce a well developed, well structured athlete, the mare, stallion and foal must be provided with super premium nutrition.

The growth of foals, weanlings and yearlings can be nurtured and developed through correct management and premium nutrition, allowing the horse to achieve its genetic potential. Incorrect nutrition at an early age has the potential to affect bone and joint development and the growth of the horse. The results of poor nutrition may not be seen until radiographs, scans, and sometimes lameness and bone defects appear, often too late.

The role of protein, vitamins and minerals in the development of sound bone

It is widely known that the quality and quantity of the protein in the diet affects the bone growth of the horse and the type of muscle or cover (fat) the horse puts on. How much the horse grows in height and the amount of muscle the horse puts on is a direct reflection on the amount and the quality of the feed in the feed bin.

Bone needs good quality protein for growth, maintenance and renewal. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the horse and these need to be provided in the ration. Grains alone do not contain all the essential amino acids and can be limiting in lysine affecting the muscling of the horse, bone growth and ultimately the final height of the horse.

Bone building nutrients, such as Vitamin K, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, copper, Vitamin D and more, are needed for remodelling and to support the formation of good bone in addition to improving bone density and strength. Minerals (which make up approximately half of the bone) need to be provided in the correct amounts and in a form that will be absorbed easily. Additional Vitamin K, which binds the protein and minerals in bone, is needed when good quality, growing pasture is not readily available.

Not all energy sources are created equal

Energy should be provided in a cool, safe form that avoids spikes in glucose and insulin levels. Feeding diets that are high in sugar and starches, such as raw grains, can cause extremes in blood glucose and insulin levels that may predispose young growing horses to bone abnormalities. In comparison to textured or sweet feeds, there is a smaller change in blood glucose and insulin levels when a steam extruded feed is fed.

Paddock size and exercise

Free paddock exercise for a minimum of 12 hours per day is ideal for young growing horses. Paddocks should be no less than 2ha (5 acres) and preferably bigger. Confinement to stalls or small yards is not mentally beneficial for the young horses, and can have an osteoporotic effect on bone, which decreases bone density. Research suggests that paddock exercise increases bone strength and cortical thickness, although it needs to be for a minimum of 12 hours per day or bone density will decrease.

It's a matter of trust

Making your own recipe can lead to an imbalance, deficiency or excess in nutrients and protein which can have irreparable effects. Mitavite super premium breeding feeds - Breeda®, Promita® and Yearling Prep® - take the guess work out of ration formulation by providing the correct amount of nutrients, protein and energy. When fed in accordance withthe instructions, this ensures efficiency in feeding management and optimum results in breeding and young stock.

Key breeding feed points:

• The diet must contain correct amino acid and mineral ratios
• Vitamin K1, K2 and D3 deficiencies impede bone cell production
• Avoid high starch, raw grain diets for young horses
• Paddock size and exercise are essential for healthy bone and cartilage development
• Monitor weight to avoid obesity in growing horses

Talk to the team at your RD1 store about the range of Mitavite super premium breeding feeds. Any products not in stock can be ordered in.

Some products may not be available in all stores but can be ordered on request.
Disclaimer: Any views and comments expressed in this article are not necessarily the opinions of RD1 Limited nor associated agencies. This content is copyright of RD1 Limited.