Super breeding feeds
Article from RD1's 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth', June 2010
MitaviteŽ premium breeding feeds support optimal growth and development
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 all of these horses must be provided with first-class nutrition.
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 bones
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.
MitaviteŽ BreedaŽ - it's a matter of trust
Mitavite Breeda holds pride of place as Mitavite's biggest selling and most trusted complete breeding feed. Breeda has been scientifically formulated to promote optimum, balanced growth and to overcome the problems associated with raising young horses on less than perfect pasture.
Critical to the success of Breeda is the essential amino acid profile and the positive impact this has on the development of lean muscle, strong tendons and smooth flat bone. This, coupled with the delivery of highly digestible energy, vitamins and minerals in a steam extruded, palatable nugget, assists in limiting peaks in blood sugars often associated with bone developmental problems.
Talk to your local RD1 store about which Mitavite feed best suits your requirements. If it's not in stock, we'll simply order it in for you.
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.
