chronic intestinal mucosal damage, which affects nutrient absorption. And because parasites compete for nutrients,
NUTRITION
Our golden oldies
they also cause decreased nutrient absorption. Your older horse requires a targeted program, with routine faecal egg counts and deworming an integral part of overall health care. Besides parasite damage, other factors are responsible for decreased nutrient absorption, particularly of phosphorus,
Caring for our golden oldies as they enjoy a wellearned rest requires attention to several factors, writes DR CLARISSA BROWN-DOUGLAS.
W
vitamins and protein. Protein digestion is a particular problem in older horses (especially for those with parasitic damage) with muscle wasting a common occurrence. If insufficient protein is
hile some older horses
condition, there are four main factors to
absorbed, the body breaks down its
remain in excellent body
consider: reduced gut health, poor teeth,
own muscle tissue to provide protein
condition and health,
environmental stress, and disease.
for important body functions. With a
others deteriorate over time. Because
decreased ability to absorb protein,
of the physiological changes associated
Gut health
with aging, seniors may require special
Poor gut health can cause weight loss
higher in protein. Not all protein sources
adaptations in health care, environment
in older horses. It’s affected by many
are created equal though, so quality is
and diet, especially during the cold
factors including feed type and quality,
important. Soybean meal is an excellent
winter months. To ensure older horses
age, and parasite load or damage.
option because of its high quality amino
stay healthy and maintain proper body
Intestinal worms can scar and cause
acid composition.
36 | E Q U E S T R I A N H U B I S S U E 5 • 2 0 2 2
senior horses should be offered feed
