ridecamp@endurance.net: Colic and full "Bellies"

Colic and full "Bellies"

RALSTON@AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU
Mon, 08 Dec 1997 10:58:01 -0400 (EDT)

Full bellies are NOT the same as full large
intestines. Feeding hay, grazing free choice does
not result in colic. Feeding large amounts (2 or more lbs) of concentrates
before
stress does, if ingested rapidly enough and the GI function
is reduced due either to stress, fatigue or lack of
fiber in the LARGE intestine. There are several good studies that have shown
that
a high forage ration results in a greater reservoir of water and electrolytes
the large intestine from which the horse can draw in endurance type
competition.

I was at the ride where Teddy's horse colicked-
She had fed a fairly large amount of GRAIN
at the end of the ride when her horse was quite tired (which
is ok, I'm not knocking tired or Teddy, who learned her lesson!)-ergo the
problem.
It was grain that they pumped out at New Bolton,
not hay. Small amounts of grain are ok if the GI function is ok,
but NEVER feed an exhausted horse with poor gut sounds
grain in amounts.over a = lb or so ( I am saying this in deference to those
that follow Tom's advice-I prefer avoiding all concentrates if GI function is
reduced). There is also good research showing that if you feed more than 4 lbs
of concentrate per meal to the average sized horse a significant
amount of the concentrate by-passes the small intestinal digestion and gets
fermented in the large intestine (producing those volatile fatty acids Tom
feels are useless).
This is not usually a problem per se but does reduce the caloric value of the
grain.

Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD
Associate Professor
Ralston@aesop.rutgers.edu

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