Understanding horse nutrition: The next hurdle in equine research

Understanding horse nutrition: The next hurdle in equine research

Dr Lucy Waldron PhD RNutr

Most horse people know me for my articles in the press and research work. But, in fact, I work with all species — agricultural, exotic and pets. However, horse nutrition is one of the most interesting areas to be in, as we still have a huge amount to learn about how they digest and utilise their feed. Agricultural animal nutrition is mainly concerned with growth and welfare, and end-product (i.e., meat, milk, egg) quality. In horses, many other considerations are involved — age, breed, workload, competition type and reproduction.

What are my horse credentials? My great grandfather was an ‘ostler’ and a ‘toad man’ with horses in the British Army in the 19^th century (before veterinary medicine was properly governed). Various family members rode. I have been riding since I was five years old — something that happened by chance when my older cousin wanted to go riding, and my mother volunteered to take her to weekly lessons, and so I got to go along as well. Sadly, a slippery slope, as my father much lamented — already having had one horsey daughter — regarding the expenses for the inevitable horse, its keep, gear, membership fees and so on. My mother would say “it’s better she is wearing herself out on the horse than hanging around the bus stop with unsuitable boys.” Fair point, which I still make to other parents who groan over the cost of having a horsey child in the family. I still have horses to this day and have bred my own for 20 years. I am now a registered para (disabled) rider with ESNZ due to a fall while show jumping in 2012, but am still actively riding.

When I began my career in nutrition, I had been trained (during my PhD) in agricultural species, which are far better researched than horses. Sadly, there is not much money available for equine research, so there are still major holes in the data. Basics regarding amino acid and mineral requirements are largely unstudied in horses and ponies. However, some companies have supported work on developing products for horse digestion, especially pre- and probiotics and mycotoxin binders, as Alltech has over the last 30 years or so. Understanding regarding the hindgut and the importance of its microflora has leapt forward in recent times as well. If I ever win the lotto, I will definitely be funding research!

Sometimes I hear comments such as ‘feeding is an art, not a science’ and ‘you don’t need formal training, just experience to be a nutritionist’ — usually from people trying to make a quick buck out of unproven, unregistered snake-oil miracle cures to the unwitting horse owner. The huge gain in knowledge over the past century from nutrition research disproves such disparaging attitudes, as scientific research has led to massive improvements in health and welfare in all animals. Ensuring that your nutritionist is properly accredited in their field is essential for the health of your horse and your bank balance.

My mantra for feeding horses? Keep it simple; give the best quality pasture, forage and feed you can; manage the hindgut correctly and only feed what they need.

https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/269030/lucy-waldron-recognized-by-worldwide-whos-who-for-excellence-in-animal-research-and-product-development