8 April , 1962
Horse Nutrition Needs
( Continued from Page 7 ) horsemen provide ihe foal with a vitamin D supplement such as cod liver oil or irradiated yeast .
Horses seem to require vitamin E , but most practical rations contain liberal quantities of it — perhaps enough except under conditions of stress or where there is interference with its utilization . Rather than buy and use costly vitamin E concentrates indiscriminately , therefore , add them to the ration only on the advice of a competent nutritionist or veterinarian .
Vitamin F Plays Role
Under some conditions , there is evidence that alpha tocopherol succinate ( a relatively stable form a vitamin E ) is effective in ( 1 ) increasing the conception rate of mares , ( 2 ) improving the breeding behavior , sex drive , sperm quality , and condition of stallions , and ( 3 ) improving the stamina , temperament , feed consumption , and track performance of race horses . Where needed , the recommended daily doses of alpha tocopherol succinate in the feed are : Stallions and broodmares , 600 to 1,000 I . U . beginning a few weeks before breeding ; and race horses in training , 2,000 I . U .
A deficiency of riboflavin may cause periodic ophthalmia ( moon blindness ) , but it is known that lack of this vitamin is not the only factor in producing the condition ( sometimes moon blindness follows leptosphirosis in horses ) . Prevent periodic ophthalmia , caused by lack of riboflavin , by feeding green hays and green pastures ( feeds high in riboflavin ) or by adding crystalline riboflavin to the ration at the rate of 40 mg . per horse per day . A thiamine deficiency has been observed in horses fed on poor-quality hay and grain . Although thiamine is synthesized in the lower gut , the amount absorbed may not always meet the full requirements . Other vitamins of the B complex may be essential . Healthy horses usually get enough of them either in natural rations or by synthesis in the intestinal track , primarily the caecum . When neither green pasture nor highquality dry roughage is available , B vitamins may be provided by adding to the ration distiller ’ s dried solubles , dried brewer ’ s yeast , or animal liver meal .
Pasturage A Cornerstone Good pasturage is the cornerstone of successful horse production . Great horse-breeding centers are characterized by luxuriant pastures produced on fertile soils . In season , there is no finer forage for horses .
A temporary pasture grown in a regular crop rotation is preferable to a permanent pasture that may be parasite-infested .
Since horses are less likely to bloat than cattle or sheep , legume pastures are excellent for them . Specific grass or grass-legume mixtures vary widely from one area to another according to differences in soil , temperature , rainfall , and other natural factors . Ask your County Agricultural Agent for pasture recommendations suitable to your locality .
Horse pastures should be well drained . Shade , water , and minerals always should be available . Pits , stumps , poles , tanks , and places dangerous to horses should be guarded .
Eliminate Needless Medication
The fabulous days of the “ hoss ” doctor have returned ! At least , this is true in altogether too many cases . Today , sales of chemical industry products to U . S . livestock and poultry growers are about $ 250,000,000 ( 14 billion ) per year ; and this does not include minerals . It is estimated that an expenditure of $ 370,000,000 is made annually for minerals for livestock and p o u 1 t r y —$ 7,000,000 of which is for horses . The Census of Manufacturers reported that , in 1958 , the nation ' s commercial feed industry spent $ 36,000,000 for vitamins , $ 24 , - 000,000 for antibiotics , and $ 30 , - 000,000 for drugs . Most of these drugs are needed and good . There isn ’ t any good basis to determine how much of this drug bill is expened for horses , but it is reasonable to assume that horsemen are using more than their share .
In the present era , some horse advisors have become “ peddlers ” of minerals , vitamins , tonics , feed additives , and drugs ; they are “ hoss doctors ’’ in a fabulous era of drugs . Pan of this stems from ignorance , for many of them haven ’ t had enough training to cope with modern and rapid developments in nutrition ; some are motivated by the profit factor , for the sale of such concoctions is a lucrative business ; while others succumb to prescribing needless “ shot gun-type medication ,” simply because many horse owners — who are either newcomers to the industry or otherwise unfamiliar with such medication — insist on some kind of treatment .
Those who race or show horses are particularly gullible to any sales pitch that oilers the faintest hope of winning . Like the ulcer patient who had to go to six different doctors before he could find one who would tell him that he could have a drink , they ’ ll keep going until they get it .
In the final analysis , research and education are the only way in which to combat needless , and sometimes harmful , medication .
Engineer , 81 , Rides
( Continued from Page 6 ) elixir of an hour or two in the saddle atop a Tennessee Walking Horse . It ’ s a great booster-upper .”
Mr . McMullen is Wisconsin-born , a graduate of the University of Wisconsin in 1905 with an electrical engineering degree . For many years he was with Fairbanks-Morse Co . and he joined Cummins Engine Co . April 1 , 1935 as works manager .
( Editor ' s Note — The Editor of the Voice received a copy of a letter Mr . McMullen wrote to Gilbert Orr , Nov . 29 , 1948 , who had been general manager of the Celebration at Shelbyville , and writer of magazine articles promoting the Tennessee Walking Horse . Mr . McMullen did not know Gilly had died , and this letter explained just how the running walk gait was performed . This letter will appear in an early copy of the Voice . It will be news to many .)
MORE PARTY LINE
( Continued from Page 5 ) the breed is the greatest pleasure horse there is . I feel about horses like 1 feel about my religion . I want all other folks to belong to a church , but I really prefer for them to belong to “ my church ." Thanks , heaps . BAG .)
To Be “ Big Horseman ”
Mrs . Floyd Adkins , Vienna , Mo ., says “ I am glad such a magazine is being published and I hope it has information that will help us little horsemen to become big horsemen and give us some needed knowledge of ways in training the Walking ( Continued on Page 9 )
PLEASURE HORSES — Suitable for Children — That Have a Natural Saddle Gait — Available At All Times
Vic Thompson ' s Stables SHELBYVILLE , TENN . PH . 4-44B1 & MU 4-395B