to look out for and not become distracted over time. An important thing for an observer to know is that when looking at the state of fitness of the foals or mares, all that can be assessed through their body fitness is the level of energy they are receiving. Observation will not provide data on their level of protein or the amount or balance of minerals and vitamins. The amount of mega calories that a foal receives daily is responsible for its good body fitness. The most useful sign during this stage is the layer of fat that becomes deposited between skin and ribs. This store of fat is very sensitive to genetic balance and is very easy to see, even in winter with a long-haired winter coat. Maintaining over time a thin layer of fat that slightly covers the ribs and which never allows them to show up or hide away too much, is proof that these animals are receiving the energy they need for the activity that they are carrying out( gestation, lactation or growing). Depending on the farm conditions, when an animal manages to attain energy balance, we know that it has at least reached 60 % of the proteins, but we do not know anything about the balance of minerals and vitamins. The amount and quality of proteins needed as supplement, as well as the way in which minerals are balanced, must be checked by a professional at least once every change of season. Upholding constant body fitness ensures that falls will be avoided and provides compensatory recovery in their growth. This is enough to minimize acquired conformation problems that are so frequent in foals of between 8 and 16 months.
-To conclude, would you like to add anything you haven’ t mentioned before?-Yes. Producing horses that will become future high-goal-polo-playing ponies is as difficult as fattening steers in a feed lot or producing milk at a dairy, or even more so. However, that degree of specialization has not as yet reached the majority of horse breeders in Argentina. With this series of answers I hope to contribute towards the interest shown by professionals and breeders so as to place this activity at the technical level that our donors deserve.
Dr. Eduardo M. Beccar Varela
Veterinary Surgeon, 1976 UBA Graduate
Academic studies; Memberships and International Training, among others, that distinguish Dr. E. M. Beccar Varela: 1980 to 1995 Attended private practice at Sunny Side( Dr. RW Copelan) Paris- Kentucky. 1980 ASIF Course( Equine Osteosynthesis) Davos, Switzerland. 1984 ASIF Course( Advanced Osteosynthesis), Ohio State Universty, Ohio, USA. Miembro de la AAEP( American Assoc. Equine Pract.). Member of the AAEP( American Assoc. Equine Pract.) since 1980, annual attendee 1980-2010. 1989 Course on“ Equine Nutrition” Cornell University, USA. Technical tours hired in Buenos Aires with Prof. Harold Hintz( Cornell University) and Laurie Lawrence( Kentucky University).
Professional Practice: 1978 to 2012 Clinical radiologist and Orthopedic Surgeon( La Quebrada, La Biznaga, Abolengo, La Pomme, Don Yayo, Ojo de Agua, El Turf, Sta. María de Araras, Rancho Luján, Coguayke, Melincue, Ellerstina, La Irenita etc.
Stud Farm Director: Las Matildes, Mayed, Las dos Manos, La Picaza, La Superba. 1990 to 2015 Equine Feed Management Consultancy Currently, Director of La Superba Stud Farm- Consultant at Ellerstina- External Consultancy. Consultant at Biofarma S. A.
Papers Presented and Courses Given: 1983 AAVE( Arg. Assoc Equine Practice) 3 Conferences Buenos Aires. 1995 AAEP( American Assoc. Equine Pract.) USA. 1998, 1999 Salvador University. 1997 AAVE XIV Conference. 2000 ISEA. 2001 UBA Arg. and Latin-American Surgery Seminar. 2007 AAPA 30th. Animal Production Congress. AACCP Conferences and Courses on various occasions.
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