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The risk of over-feeding is increased with complete feeds if the amount fed is increased to meet the increased amino acid( ie protein), vitamin and mineral needs of pregnancy. However, if a complete feed is fed below recommended amounts, it ' s likely that there will be underfeeding of vitamins and minerals. Feeding a correctly formulated, complementary balancer containing amino acids, minerals and vitamins allows you to increase or decrease energy intake without compromising vitamin and mineral intake.
The effect of sugar and starch on blood glucose and insulin in the horse is like that of a human, and it also has some of the same health complications- weight gain and insulin resistance – and for horses, laminitis, osteochondritis and polysaccharide storage myopathy. Pregnancy represents a unique metabolic state which must be considered when choosing feeds and nutrition.
We’ ve often heard that‘ she gives it all to the foal’ and after the 5th month of pregnancy, this is exactly what nature designed: the large demand for glucose by the growing foal is met by a reduction in the amount the mare uses.
DISCLAIMER: © Jenquine April 2025 All content provided in this editorial is for general use and information only and does not constitute advice or a veterinary opinion. It is not intended as specific medical advice or opinion and should not be relied on in place of consultation with your equine veterinarian.
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2025 AQHA YEARBOOK ~ MAY / JUNE ISSUE