FOR HORSES AT RISK OF EQUINE GASTRIC ULCER SYNDROME ( EGUS )
This distinctive feed approval mark is designed to help riders with the management and welfare of their horses while providing greater confidence when selecting feed products . It can be seen on bags of horse feed with the wording " Suitable for equines prone to gastric ulcers as part of a balanced diet ", serving as a signpost to feeds that are most appropriate while giving reassurance of independent assessment . Feeds carrying the assurance mark are also required to feature compulsory information and management advice for horses or ponies prone to or at risk from Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome . Feeds approved under this scheme are :
• Allen & Page – Soothe & Gain .
• Baileys Horse Feeds – Ease & Excel , No19 Performance Balancer , No14 Lo- Cal Balancer .
• British Horse Feeds – Speedi-Beet , Fibre Beet .
• Dengie Horse Feeds – Alfa-A Oil , Healthy Tummy , Performance Fibre .
• Henry Bell & Co – EquiGlo Quick Soak 10 Minute Beet .
• Mars Horsecare – Winergy Equilibrium Growth , Spillers Alfalfa-Pro Fibre , Spillers Ulca Fibre , Spillers Ulca Power Cubes .
• Saracen Horse Feed – Competition Fit Balancer , Re-Leve MIX , Re-Leve Cubes
This BETA feed approval mark was developed by the trade association in consultation with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate . It was introduced following the move by regulatory organisations to allow the term " prone to " only when referring to laminitis – excluding other equine conditions , such as gastric ulcers , where feeding also plays a key role in its management .
All feeds submitted for approval must fall into one of two categories :
• A – a compound complementary feed that provides a balanced diet when fed at a rate stated by the manufacturer .
• B – feedstuff typically advised to help manage horses prone to EGUS , including chopped or high-fibre feeds and sugar beet , or alternative energy sources to cereals such as high-oil concentrates .
Nutritional supplements are excluded from the scheme . Nutritional criteria for feeds wishing to secure approval are based on the levels of starch and sugar , along with the amount that recommended feeding rates include in the total daily diet .
As it ' s important nutritional needs of performance horses and racehorses are included , slightly higher limits of sugar and starch are set for products marketed as highenergy , rather than feeds formulated for leisure horses . However , they will still contain lower levels than other typical high-energy feeds found on the market .
For further information on BETA , its assurance schemes and standards , please visit beta-uk . org or contact the BETA office , email info @ beta-uk . org or telephone 01937 587062 .
28 • EVERYTHING HORSE MAGAZINE : MAY 2021