Bedding
Even the cleanest of straw will contain more fungal spores than
alternative beddings such as wood shavings, paper or hemp
beddings. Deep litter beds should be avoided as significant
moulding can occur, in addition to the build-up of ammonia
and the larvae of gastrointestinal parasites.
Ammonia
Ammonia released from a deep litter bed or poorly managed
bedding where damp patches are left, can seriously damage the
horse’s airways and reduce the efficiency with which the horse
copes with other respiratory allergens such as fungal spores.
Top Tips to Reduce Respiratory Challenge
• Choosing a dust-free bagged forage in place of hay will
probably make the single greatest contribution to reducing the
respiratory challenge to all stabled horses and ponies.
• Always feed high quality, dust-free feeds.
• In addition to the points above, in severely affected horses
and ponies, medication may be necessary to control the
respiratory disease, so veterinary advice should be sought in
this instance.
• The importance of antioxidants in lung health has also been
highlighted. Horses suffering from RAO (Recurrent Airway
Obstruction) may have disturbed oxidant-antioxidant
equilibrium and there are special antioxidant supplements on
the market aimed specifically at horses suffering with RAO.
For advice on feeding your horse or pony or for further
information on a range of dust-free forage and feeds, please call
the HorseHage Helpline on 01803 527274 or visit:
www.horsehage.co.uk
• Straw bedding and all forms of deep litter should be replaced
with a dust-free option but will still require good management.
• Good ventilation is essential. An extra rug is definitely
preferable to closing the top stable door.
• Siting of stables is important and should be away from your
hay store/barn or muck heap or the pollutants will carry past
the stable door. If in a multi-horse yard or livery, there is little
point trying to control the environment of one horse if, in a
shared airspace, there is another horse next door eating hay
and which has a straw bed.
Rural Life | 27