electrolytes | Horse Racing Free Tips

HISA In Depth: Electrolytes

Editor's note: This is the latest in a series in the TDN to help industry members better understand the procedures under the new HISA and HIWU regulations.

TDN: There have been changes to the protocols regarding electrolytes. What has changed?

HISA: Last month, HISA released updated guidance concerning the use of electrolytes before races and vets' list workouts. The key points for horsemen and veterinarians to know are summarized below:
• Electrolytes that are administered orally are permitted up to 24 hours before a horse's scheduled race or vets' list workout. Examples that fall in this category include powders that are top-dressed or mixed in the feed, as well as electrolytes administered via paste or drench gun.
• Unsupplemented isotonic electrolyte solutions such as lactated ringer's solution are permitted up to 24 hours before a horse's scheduled race or vets' list workout when administered intravenously.
• Electrolytes administered via nasogastric (stomach) tube are permitted up to 48 hours prior to a horse's scheduled race or vets' list workout.
• Salt and mineral blocks may be made available to a horse at any time.
• Unsupplemented isotonic electrolyte solutions may be consumed by free choice by the horse, i.e., electrolyte water in the stall, at any time.

The recent guidance expands the permissiveness of electrolytes under HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program, bringing their use in line with that of oral vitamins. This change was made to further promote equine health, especially in hot and humid environments in which electrolyte supplementation may be necessary due to excessive sweating.

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A Better Bran Mash? Avoid Digestive Upset With These Tips

Though many adults grew up feeding bran mashes to horses on cold winter nights, the tradition has faded from favor – for good reason.

Once believed beneficial as a laxative for horses that had worked hard in colder weather, wheat bran mashes were often fed once a week. This addition of a “new” feed to the horse's diet once a week goes against the guidelines horse owners are given to change a horse's feed safely: horses should have their feed changed gradually over multiple days to avoid stomach upset and gastrointestinal distress, reports The Horse.

Another issue is that wheat bran has a high phosphorous level; out of balance calcium-phosphorus levels can cause hyperparathyroidism, also called “big head” and “bran” disease. This disease can lead to lameness, painful movement, and difficulty breathing. Though unlikely that a horse would develop this condition being fed one bran mash a week, many wheat brans have been replaced by rice brans that are fortified with additional calcium carbonate.

Bran mashes were also used to entice picky eaters and ill horses to eat, but the same can be done by adding warm water to a horse's normal pelleted or textured feed to create a mash. If the horse doesn't get fed a grain diet, adding water to hay pellets can create a mash.

Adding salt or electrolytes to the warm concoction can make it even more valuable to a horse that has been exercising heavily. Adding a carrot or apple peels to the mash may entice a horse to eat.

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If feeding a bran mash is still desirable, it's worth a conversation with an equine nutritionist to make sure the horse is being fed a balanced mineral profile.

New Product Helps Performance Horses Recover Rapidly

Buckeye Nutrition, part of Mars Horsecare US, Inc., launches Ultimate Recovery, an extruded recovery supplement for performance horses. Targeted to support faster muscle and tissue recovery, this new top-dress is formulated for horses in all intensities of work.

Focusing on branched-chain amino acids, this supplement guarantees concentrations of isoleucine, valine, leucine and glutamine to support optimum muscle repair. In addition, live probiotics support a balanced hindgut under stress from training, competition and travel, while electrolytes aid in rehydration and encourage thirst.

“Our research shows that there is a need for a supplement specifically focused on recovery,” said Nettie Liburt, PhD, PAS, Senior Equine Nutrition Manager, Mars Horsecare US, Inc. “Knowing the recovery needs of performance horses and also the manufacturing capabilities of our mill, we were able to create a supplement that helps restore muscle and tissue after exercise.”

Fed at a minimum recommended feeding rate of 1.0 lb per day for a 1,100-lb horse, one 30-lb bag of Ultimate Recovery will last approximately 30 days. In addition to the branched-chain amino acids, live probiotics and electrolytes, this supplement also contains the antioxidant vitamins E and C to support muscle health and recovery, biotin to support healthy hoof structure, omega-3 fatty acids to promote an anti-inflammatory diet and added calcium to support bone and muscle recovery.

“Ultimate Recovery has already proven itself in our feeding trials,” Dr. Liburt said. “The results we're hearing and seeing are incredible. We're so excited to bring this product to market.”

Buckeye Nutrition, a 100 percent equine-focused company, with products made from 100 percent pure, traceable ingredients from a 100 percent med-free mill, is proud to introduce Ultimate Recovery, available in stores starting mid-July. To find your local Buckeye Nutrition dealer or online retailer, please click here.

The post New Product Helps Performance Horses Recover Rapidly appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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