December 2007
Hay and the Drought
SOURCE: www.harmanyequine.com
During a drought, hay quality often becomes poor, the availability of it is reduced and the cost goes up. The current drought throughout much of the east coast is causing hay supplies to reach a critical level and we are not yet in deep winter. Poor quality pasture means many people have to feed more hay and at a much earlier time than normal.
If you have a hay shortage in your area, you have an Insulin Resistant or laminitc horse and you have a problem finding low sugar hay, you may do better to help your horse improve his metabolism than keep searching for the right hay. Hay made in areas with drought stress on the grass often has a higher sugar content even when the hay looks poor. You may be better with nicer looking hay from another area of the country.
To feed the demand, hay may be brought from other countries or other areas of the United States. During extremely wet conditions, the same facts are true, but with the added issue of mold in improperly cured hay. A recent trip to a nutrition conference in Europe, where data was presented examining the various types of hay substitutes revealed some useful information.
Hay cubes, not small pellets, can be an effective substitute for regular hay. Transporting hay cubes from an area where the weather was excellent is cheaper than transporting the bales themselves, making quality fiber more accessible.
Haylage, a moist bale made in a similar fashion to silage fed to cows, is becoming popular in some northern states, but has not been fed to horses in many states in the USA. These are the plastic wrapped round bales seen by the side of hay fields in many places. However, in Europe, haylage has been fed and studied extensively. If made and stored properly haylage is very safe for horses. When feeding haylage, remember that it is heavier than hay, so if you weigh your hay, you will need to feed more weight to equal the same amount of feed. The extra weight is water. There does not seem to be any increase in obesity when haylage is fed, even though it is thought to be higher in energy or protein, however each horse has to be monitored as an individual, since the haylage could be made from a higher quality field than you may have chosen in the past for your easy keeper. There is no problem adapting horses to eating the new feed.
Preparation and storage are very important, so buy from people who are accustomed to making a quality product and store it away from areas where the plastic wrap can be damaged. Examine bales when you open them, as botulism is a possibility if air or mold has gotten into the bale. The incidence of botulism seems to be low in Europe, but must be taken into consideration.Visit www.harmanyequine.com for more informative articles by Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS
Hair Mineral Analysis
Excerpted with permission from Equus Research LabsHair mineral analysis is more than a test for minerals.
The analysis can show your horse’s metabolic rate, stage of stress, immune system status, and adrenal and thyroid glandular activity. It also gives accurate information about carbohydrate tolerance, energy levels and tendencies for over 30 illnesses, often years before they are manifest. The analysis can indicate if your horse is getting enough protein or too many carbohydrates.
Get Kids Vaccinated or go to Jail?
Source: Organic Bytes #123, www.organicconsumers.org
Fox News, USA Today, and a number of other major media outlets reported recently on news from Maryland where dozens of parents were notified by a district court that either they vaccinate their children or go to jail.
The media reports have caused a lot of confusion around the U.S. among parents who have chosen not to vaccinate their children for certain illnesses based on concerns about possible negative impacts from the vaccines themselves. While the mainstream medical community claims vaccines are safe and effective, some people blame immunizations for a rise in autism and other medical problems. In actuality, there are no federal laws requiring vaccinations. Providing schools with vaccine exemption forms for your child is all that is required by federal law.
If you have thoroughly researched the vaccine issue and have decided one or more vaccines may not be right for your children, you can download exemption forms for your state or country at http://www.vaclib.org/exemption.htm.
Winter Whoas
by Brenda ThomaCold weather creates even more reasons to be vigilant about horse care
Body Condition
Poor body condition is often overlooked when it is disguised by a thick hair coat or blanket. An owner who frequently touches her horse becomes familiar with how the body feels when the animal is in good condition. This can be the best tool for maintaining good physical condition. A horse who carries a few extra pounds going into winter often fares better than a horse who is too trim. Because of the extra calories burned simply to maintain body heat, it is more likely that a horse will lose weight over the winter rather than gain. Dropping body weight can also go unnoticed for weeks making it more difficult to correct.
Horse Power for Life Enriches Lives of Families Living with Cancer
Chester County PA program hosts its Spring fundraiser April 19, 2008.
The positive therapeutic effects of companion animals on people who live with illnesses and disabilities is widely documented. Animals, including horses, have long been regarded as natural healers. In the Horse Power for Life approach, working with the horses helps participants gain insight as it relates to emotions, communication, relationships, personal healing and inner strength.
Chiropractic Care and the Horse Rider
by Dr. Michael M. Burak, DCEquine Chiropractic is an excellent alternative treatment for the well being of your horse. Fixing vertebral misalignments improves the structure of the vertebral column and therefore improves performance. Misalignments of the horse are very common over the saddle area, the lower back and neck. Chiropractic has been shown to help lameness; it increases range of motion, increases energy and is good for overall wellness.
8th Annual Holistic Veterinary Medicine Symposium April 12-13 in central California
Presented by the Holistic Veterinary Medicine Club at UC Davis and sponsored by Natura Pet Products, Inc.
Renowned holistic veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM, will be the keynote speaker at the 8th Annual Holistic Veterinary Medicine Symposium April 12-13, 2008 at UC Davis. Recently featured on Oprah, host of his own satellite radio show, "Ask Martha's Vet," and author of the best-seller, The Nature of Animal Healing, Dr. Goldstein will give a case presentation on his vast experiences with integrating holistic and traditional therapies.
Also speaking is revered veterinary oncologist, Dr. Greg Ogilvie, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (internal medicine, oncology), former veterinary professor, and current director Angel Care Cancer Center and president of the Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals. His decades of research have contributed to our knowledge about nutrition and cancer, and he will share his insights about nutrition and integrative therapies for oncology patients.
Holistic veterinarian, host of "Pets in Paradise" Hawaiian radio show, and past president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM will discuss his decades of experience using homemade diets for pets.
Jackie Woelz, MS, PT, and supervisor for the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital's physical therapy department, will do a presentation on small animal physical rehabilitation.
Up to 10 units of CE credit are available for veterinariansMore info: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/Clubs/HVMC
Gift Purchase Aids Equine Relief
Just in time for the Holiday Season, you’ll be tickled pink by the Nuzzle Pony Bag. The Nuzzle Pony Bag is a fun collection of fine Nuzzle products in a clear, keepsake cosmetic bag, with pink trim and blings on each side. Each bag contains a 1.7 oz. bottle of Nuzzle Eau de Parfum, Apple-Luscious Lip Gloss, and a custom plush pink pony named “Nuzzle.”
Leslie Molinari, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Beauté Marketing, Inc. and an active equestrian herself, presents the Nuzzle Pony Bag as “the gift” for women who love horses. “Women of all ages love our pink, plush pony, and knowing that a portion of our proceeds are donated to Equine Relief really means you’re giving two gifts.” Nuzzle, The Unbridled Fragrance, comes in a 1.7 oz spray and a 5 ml roll-on.
Also available are Nuzzle Moisturizing Hand Cream, Nuzzle Apple-Luscious Lip Gloss, Various Nuzzle Gift Collections and Nuzzle Couture, a line of Nuzzle-inspired clothing and hats.
Nuzzle is available for purchase at fine tack shops, various boutiques, equestrian lifestyle stores and other locations in North America, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa, where the Horse Enthusiast is present.
Beauté Marketing, Inc. is proud to lead the industry by not testing on animals and donating a portion of its proceeds to Equine Relief.
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