Horses naturally survive on continual foraging pastures where they can spend 16-18 hours daily on grazing alone. However, horses’ stomachs are small sized as compared to their bodies. This means that when the stomachs are two-thirds full, they begin to empty whether the food was already processed or not. It is therefore recommendable for horse owners to feed them small frequent meals to keep the gut neither empty nor full. This results to a lot of health benefits that will be discussed. During the drought season or for the horses kept in the stable, hay becomes a good substitute for pastures. Hay slow feeder is a great way that allows your horse to graze the hay naturally in a manner that stimulates the continuous pasture grazing. Below are some of the benefits of horse slow feeding.
- Reduces the Risk of Ulcers
The horse’s stomach produces acid 24 hours a day which prepares it for the constant intake that can be emptied in a small duration of about 15-20 minutes. The process of chewing activates the production of the alkaline saliva which on the other hand buffers gastric acid. Slow continuous uptake of fiber in the stomach prevents the splash of these acids. The lower stomach is protected by a layer of mucus but the non-glandular is not hence more prone to damage by the acids needing constant fiber in the stomach.
- Increased Digestion
Time and movement are key factors when it comes to optimal digestion and fermentation. Gut motility is stimulated by mobility. Both are encouraged by the consistent provision of forage free-choice for your horse in multiple locations. The maintenance of a consistent population of bacteria that are beneficial to the body is crucial in ensuring a healthy gut function. Periods of time without hay (fiber) intake disrupts the balance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria which can be risky.
- Little or no Wastage
A hay slow feeder is an ideal way to prevent horses from spilling of hay and containing it when the environment is windy. Any horse owner can attest to the fact that horses naturally like to eat outside in the open as they are prey animals hence highly dependent on sight and sound for predator detection. Impairing any of this defensive mechanism can cause tension among horses. Eating from ground level ensures their view is clear hence making them feel more secure and safe.
- Reduced Stress for the Feeder
Meal time are stressful for both the horse and the feeder. Slow feeders lift off the stress that comes along with feeding times. You no longer have to keep checking out at the horses for spillage. Feeding times made easier!
- Food Aggression is Eliminated
Slow feeding which comes with multiple locations allows the herd to eat and live together peacefully. Individual horses that are known to consume more than others are typically regulated. Horses that require additional calories or supplements can be effectively fed without having to separate them from the herd.
- Cortisol Secretion is Reduced
Horses are generally not meal feeders but rather grazers. Meal feeding increases cortisol levels which is a hormone caused by stress. High levels of cortisol can lead to obesity due to high fat storage. Consistent provision of forage aids in weight maintenance or even weight loss.
Hock boots for horses are other important accessories that horse owners should consider acquiring for their horses. They keep your horse off the attack from flies which are known to cause diverse effects. A horse in boots is a peaceful horse and most definitely a happy one.
