EQUINE OBESITY.

Horses are inheritably couch potatoes ,and an overeating, slothful horse leads to an obese horse. However, horse owners often don't see the dangers of an obese horse unlike in man. Caretakers may see no harm in giving their horses rich foods, but obesity in horses is just as unhealthy as obesity in humans and can lead to fatal diseases. Philip Johnson, professor of veterinary medicine and surgery at the University of Missouri-Columbia ,says Some of the very same problems humans encounter with obesity may also occur in horses.There is a striking parallelism between humans and horses when it comes to obesity. Obesity in horses not only causes weight gain but also endocrine problems, including insulin resistance. The equine obesity risks have been less studied, but researchers believe horses have similar risks as humans, such as heart disease and diabetes. Obesity in horses also can cause laminitis, a painful condition that often affects the front hooves. The weight of the bone is suspended in the hoof with connecting tissue forming a structure similar to a swing on a swing set. The extra weight in obese horses forces the connective tissue to tear and the bone breaks through the nail-like texture of the hooves. Veterinarians have yet to find an effective treatment for the condition. In the worst cases of laminitis, veterinarians are forced to euthanize the horse. Horses that develop insulin resistance are at an increased risk for laminitis. Horse owners often want their horses to look well fed.while some horse owners may view a healthy weight on their horse as too thin and try to feed them more. Its a know fact that not only do owners often over feed their horses, but what is fed to horses is genetically altered grass meant for food animals. The genetically designed grass fed to horses was designed to fatten food animals quicker.The genetics of horses, like many species, allows for the extra storing of fat in preparation for winter, when there is typically less food available. In nature, horses would eat less in the winter and lose the weight by spring. Under human care, horses are fed generously year round and never lose the extra weight. Horses need to be exercised daily in meaningful ways and owners should push their horses for a more strenuous exercise. It's not enough to ride your horse twice a week for 20 minutes. A well formulated diet coupled with exercise is key to a healthy horse.

OBESITY IN HORSES.

Obesity in horses not only comes with weight gain but with endocrine problems such as insulin resistance.Obesity in horses has been linked to heart disease , diabetes mellitus and laminitis. Obesity in horses has been linked to laminitis, a painful condition that affects joint of horses ,the weight of the horse puts a strain on the joint.Horses that develop insulin resistance are at higher risk of laminitis. Obesity in horses has been linked to 1) overfeeding of horses. 2) carbohydrate overload. 3) excessive access to grass and pasture. 4)excessive apple and carrot treats which are high in sugar content. 5) feeding commercial feeds that have high sugar content. 6) lack of adequate exercise. Nutrition and exercise are the major tools needed to prevent and control obesity.

HORSE POOP ANALYSIS!!!

Horses health status can be analyzed from behavior,temperament, poop nature,nature of coat,posture and color of mucous membrane.The horse health can be evaluated based on constituency and appearance.Horses should give about 8-10 of manure daily,these should be well formed but the fecal balls should break easily. Signs of ill health deduced from poop; 1) if the fecal balls are dry,hard and solid that does not break easily; the horse is constipated and should be provided with more water. Dry fecal balls with traces of blood also suggests constipation. 2)when mucus is not in the poop ,its an indication of irritation in the gut such as bacterial infection. 3)poop with pieces of straw,hay or grain indicate the horse is not chewing.The feed passes through the body fast,this indicates a dental issue. 4) when eggs are discovered in feces, a worming exercise is indicated. 5)when poop is very loose,the feed has high grain content or the horse feed has too much salt; this will result in watery diarrhoea.

RECURRENT AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.(RAO)

This is one of the common respiratory diseases in horses.Recurrent airway obstruction is usually as a result of blockage to airway as a result of allergy caused by spores from moldy hay. The inhalation of these spores set up an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory tract resulting in breathing difficulties.The signs include wheezing ,shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance. RAO can also develop after other respiratory infections such as strangles,equine rhino and influenza. PREVENTION. 1) Do not feed moldy hay. 2) stable horses in properly ventilated closures. 3) vaccinate horses for all respiratory diseases in horses. TREATMENT. There is no treatment,but condition can be managed. 1) Allow enough fresh air for horses. 2)use wood shavings instead of straw. 3) soak hay. 4)do not clean out stables when horses are within.

HORSE MANAGEMENT.

Horse keeping and management is very vital to performance and health . The proper management can be achieved by following these tips; 1) nutritious food must be provided at the right quality and quantity. 2) Proper vaccinations and medications. 3) Hoof care and dental care. 4)Water should be available at all times and remember to check your source of water.Test every water source before you serve it. 5) The stables/barn must be properly ventilated.Enclosed housing should allow free flow of air to control temperature,humidity and prevent staleness of air. 6)The environment must be clean,dry and safe.The environment must be free from poisonous chemicals, paints,lead or rodent baits. 7)The enclosure/stable must have sufficient space for exercise. HOUSING RECOMMENDATION. The housing area must be clean and not waterlogged.It must be well covered to protect the horses from harsh weather and extreme temperature.The exposure to inclement weather,will predispose to rain rot .There must be adequate feed buckets,water bowls and dry bedding must be provided.The bedding must be clean and dry.The housing design can be a barn or stable or an open sided house.The building must be properly sited so that the horses have access to pasture and exercise area. There must be a storage section in the building to house the hay,grain,farm tools and other equipment.The store area must be clean and rodent proof to prevent contamination of feed.Diseases can occur if feed is contaminated by urine and fecal matter. The pasture area must be clean and well demarcated and must be free of objects such as nails,broken bottles,nylon bags ,iron coils e.t.c that can be injurious to the horses. Health care; this can be preventive or treatment.The preventive aspect involves vaccination,deworming program,hoof treatment and yearly teeth examination. Treatment will be medications, dressings,wound treatment and pain medication when injuries or accidents occur. photo credit; the horse.com.

HOW TO IDENTIFY NUTRITION NEEDS OF HORSES AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY QUANTITY.

Nutrition is vital to horse health.Nutrition can be in form of compounded ration or processed and packaged feed, however you must know the nitty gritty of feed components and proper combination ratio. The combination are of importance,hence you should know how to read labels.Horses can be fed healthy diet by following these tips;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36667/identifying-unhealthy-horse-feed-and-supplement-ingredients?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=11-02-2015

NUTRITION AND HEALTHY HORSES.

The right feeding protocol can heal a sick horse; http://www.thehorse.com/articles/29325/help-sick-horses-heal-with-nutrition

HORSE FEEDING REQUIREMENT.

Nutrition very important in horse management,the perfect mix of hay,grains,vitamins and water are important.Learn how to feed your horses ;http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33278/formulating-equine-diets?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=nutrition&utm_campaign=09-14-2015

Hay,horses and heaves.

Feeding horses a balanced meal is very essential for growth and performance.The source of these various feed components are very important and proper sourcing are very vital to health and then performance of the horse. It is a proven fact that thee performance of your horse is hinged on nutritional and management techniques. The feeding of hay is vital to growth of horses,but did you know that feeding moldy hay has an effect on horse respiratory status and performance? http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36464/the-connection-between-moldy-hay-and-heaves?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=bluegrass-equine-digest&utm_campaign=09-27-2015

Does Weight Gain Due to Grazing Cause Insulin Resistance?

Does Weight Gain Due to Grazing Cause Insulin Resistance?

Using Nutrition to Manage Obesity

Using Nutrition to Manage Obesity

REARING SMALL RUMINANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY.

Small ruminants  are a viable source of protein,hence are important in the food chain.The rearing process is throughout the year because the period of gestation is 5 months.

The animals are in high demand during festive periods,although they could be found all year round in various food joints because of a sector of the populace that favors these breeds.

 The sheep and goat section is a prominent part of the abattoir operations,and are readily available in meat shops.The raising of the ruminants could be large scale or small scale depending on the financial capacity of the individual.

The breeds of the ruminant selected for the venture are those that can tolerate weather conditions and resistant to diseases.The common breeds include,west African dwarf, Yankasa,Balami,Sokoto red and Maradi.

                  BENEFITS OF RAISING SMALL RUMINANT

. 1) economic value; the animals can be raised,fattened and sold for profit.The kids and lambs can be sorted and reserved to increase herd size .

 2) Provision of much needed protein to promote growth and development of the populace. 

 3)employment opportunity; people who raise these animals actively engage services of herds men,laborers and other assistant to manage the venture.

 4) Its a way to ensure food security.

                  SELECTION OF ANIMALS FOR REARING

. 1) Animals must be sourced from reliable stock,with proven health status.

2 )The animals must be physically fit, and must conform to breed characteristics.

 3)There must be no sign of ill health such as skin diseases,cough,watery/red eyes and diarrhea.

 4)The animals must be weighty, not obese and young animals are to sourced.

 5)Dont buy during festive peaks as the prices will be astronomical thus increasing cost of production.
The animals are raised in clean,dry and ventilated housing.The housing preference depends on the keeper. The animals might be housed in groups in various housing,or they are left to graze round the compound and are provided with shelter on a side in the farm.

The advantage of housing in groups and feeding far out ways other methods.The house should be on well drained land to prevent flooding /wetness which will make the animals prone to foot rot.

The house is usually made of wood and covered with sheets,,the floor is made of roughened concrete with slants so that the animal wont slip and washing of pen is easy

. The feeding accounts for 65-70% of production,and the main source is grass of various types that are chopped and provided.

The animals to be fattened need to be provided with other feed sources so that they mature fast.These feed sources are commercial feed formulated for growth and maintenance. Water is essential for the ruminants,thus cool,clean water should be provided everyday. Mineral supplements are provided in form of salt licks.

                    HEALTH MANAGEMENT.

 1)Quarantine new stock,before release to the farm.

 2)stabilize new stock, by deworing and placing on vitamins

 3)Eradicate ectoparasites,by using appropriate chemicals for tick bath.