Question
I own an 18-hand (183 cm) Thoroughbred gelding that is an upper-level event horse. He has always been a hard keeper, even in the best of times. He recently underwent surgery to correct a displaced large colon, and this is the second time he has had this procedure. His postsurgical diet includes forage and a bit of senior feed and a pound of stabilized rice bran; when competing he was fed 15 quarts of a performance feed as well as ad libitum forage. I am looking for diet recommendations to prevent colic and provide energy for high performance and weight gain, all without him bouncing off the ceiling. Any suggestions?
Answer
As your gelding recovers from surgery and remains on a restricted diet, I would suggest gradually introducing vegetable oil (soybean or canola) to his current diet to add calories for weight gain. Offering a quarter cup (2 oz) of oil per feeding will boost the fat content of his diet without having to increase the amount of feed offered per meal. Alternatively, increasing the amount of stabilized rice bran offered to 2 lb per day will also offer a boost in dietary fat.
Research studies have indicated that a dietary change, particularly a change in hay or forage, can increase the risk of colic. Diet-related risk factors have been identified for colic, including lack of grazing opportunities or a recent decrease in grazing; change in feed or hay within the previous two weeks; and consumption of low-quality hay. Because this gelding has had two colic episodes, both in October and both severe enough to warrant surgery, perhaps there is a seasonal change in his routine that coincides with his illness.
Since the gelding is a hard keeper and high performance horse, I would recommend feeding him a concentrate that includes multiple energy sources: fat, fermentable fiber, starch, and sugar. Selecting a commercial feed that has a moderate nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) level but high in fat (10-12%) will ensure the gelding receives the appropriate amount of calories but in a form that will help reduce the risk of colic and maintain his focus and trainability.
After choosing an appropriate feed, I would integrate the time-released hindgut buffer EquiShure into this gelding’s diet. This supplement helps to support a stable environment in the hindgut, preventing many digestive disturbances due to high-concentrate diets. EquiShure buffers excess acid and helps maintain a healthy pH in the cecum and colon. Based on the gelding’s size, I would suggest feeding him 2 to 4 oz daily, divided into two equal feedings (morning and evening). During periods when he may be at greater risk of colic or digestive upset such as decrease in pasture availability and increase in hay feeding or reduced turnout, I recommend the higher daily amount of 4 oz.
