Feeding the golden oldie
Many horses live longer these days and enjoy healthy, active lives into their late twenties. However, as a horse gets older his digestive system becomes less efficient due to damage caused by internal parasites over the years and also due to a general change in metabolism. Loose and worn teeth can also make it difficult for oldies to chew properly. It is important, therefore, to identify timeously when, or if, a horse requires a diet designed specifically for his age.
Bear in mind that horses age at different rates and thus need to be evaluated individually. As long as your old horse is not struggling to maintain his normal condition, there is no reason to use a more nutrient dense feed than the diet you are currently using. Only when his condition is not as good as it was on his current feed and it is clear that he needs to be fed differently in order to maintain body condition, should he be regarded as a senior horse or geriatric and stepped-up to a feed more suitable for his age.
For horses who are coping well with their old age, a normal balanced diet based on the horse’s workload and condition is sufficient. Normally, a light energy product containing a good range of vitamins and minerals can be used. However, once signs of ageing such as weight loss, poor coat condition and lower energy, become more prominent, adjusting the diet of your elderly friend can assist in eliminating or at least managing many of these symptoms.
General principles
Research has shown that feeds suitable for older horses generally need a higher level of protein to make up for the reduced efficiency in digesting protein.
Because grains also become harder to digest in the foregut, feeds that rely more on ingredients rich in fibre to supply the calories required are preferred. It is important, however, to use fibres in the diet that are more digestible and the addition of a live yeast culture to improve fibre digestibility can make a big difference.
The addition of oils to the diet to further supplement the energy requirements often also works well and is good practice except in cases of liver damage where oils are not advisable.
Ingredients in focus
Protein
Protein research has shown that older horses in maintenance – light work require roughly 12-13% protein in order to maintain good body condition. Those horses who are still working fairly hard, such as stud animals, however, may need more. One of the main aspects to remember is that the quality of the protein is just as important as quantity. Lucerne and full-fat soya are rich in lysine and methionine, essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein), which have to be supplied in the diet. Supplying optimum levels of quality protein will reduce the likelihood of muscle wastage, especially along the horse’s topline and will also place less stress on the liver.
Fibre
One of the biggest concerns as horses and ponies age is maintaining weight and condition. All horses and ponies should ideally receive at least 1.5% of their bodyweight as fibre each day to promote healthy digestive function. It is therefore not surprising that the fibre or forage part of the diet undoubtedly has the largest impact on horses’ or ponies’ overall condition. In older horses the role of fibre is even more critical, and it is vital that older horses get enough fibre in a form that they can easily digest.
Issues with fibre digestion in seniors are often due to dental problems because the biting surface may have changed and become wavy, or the horse has lost teeth and can no longer grind forage properly. This often creates a horse who can chew soft grass well but struggles with dry fibrous hay.
Once you have reached the stage where chewing normal hay is difficult, it is advisable to replace a percentage of your hay with an alternative forage. Hay replacer cubs are manufactured from chopped forages in which the break-down process has already started, so the teeth don’t have to do it all. Wetting down the ration might help to stimulate intake and also reduces the risk of choking. With older horses hay cubes should be regarded as an alternative source of more digestible forage and used in conjunction with a concentrated feed with added good quality hay.
Using good quality hay, or partial hay replacers, becomes more important for older horses and ponies, not only for maintaining condition but also for respiratory health. There is some evidence to suggest that horses and ponies become more susceptible to respiratory allergies including the condition Recurrent Airway Obstruction or RAO (formerly known as COPD) as they age, and therefore soaking their hay or using a pelleted form will help to reduce dust and allergens.
Similarly, if your older horse has dental problems which make chewing hay difficult, you can consider feeding a short chop alternative, fibre pellet or soaked beet product to make sure they still get sufficient quantities in form they can digest.
Research suggests that providing a choice of multiple forages, for example, a hay net and a large bucket of alternative forage, will help to provide occupation and an enhanced environment for stabled horses. It is also likely to encourage them to eat a greater total volume of fibre which is beneficial for gut health. It is vital to ensure that fibre intake is adequate.
When selecting fibre sources for older horses/ponies choose those that are higher in digestible fibre such as cellulose and hemicelluloses (younger cuts of grass) and low in indigestible fibre such as lignin (mature cut grass). To give you an idea of where to start, lignin is found in larger amounts in older, mature grasses that are “hard” or “stalky”, whereas it is reduced in younger cut grasses that are “soft” and “green”. A good feed merchant should be able to indicate at which stage of growth the grass has been cut.
It has been shown that older horses have a reduced saliva production, making dry food, especially roughage, difficult to chew and nearly impossible to swallow. This natural aspect of aging is easy to manage by simply moistening your horse’s feed or soaking his hay. Always ensure your horse has free access to clean, fresh water.
Energy - cereal grains and sugar
Generally your older horse will require less energy due to the reduction in workload. However, bear in mind that environmental pressures, such as cold weather, can cause an increased need for energy in older horses. As with any horse, ensure that an energy appropriate feed for your veteran is selected.
The appropriate level of energy will also ensure that the horse maintains the correct weight. Too much energy and more calories than needed will lead to weight gain. This, in turn, puts horses at risk of joint issues, laminitis, Cushing’s Disease or insulin resistance. Too few calories result in weight loss.
Monitor your veteran’s weight and condition using a weight tape, weigh bridge (if your vet has one) or a condition score chart.
Most horses in good condition will not require much more than around 0.5% of body weight in concentrates per day (2.5kg for a 500kg horse split into at least 3 meals). Those requiring condition, however, may need up to 1% (5kg in a 500kg horse, split into at least 3 meals).
As a general principal, however, it is important to feed minimal quantities of grain and sugar to all horses, but most especially in veteran animals who often have slower digestion. Using grains when unnecessary can cause incomplete digestion and increases the likelihood of grains entering the hindgut which can result in, amongst other things, colic and laminitis, both of which are already more likely to occur in the older horse. Should grains be used, those that have been flaked, micronised, extruded or cooked will help to facilitate easy absorption in older horses and avoid hindgut loading.
Conditions such as insulin resistance and laminitis can be aided with a low sugar diet and this must continue in old age. This includes a need to reduce both natural sugars in grass and processed sugars such as those found in molasses. Molasses is often included in significant amounts in South African feeds so do look out for those that purposefully reduce the amount used. Natural sugars are present in larger quantities in lush, green grass so avoid this at all costs. Soaking hay for a short period (30mins) can also help to reduce the sugar level.
Energy - fats and fibre
Feeds high in fat (oils and full fat soya) and fibre will safely provide your horse with adequate energy levels. These ingredients also promote energy without “fizz”, unlike cereal grains which are known for their heating properties. Oils can also help maintain skin, hair and joint condition. Choosing an oil or product containing Omega 3 is also helpful as it helps to support immune function; reduce the inflammation of ageing joints and muscles; regulate blood insulin levels; promote healthy skin and hooves; and apparently, improve attitude.
Vitamins and minerals
There is currently very little research on the need for vitamins and minerals in the older horses. However, once again, it is generally agreed that very little change from a younger horse’s ration will be needed.
When selecting a veteran feed, ensure that there is a good range of vitamins and minerals including those for immune support such as vitamin C.
If your older horses is out at pasture 24/7 and isn’t in need of extra concentrates, ensure he has everything he needs by providing a vitamin and mineral block for him to use as and when needed. This can also be provided for those stabled “good doers” as well.
Following these 3 rules will assist in avoiding digestive disturbances in all horses.
- Feed little and often. Provide your horse with regular small meals to ensure they are able to digest the full amount. Never feed more than 2kg per feed.
- Ensure that your horse has ad lib hay at all times to help promote a healthy gut. Saliva produced in the chewing of this roughage will help keep stomach acid at an ideal level as it acts as a pH buffer.
- Make changes slowly so as to not upset the digestive bacteria.
Winter precautions
Horses and ponies use a lot of energy (calories) keeping warm in the winter and older animals can often lose condition if additional energy isn’t provided in the diet. A rug and overnight stable are of great benefit to older horses and ponies, especially those with a less hardy disposition such as Thoroughbreds. Give your horse or pony some extra ‘central heating’ by including plenty of fibre in his diet in the form of hay and fibre feeds during winter months. Fermentation of fibre by the bacteria in your horse’s hindgut creates heat which will help to keep him warm from the inside.
Other considerations
To promote good health, a regular worming program is important and teeth should be checked and rasped, at least once a year, a reputable horse dentist.
Supplements are generally not necessary for the healthy horse receiving a balanced diet but products such as joint supplements, respiratory aids, and immune supports may be beneficial for the older horse. Moderation is key, however, and supplements should only be used when needed and with caution. Seek the advice of a nutritionist or vet should you wish to use an additional supplement especially in cases where other medication is already being provided.