PSYLLIUM – EXPLORING THE BENEFITS

Text: Hannah Botha, MSc In the realm of equine nutrition and health, every horse owner aims to provide the best care possible for their beloved steeds, and that extends to supplementing their diet according to their needs. Among the various supplements available on the market, psyllium is getting increasing attention as a noteworthy inclusion in equine diets, but…

BylizzieApril 8, 20250Comments

Horse Health

MAKE IT LAST – HOW TO MAXIMISE HAY USAGE AND AVOID WASTAGE

Text: Hannah Botha, MSc How can you stretch your hay further, and what options are there to reduce waste? Hannah Botha from Epol talks us through her top tips for lowering forage wastage. Tip 1: Ensure you are feeding the correct amount Forage should be the foundation of every horse's ration, and ensuring that it is provided…

BylizzieFebruary 14, 20250Comments

Horse Channel

NO ‘CHOKE’ – UNDERSTANDING THIS SCARY HEALTH CONDITION

Text: Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Science As owners and loving carers of our steeds, it’s always nice to see our horse rushing to his feed bucket and finishing every bit of food in sight. Commonly, this is believed to be a sign that the horse enjoys his food. However, in some cases, the speed at which…

BylizzieFebruary 7, 20250Comments

Ask HQ

ASKHQ: IS IT ENOUGH TO GIVE MY HORSE A SALT BLOCK OR LICK?

Q: Is it enough to just give my horse a salt block or lick? A: Many people rely on salt blocks to supply their horse's daily salt requirements. However, while some horses have a craving for sodium, which will cause them to use a block, few horses lick a block enough to consume their daily salt…

BylizzieFebruary 5, 20250Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

FIBRE CAN CHANGE ABNORMAL BEHAVIOUR

Stereotypic behaviours are actions that are repeated without any apparent or obvious purpose or function. These behaviours involve a need-related drive that develops if an environment has inadequate opportunities for satisfying the need the horse is trying to fill. Once established, these behaviours may become a need in and of themselves, and the animal repeats…

BylizzieJanuary 31, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Horse Health

ASKHQ: IRON LEVEL IN HORSE FOOD

Q: Why are people worried about the iron level in horse food? A: Concerns about the iron level in horse feeds stem from the potential adverse effects of excessive iron on horse health. Here are the main reasons why people are worried: Iron overload Horses require only a small amount of iron for healthy blood…

BylizzieJanuary 18, 20250Comments

Ask HQ Q&A

ASKHQ: SMUTSFINGER

Q: Is smutsfinger a good option for horses? A: Smutsfinger grass (Digitaria eriantha), also known as digit grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to southern Africa. It is commonly grown as pasture or hay and is valued for its drought resistance, palatability, and high forage production. It’s particularly suited for horses in regions with…

BylizzieJanuary 12, 20250Comments

Horse Health

THE ROLE OF OMEGA-3 IN MANAGING RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Text: Hannah Botha, MSc Equine Nutrition Equine respiratory diseases are a major concern for many horse owners, as they can significantly affect a horse's performance, quality of life, and longevity. Managing respiratory health in horses is, therefore, a critical aspect of equine care, especially in the case of equine asthma (previously known as inflammatory airway diseases…

BylizzieDecember 19, 20240Comments

Ask HQ Horse Channel Horse Health

CHIA SEEDS FOR HORSES

Chia seeds are small, round seeds generally considered healthy additions to human diets. The seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family native to parts of Mexico and Guatemala. According to various studies and reports, chia seeds support cardiovascular and digestive health, reduce inflammation, and help control diabetes. Chia seeds for horses…

BylizzieOctober 13, 20240Comments

Horse Channel Horse Health

UNDERSTANDING FLAXSEED IN THE EQUINE DIET

Flaxseed is quickly becoming a popular nutritional supplement for horses. But what exactly is flaxseed, and how does it benefit the horse? Here’s what you need to know. What is flaxseed? Flaxseed is produced by the flax plant, commonly grown in cool, northern climates. Flaxseed is also known as ‘flax’ or ‘linseed.’ What does flaxseed contain? Flaxseed…

BylizzieJuly 29, 20240Comments

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