Category_Uutiset · hevoset · kuitu · lämpöenergia · loimitus · rehunkäyttö · rehut · ruokinta · talvi ·Oct 28, 2023

Horse Thermal Energy: Feeding and Wrapping in Winter

Winter is a challenging time for horse owners, as they need to know how to keep their horses warm enough and therefore healthy in cold weather. Horses have evolved to survive in cold conditions, but their thermal energy needs, feeding and shelter are key factors that affect their well-being during the winter season. Horses are thermoregulatory animals that maintain their body temperature through various mechanisms. In cold weather, a horse's body tries to maintain an optimal body temperature of around 38 degrees Celsius. Thermal energy is important for keeping a horse warm in freezing temperatures. A horse produces heat through metabolism. High-fiber diets, such as hay and silage, help produce more heat energy compared to a grain-based diet. High-fiber diets break down more slowly and create more heat during digestion.

The importance of feeding in winter

Balanced feeding of horses is especially important in winter, as cold weather and increased energy needs can lead to weight loss and even malnutrition if feeding is inadequate. High-fiber feeding: Providing high-fiber feed, such as hay or silage , is a top priority. Fiber provides heat during digestion and helps maintain the horse's body temperature. Supplemental feeds: In addition to normal feeding, concentrates may be needed to provide the horse with sufficient energy. The feeding plan should be tailored to each horse's individual needs. Read more in our previous blog posts . Water: Make sure your horse has enough drinking water, as water consumption may decrease in cold weather. Warm water may be more appealing, so provide your horse with a warm water bowl in the pen, for example, to prevent the water from freezing. Salt: Salt intake is also important in winter. Even though horses sweat less, they still lose salt through urine and feces. Vitamins and minerals: Check that the horse is getting enough vitamins and minerals from its feed, as hay, for example, loses nutrients the older the stored crop gets.

When to warp?

Blanketing is a perennial topic of debate, with some people saying that horses don't need to be blanketed unnecessarily, while others want to protect their horses by blanketing them with multiple blankets depending on the weather. Blanketing should be done with care, as excessive blanketing can interfere with the horse's natural thermoregulation. Blankets are especially useful when the horse is exposed to sudden changes in weather, is sensitive to cold, or has been clipped. The following should be considered when considering blanketing: Weather conditions: Temperature and humidity will affect whether a horse needs a blanket. In dry, cold weather, a horse can often do well without a blanket. Coat type: A horse's coat type can vary, and a horse with a thick winter coat may not need a blanket, while a short-haired horse needs to be provided with additional warmth. Horse condition: A thin horse needs more insulation than a horse in good condition because fat tissue acts as a natural insulator. Activity level: A horse that moves regularly and sweats a lot needs a rug to dry off. This is why horses are often clipped for the winter so that the coat and skin dry faster. Thick winter coat does not dry very easily. Every horse is unique, so by observing you will learn how each individual reacts to weather conditions and thus adapt the warping to its needs. The warping depends a lot on the purpose of the horse and whether it lives in an indoor stable or a yard. A horse that is in regular training sweats more, requires muscle maintenance and is easier to dry with a short coat than a companion horse that mainly spends its time grazing. In summary, the horse's thermal energy, feeding and wrapping are important factors for the horse's well-being during the winter season. Adequate fiber-rich feeding, proper water management and proper wrapping will help the horse stay healthy and warm in cold weather. Taking individual needs into account is key to ensuring your horse's well-being during the winter season. Discover Biohansa's feed products via this link . Remember to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to receive information about new products and current topics directly to your email. Also give us feedback on what topics you would like to read about on Biohansa's blog! Photo: Pixabay

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The importance of feeding in winter

When to warp?