•PLAN365·
NUTRITION
THeg an
Balancing act to get
to sale-ring condition
Preparing a yearling for sale is an
important event in the stud calendar
super fibres such as beet pulp and soy
containing steam-flaked grains,
ideal for sales preparation.
hulls often helps reduce the amount of
for both thoroughbreds and
hard feed or grain the horse requires,
which can in turn reduce symptoms of
starch overload including diarrhoea,
colic, laminitis and behaviour problems.
Another option for yearling preparation
is NRM Evolve, a nut that now contains
BMCTM, vitamin C and organic trace
standardbreds. It involves a carefully
tailored balance between nutrition,
conditioning, growth and fitness.
Properly prepared yearlings will be
fit, sound and well grown, with shiny
minerals from Kentucky Equine
Yearlings do best on a 14-17 percent
Research. BMC has been shown in
protein ration balanced for macro and
studies to serve as a potent buffer in
coats and little body fat.
micro-minerals, with adequate fat
the stomach and large intestine and is
Reaching that goal requires an
and water-soluble vitamins. Feeding
rates of hard feeds for yearlings are
a key component of a new supplement
understanding of the nutrient
shown to increase bone density in
requirements of the horse and the
extremely variable depending on
choice of feed, growth history, skeletal
size, individual metabolism, actual age
young working horses and weanlings.
critical balance between feed intake
While there is an overwhelming array
and exercise as they affect condition
of supplements that claim to enhance
and soundness.
and quantity and quality of forage. It
is essential that all yearlings are fed as
individuals, paying careful attention to
body weight, weekly weight gain and
body condition score, with feed intake
adjusted appropriately.
coat quality and condition, including
a fat source is always one of the
Forage should always be the first
consideration in any horse's diet and
best ways to achieve that sale-ring
some amount of pasture along with
a high quality, high energy hay is
shine. KER Equi-Jewel is a high fat,
low starch conditioning supplement
that is beneficial for improving coat
important for yearlings. Higher energy
hays such as lucerne and clover
blends will contribute to energy and
Selecting a muesli style textured hard
quality and highly popular for finishing
yearlings and ensuring optimum muscle
definition and conditioning.
feed is often beneficial as the high
protein requirements while maintaining
digestive health. Also, using a high
quality, early cut hay minimises the
palatability encourages consistent
intake of feed through stressful times
For more information and diet
of increased workload, travel to sales
advice on preparing a yearling
appearance of gut-fill, often associated
with a mature hay of high lignin content.
complexes and new surroundings.
for sale, contact a reputable
McMillan Rapid Gain, NRM Assett
equine nutritionist.
Including additional fibre sources
or NRM Prepare are great options
through chaff, ensiled forages and
of well-balanced textured feeds
Article supplied by Luisa Wood,
Equine Nutritionist
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THE FARMLANDER | 37
Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited November 2021. All rights reserved.
