Animal, Plant,

1
Animal, Plant, Soil Science

• Lesson C7-14
• Feeding and Managing Equine

2
Interest Approach

• Based on their prior knowledge of horses, have
  students brainstorm a list of production
  practices used for horses. Encourage students to
  think of all aspects of raising, caring for, and
  training horses. Give them two minutes to
  complete this activity. Accumulate their answers
  on the overhead or chalk board. Then discuss how
  each activity fits into horse management.

3
Objectives

• Examine reproductive management practices of
  equine.
• Describe the types of feedstuffs fed to equine,
  and analyze the nutritional requirements of
  equine.

4
Objectives

• Identify common diseases and ailments that affect
  equine, and determine appropriate prevention and
  treatment methods.
• Describe proper tooth care, and determine the age
  of a horse by examining its teeth.

5
Objectives

• Identify the parts of a hoof, discuss the proper
  care of a hoof, and describe the job of a
  farrier.
• Explain how to select a superior horse.
• Describe and demonstrate basic horsemanship,
  training, and riding techniques.

6
Terms

• anthelmintics
• colostrum
• farrier
• floating
• foaling
• founder

• frog
• horsemanship
• lysine
• parturition
• weight tapes

7
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• Several specific management practices are
  involved in the care of the stallion and mares
  during breeding, parturition, and weaning time.
• Horses have a lower
  conception rate
  than other
  
  livestock.
• Special attention and
  care is a priority during this time.

8
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• A. The stallion is kept in a separate stall or
  pen.
• During breeding, the mare is brought to the
  stallion, or a breeding barn/pen is used.
• Breeding pens are well equipped with padding on
  the walls and soft flooring material.
• 1. There is a great risk of the animals being
  injured during the breeding process.
• Many breeding pens are designed to provide safety
  to the horses and their handlers.

9
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• 2. When the stallion is not
  breeding, it is important to provide a
  roomy box stall and 2 to 3
  acres of pasture for
  exercise.
• The stallion should be exercised on a
  daily basis.
• It is essential for the stallion to remain in
  good condition.
• 3. The stallion is evaluated on the number of
  live, healthy foals that have been sired.
• Many stud farms will evaluate the semen of
  stallions for fertility, volume, and mobility.
• Artificial insemination is used in some breeds of
  horses.

10
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• B. A mare should be at least three
  years of age before breeding
  takes
  place. Therefore, she will be four years
  of age when she delivers her
  first foal.
• It is essential that the mare is
  completely trained before breeding.
• This will decrease the amount of stress and
  activity for the mare.
• Mares at three to fours years of age are more
  mature, taller, and fully grown. Thus, they are
  better able to handle the breeding process.
• Mares can foal up to 14 to 15 years of age.

11
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• 1. The gestation time of a mare
  is about 336 days, with estrus
  cycles
  occurring at 21-day intervals and
  lasting four to six days.
• There are many signs a mare is experiencing
  estrus.
• For example, the mare will desire company and
  tease other mares whether in a stall or out in
  the pasture.
• She will also show discharge from the vagina and
  increased urination.
• Once the mare is pregnant, she should be kept
  separate from other horses, preferably in an open
  pasture where she can get plenty of exercise.

12
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• 2. Parturition is the act of
  giving birth.
• There are several signs of
  parturition in a mare.
• The udder will start to form
  and will extend from the muscles.
• The muscles in the buttocks, tailhead, and
  abdominal area will show a falling-away action.
• This relaxes the body in preparation for foaling.

13
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• a. Foaling is the act of giving
  birth in horses.
• Milk will be present as the udder
  and teats become fuller.
• The mare will become restless,
  showing signs of an
  increase in temperature
  and sweating.
• b. It is an important production practice to
  observe mares during parturition for safety
  reasons.
• The behavior of mares will differ according to
  age, breed, and size.

14
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• c. Once the water breaks (the outer fetal
  membrane), foaling should only take about 15 to
  30 minutes.
• It is extremely important to observe the foal as
  the mare begins delivery.
• The front feet should come out first, with the
  heels pointing down and the nose resting on the
  forelegs.
• If any other position is observed, call a
  veterinarian immediately.

15
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• 3. The foal should be cleaned, and any membranes
  covering the mouth or nostril area should be
  removed.
• Treat the navel cord area with iodine, and
  maintain a clean, dry pen for the newborn foal
  and mare.
• The mare should be given a little ration and warm
  water.
• a. Essential production practices are keeping the
  pen area clean, maintaining temperature during
  cold weather, and observing the newborn and mare
  for any signs of illness or disorders.

16
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• b. Once the foal is cleaned, it should receive
  colostrum immediately.
• Colostrum is the first
  milk given by the
  mother.
• It contains important
  nutrients and
  antibodies
  for the newborn.
• The foal should receive
  colostrum within the
  first
  30 minutes to 2 hours
  of birth.

17
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• 4. The mare will commonly be
  rebred once one estrus cycle has
  taken its course.
• However, it is possible to rebreed a
  mare within 5 to 10 days after foaling.
• Many producers will allow a full estrus cycle to
  pass, allowing the mare to recover from foaling.
• There are several factors to consider before
  weaning the foal from the mare.
• Foals are weaned anywhere from three to six
  months of age.

18
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• a. The foal should be comfortable eating grass,
  grain, and hay before weaning takes place.
• This transition should occur well before weaning.
  
• The foal should be gradually introduced to grains
  and roughage while eating alongside the mare.
• b. The foal should show socialization skills and
  should behave properly within the herd.
• The mare should provide a good example of
  discipline and respect.
• First-time mares often are too passive and do not
  discipline the foal properly.
• If the mare is acting as a bad role model,
  weaning should take place as early as the third
  month.

19
What reproductive management practices are used
in equine production?

• c. The foal should be familiar
  with the
  surroundings of the
  new pen or pasture that is
  chosen for weaning time.
• d. The foal should be well developed and should
  show signs of independence (e.g., wandering away
  from the mare to explore).
• The foal should also be in good health to
  overcome the stresses of weaning.
• e. The final factor to consider for weaning is
  basic training.
• The foal should accept a halter and should be
  sound enough to lead.
• These are critical foundation training practices
  that should be conducted before separation.

20
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• Equine nutritional
  requirements are based on
  
  maintenance needs and activity
  needs.
• Balancing the ration of a horse
  begins with understanding the maintenance
  requirements and the activity level of the
  animal.
• Horses require all six basic nutrients
  carbohydrates, fats, water, protein, vitamins,
  and minerals.
• A. Maintenance is influenced by the size of the
  animal, the environment, individual digestion,
  and metabolic efficiency.

21
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• To determine energy levels and
  requirements for a horse, the weight
  and size should
  be determined by the
  use of condition scores or weight tapes.
• 1. Weight tapes are used to determine the body
  composition and/or weight of the horse.
• A good production practice is to use weight tapes
  as part of a routine to adjust energy intake.
• 2. Protein levels are generally maintained
  through good quality forage and grain.
• The protein level for maintenance is low compared
  to activity levels.

22
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• 3. Minerals should be offered
  as a free-choice salt
  with trace minerals.
• 4. Calcium and phosphorous levels are extremely
  important for horses and should be part of the
  overall balanced diet.
• 5. Vitamin needs for maintenance levels are
  generally satisfied with high-quality, fresh
  forages.

23
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• B. Activity level is the second most important
  factor in determining a balanced ration.
• Activity can be broken down in three categories
  reproduction, growth, and work.
• 1. Mares experiencing the first eight months of
  gestation will only require nutrient levels
  slightly above maintenance levels.
• During the last three months of gestation, it is
  important to supply adequate levels of nutrients
  for the growth of the unborn foal and the
  condition of the mare.
• The mare should gain 0.3 to 0.8 pounds per day
  during this time.
• This weight gain will ensure her ability to
  rebreed after foaling.
• During the lactation period, mares require twice
  the maintenance requirements.
• It is essential to increase protein, calcium, and
  phosphorus.

24
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• 2. Young horses experiencing
  growth will require adequate
  energy and protein
  levels.
• Foals can show rapid or moderate
  growth rates.
• It is important to have the knowledge and to be
  able to observe these different rates.
• Additional calcium and phosphorus are essential
  for bone development.
• It is also important to offer adequate amounts of
  trace minerals.
• Lysine is the first limiting amino acid for
  horses and should be balanced within the ration.
• Lysine can be found in high-quality protein oil
  meal, such as soybean meal.

25
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• 3. Horses experiencing work and/or
  exercise should have their rations
  adjusted to meet these
  activity levels.
• The intensity of the work, its duration, and the
  size of the horse will determine the nutritional
  requirements.
• The exercise level will affect the amount of
  energy the horse needs but will have little
  effect on other nutrients.
• Water and electrolytes are important for muscle
  function and fluid balance.
• Activity levels can be considered light,
  moderate, or intense.
• An example of light work is a Western or English
  pleasure activity.
• Examples of moderate work are roping, cutting,
  and barrel racing.
• Race training and polo are examples of intense
  work.

26
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• C. Horses consume many
  types of feedstuff.
• Grains, such as oats, corn,
  and barley are some examples.
• It is important to feed grains
  that are free of dust and mold.
• Soybean or linseed meal is used as a protein
  supplement.
• Forages, such as grasses, alfalfa hay, and
  pastures, are used.
• Free-choice minerals are used as a feedstuff for
  horses to maintain a balanced ration.
• Fresh, clean water is essential because horses
  can drink 10 to 12 gallons a day.

27
What are the nutritional requirements of equine?

• D. Some common recommendations
  to follow when feeding horses are
• 1. Feed twice a day and follow a routine.
• 2. Be consistent with the amount of feed fed.
• 3. Make sure salt is available for the horse.
• 4. Provide a water source.
• Water should be kept at 40F.
• Dont let hot horses have free access to water.
• 5. Control parasites.
• 6. Check teeth to see if they need floating.
• 7. Monitor the condition/weight of the horse.
• Observe the horse every day for general health.
• 8. Provide the horse with regular exercise.

28
What common diseases affect equine, and what are
the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

• Several common diseases and ailments
  affect equine.
• Good management systems and
  prevention programs can control
  these disorders.
• A. Common parasites include flies, mosquitoes,
  lice, mites, and ticks.
• Sanitation practices in facilities and for
  equipment can reduce these external parasites.
• At times, insecticides may be used to help
  control these insects.
• Insecticides can be applied by spraying around
  the stalls.
• Maintaining clean stalls is another important
  measure to control common external parasites.

29
What common diseases affect equine, and what are
the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

• B. Other parasites are considered
  internal, such as roundworm,
  pinworms, and strongyles.
• Anthelmintics are chemical
  components used to de-worm animals.
• Horses are treated with anthelmintics by
  injection.
• Good management practices require a regular
  worming schedule to be followed.
• Other practices, such as rotating pastures and
  not allowing horses to eat off the ground, should
  be followed.

30
What common diseases affect equine, and what are
the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

• C. Colic, sometimes referred to as abdominal
  pain, is the leading cause of death in horses.
• Overeating, drinking while hot, moldy feeds, and
  internal parasites can lead to this problem.
• Signs of colic include kicking or rolling,
  constipation, and refusal to eat or drink.
• To treat this problem, walk the horse and call a
  veterinarian immediately.
• D. Encephalomyelitis, or sleeping sickness, is a
  virus that can be transmitted by mosquitoes and
  flies.
• Signs of sleeping sickness are fever, depression,
  elevated heart rate, diarrhea, and death.
• Vaccinating and applying insecticides are
  preventive measures that should be taken.
• There is no specific treatment for
  encephalomyelitis.

31
What common diseases affect equine, and what are
the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

• E. Equine infectious anemia
  (EIA), or swamp fever, is a
  virus also carried by
  flies and mosquitoes.
• Signs of EIA are fever, depression, weight loss,
  pounding heartbeat, and exhaustion.
• Most horses with the acute form of this disease
  will die in a few days.
• There is no specific treatment for EIA.
• Preventive measures include controlling flies and
  mosquitoes.

32
What common diseases affect equine, and what are
the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

• F. Founder, or fever in the feet, affects the
  tissues connecting the hoof wall to the foot.
• Founder is caused by consumption of extreme
  amounts of grains, running on hard ground,
  infections, lack of exercise, and drinking cold
  water after exercise.
• Pain in the feet and a reluctance to move are
  signs of founder.
• There are treatment measures for acute types
  however, severe founder cannot be cured.

33
What common diseases affect equine, and what are
the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

• G. Tetanus, or lockjaw, occurs when bacteria is
  present and comes in contact with an open wound.
• The tetanus organism produces a toxin that causes
  muscle contractions and stiffness about the head.
  
• Vaccination for tetanus should be administered
  once a year.

34
How is proper tooth care practiced, and how is
age determined by examining the teeth?

• Horse teeth need to be kept healthy.
• Teeth can be worn down unevenly since a horses
  upper jaw is wider than
  its lower jaw.
• Teeth can also become sharp.
• A. Floating of teeth is a
  common practice to reduce
  the discomfort of sharp edges.
• To float teeth, a file is used to smooth out the
  sharper edges.
• A trained individual should carry out this
  practice.

35
How is proper tooth care practiced, and how is
age determined by examining the teeth?

• B. Age can be determined
  by observation of a
  horses teeth.
• 1. A young horse will display baby
  teeth (temporary) that
  are later replaced
  by permanent teeth.
• A young horses teeth are oval in shape.
• 2. A mature male has 40 teeth.
• A mature mare has 36 teeth.
• 3. When a horse becomes older, the degree of the
  teeth changes due to wear and use.
• Teeth slant forward and change shape.
• Once a horse reaches 12 years of age, the shape
  of the teeth becomes triangular.

36
What are the parts and proper care of a hoof?
What does a farrier do?

• It is very important to care for the
  hooves of horses.
• The movement of the animal will
  determine its worth.
• Hooves should be kept clean and
  protected from hard surfaces.
• Maintenance of length and proper
  shape are also important.
• Hoof care includes the use of a
  hoof pick and a farrier.
• A. A farrier is a person who trims the hooves and
  puts on shoes for the horses.
• A farrier will trim the sole if necessary and
  will apply new shoes.

37
What are the parts and proper care of a hoof?
What does a farrier do?

• B. Daily care of hooves will reduce any problems
  that could occur.
• The hoof pick is a small, hand-held
  tool used to clean around the
  frog.
• The frog is the V-shaped pad in the
  middle of the sole of the
  hoof.
• It is important to know the basic parts
  of a hoof.
• The hoof is broken up into three areas heel,
  quarter, and toe.
• The other important parts are the wall, white
  line, sole, and bar.
• It is important to prevent hooves from drying
  out.
• Moisture around the water tank will help keep
  hooves wet.

38
How do you select a superior horse?

• There are several uses for horses,
  including shows,
  races, working,
  pleasure riding, and breeding.
• It is important to remember that no
  horse can be used for all of
  these.
• Age, sex, breed, color, conformation,
  markings, and previous
  training are some of the
  major things to consider.
• You may want to consider your own intentions and
  facilities and how much you want to invest.
• Once you decide what kind of horse is best, you
  can purchase one from a breeder, private owner,
  dealer, or an auction.

39
How do you select a superior horse?

• A. The age of a horse is important
  to consider because
  inexperienced
  riders may have problems with
  young animals that require
  training.
• It is not safe to buy a horse that the rider
  cannot handle.
• Horses up to 12 years old are considered to be in
  the prime of life.
• B. The sex of the animal should be considered
  because stallions are often harder to control and
  may not be suited for inexperienced owners.
• Your intended use of the animal is the most
  important consideration.
• Disposition varies from horse to horse, but
  geldings tend to be docile, and mares are usually
  less gentle.

40
How do you select a superior horse?

• C. When determining what breed of horse to
  purchase, research different breeds to determine
  which is best suited for your intentions.
• You may consider whether to buy a registered or
  an unregistered horse.
• It may be cheaper initially to buy an
  unregistered horse, but the resale of a
  registered animal is usually greater.
• D. Horses are described with five basic colors
  bay, white, chestnut, black, and brown.
• There are five variations in horse colors dun,
  gray, roan, pinto, and palomino.
• E. Conformation of the health of the feet and
  legs is important because the feet and legs
  influence the way a horse moves and how long it
  will be useful.

41
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• Horsemanship is the riding and managing of
  horses.
• Mounting and dismounting, seat position, horse
  control, and movement are the common practices in
  horsemanship.
• A. Mounting and dismounting techniques
  begin with the approach to the horse.
• The approach, mount, and dismount should all
  take place on the left
  side.
• Approach the horse and set your body square
  with the saddle. Place the left
  foot in the stirrup, and swing the right leg over
  the back.
• Sit down easily and be alert.
• Dismounting techniques require holding onto the
  saddle horn and balancing with your left hand on
  the horses neck.

42
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• B. Seat position is important.
• You should be comfortable and in control.
• Posture is important.
• Your back should be erect, shoulders back, and
  arms close to your body.
• C. Horse control is maintained through proper use
  of hands, legs, voice, and weight.

43
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• 1. Hands control
  the reins.
• Reins should have a
  little
  slack to relieve
  pressure on the bit.
• There are different techniques to holding the
  reins for Western and English style.
• It is important to keep hands, wrists, and
  fingers relaxed while working the horse.
• 2. Your legs control the hindquarters of the
  horse.
• Through proper training, the horse learns the
  squeeze given by the handlers legs.
• This squeeze will control the forward movement of
  the horse.

44
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• 3. Voice is another important component
  of horse control.
• Through proper training, the horse learns
  simple commandsback and
  whoa.
• The tone of your voice and the words used
  are important and should be
  consistent.
• 4. Finally, the shifting of your weight will send
  different signals to the horse.
• Turns, speed, and movement of the horse can be
  altered by the shifting of weight.
• Moving weight from one stirrup to another can
  indicate a turn.
• It is important to maintain rhythm of weight
  while riding.

45
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• D. Movement is determined by the use of your
  hands, legs, voice, and weight.
• Walking, jogging, loping, galloping, backing, and
  stopping are the common movements for which a
  horse is trained.
• E. Riding is an enjoyable formof exercise.
• By understanding the behavior of
  horses and providing proper
  training to
  the horse and rider, riding
  will be safe and fun.

46
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• 1. Dont startle or scare a horse, and always
  approach a horse from the front left side.
• 2. You should always keep your horseunder
  control, but you should discipline the animal in
  a humane fashion.
• 3. Your horse always needs to know
  your intentions so it knows what it is
• supposed to do.
• 4. Never tease an animal, and always be calm and
  gentle with it.
• Always wear clothing that will protect you in
  case the horse becomes frightened and reacts.

47
What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
techniques?

• 5. Walk beside the horse when leading it, mount
  the horse from the left side, and take extra care
  when strangers are near.
• 6. When new horses are introduced, take
  precautions so they do not fight.
• 7. Slow down when riding in areas that could
  injure the horse.
• If the conditions are excessively rough, get off
  the horse and walk it.
• 8. Spend enough time training and exercising the
  horse so you know your horses temperament and so
  the horse will be in good shape.

48
Review

• What reproductive management practices are used
  in equine production?
• What are the nutritional requirements of equine?
• What common diseases affect equine, and what are
  the appropriate prevention and treatment methods?

49
Review

• How is proper tooth care practiced, and how is
  age determined by examining the teeth?
• What are the parts and proper care of a hoof?
  What does a farrier do?
• How do you select a superior horse?

50
Review

• What are basic horsemanship, training, and riding
  techniques?