Glycogen
The horse and other animals store surplus glucose as glycogen in muscles and the liver for use as energy when demand increases.
Grain Free
Does not include traditional uncooked cereal grains so is more suitable for horses who have a tendency to become excitable.
Hard Feed
See Compound Feed.
High Energy compound feeds
Have a DE value of 12 MJ/kg and above.
High fibre
A high proportion of fibre (over 14%) in a particular concentrate ration. Common in low energy feeds.
Low calorie
A "low calorie" feed should provide a balance of nutrients (protein, vitamins, minerals) to promote good health with a reduced calorie content. Formulated to be fed in small quantities, the calorie contribution to the overall diet is minimal so these products may help to prevent weight gain or aid weight loss.
Low Energy compound feeds
Have a digestible energy (DE) value of 8 -10MJ/kg.
Low fibre
Higher energy feeds with reduced bulk for fit and hard working horses who have a greater requirement for other nutrients.
Macro minerals
Expressed as a % (or parts per hundred) and needed for body structure, maintaining fluid balance, nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Macro minerals are required in larger amounts in the diet than micro or trace minerals.
Micro (trace) minerals
Expressed as mg/kg (or parts per million) and needed as components of "metalloenzymes" which are involved in controlling a large number of biological reactions. Required in smaller amounts than macro minerals but are no less important.
Minerals
Components of molecules needed for body structure and function. As with vitamins, the correct balance of minerals is very important as one mineral may interfere with the absorption of another so if fed in excess may cause a deficiency of the other. Classified as either Macro or Micro minerals.
A feed which is less likely to produce excitable behaviour in some horses and ponies when fed at the recommended rate.
Nutrient Dense/Rich
A concentrated source of
quality proteins and micro-nutrients. Reduced quantities are fed compared to traditional compound feeds, to provide the recommended levels of nutrients but without the volume and usual associated increase in energy.
Prebiotics
Do not contain live organisms. Help to promote healthy gut function either by providing a food source that only beneficial bacteria can utilise or by mopping up pathogenic species of bacteria.
Probiotics
Contain live bacterial populations designed to help restore a healthy population of micro-organisms in the digestive tract.
PSSM (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy)
A disease common to more heavily muscled breeds, such as quarter horses, warmbloods and draught horses, which prevents the normal metabolism of glycogen. The exact mechanism is, as yet, not fully understood but afflicted horses are not able to tolerate an excess of carbohydrate in their diet.
Protein
Required for the growth and repair of body tissues such as muscles, blood, skin, hair and hoof. It is made up of
amino acids, some of which must be provided by the diet.
This term indicates that the protein source contains good levels of essential
amino acids which must be provided in the horse's diet.
Quality protein provides the vital components of all body tissues, including muscle, so is important for the promotion of muscle tone and top line.
Starch
A carbohydrate composed of glucose molecules. It is the main source of energy provided by cereal grains.
Straights
A term used to refer to cereals or their components when fed individually and not part of a pre-prepared, nutritionally balanced mix or cube eg. oats, barley, bran etc. Because they are deficient in some nutrients they are best fed alongside a balancer. Adding straights to an already balanced ration will cause an imbalance and should be avoided.
Vitamins
Complex molecules involved in many essential bodily functions. They are classified into fat soluble and water soluble types which affects absorbed, stored and excreted. A correct balance of vitamins is important as they can affect the use of other nutrients.
Yeast
Enhances fibre digestion by stimulating cellulose-digesting bacteria. Particularly beneficial for older horses who are known to be less efficient at digesting fibre.
Yea-Sacc® is the type of yeast culture used by Baileys.