Why Feed A Balancer?
Feed balancers, as the name suggests are designed to balance a horse or pony’s ration nutritionally in terms of vitamins and minerals, protein and energy resulting from increased forage utilisation.
How many of us are currently feeding an ‘unbalanced’ diet? Thousands of horses and ponies survive on just grazing alone; their coats may not shine and their feet may not be in the best condition but they are generally happy and healthy. How many of us feed mainly forage with just a handful of a coarse mix or cube ‘just for the vitamins and minerals?’ How many of us feed every supplement under the sun except one with vitamins and minerals?
Horses and ponies tend to be tolerant of minor deficiencies in their diets and many of these deficiencies, therefore, go unnoticed.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE A FEED BALANCER?
These are a few examples of when using a feed balancer may be appropriate.
- If you are feeding a forage only diet and grazing is less than ideal; In order to optimise micronutrients supply.
- You are feeding below the manufacturers feeding recommendations of a coarse mix or cube; In order to make up the shortfall that is not being provided by your mix or cube.
- You own a horse or pony that has a tendency to become very overweight; To meet the micronutrient requirements without the excess calories
- Your horse becomes unmanageable when fed traditional coarse mixes or cubes; To meet micronutrient requirements and allow for more emphasis from alternative fibre sources for energy
- You are feeding a diet that is based on using straights e.g. oats, barley etc. To provide adequate levels of Calcium, vitamin E and other micronutrients
- When there are specific problems such as poor coat or hoof condition; To ensure adequate levels of protected (chelated) micronutrients essential for coat and hoof condition e.g. Biotin, Methionine etc
- There are high demands being placed on the horse such as frequent travelling and competition; To provide essential dietary elements to horses with limited appetites or reduced fibre intakes
- When you have a horse that is on box rest or convalescing; To provide antioxidants, prebiotics and yeast.
HOW SHOULD YOU USE A FEED BALANCER?
Like all feeds, they should be introduced gradually into the diet over a period of 7 - 10 days and the total amount divided between the daily feeds. They can be mixed with a little low-calorie chaff to encourage chewing and saliva production. Feed balancers, such as Saracen Essential Balancer and Saracen Competition-Fit Balancer, are designed to be fed in small quantities typically 100g per 100kg bodyweight per day to meet a horse or pony’s daily micronutrient requirements.
ESSENTIAL BALANCER is low in sugar, starch and calories, so is suitable for horses and ponies that are ‘good doers’ and in particular native breeds of ponies. Dense in vitamins, minerals and quality protein sources, Essential Balancer helps to maintain muscle tone and topline as well as supporting optimum health and vitality. A source of Omega 3 fatty acids helps to condition and shine the coat, creating a picture of health inside and out.
COMPETITION-FIT BALANCER is unlike many other balancers on the market as it is in mix form and therefore has a small cereal inclusion to provide some instant energy and ‘sparkle’ when needed during work periods, as well as an elevated oil inclusion to support optimal stamina levels. It provides an excellent source of quality protein to support muscle tone and function as well as encouraging topline development. It also contains a unique marine derived Acid Buf, as well as an optimal yeast inclusion marine derived Acid-Buf and yeast culture to help support and maintain healthy fore and hindgut microbial activity, resulting in maximum utilisation of hard feed and forage through optimal fibre digestion.
SHAPE-UP™ is a low starch, low sugar, high fibre mix designed to provide a balanced diet at low intake levels and to help maintain a normal, healthy metabolism. This whole cereal free ration has been designed to give a minimal glycaemic response post-feeding when fed in small quantities, and the low feeding rate makes it ideal for good-doers, as well as horses that may be prone to excitable or anxious behaviours. SHAPE-UP™ can also be used as a calorie-controlled ration for those with an increased risk of metabolic disorders to meet micronutrient requirements whilst maintaining a low starch, sugar and calorie intake.
Stamm 30® is a nutrient dense source of quality protein, vitamins and minerals. Stamm 30® contains a higher level of quality protein than traditional pelleted balancers which will help with muscle and topline development. Elevated levels of antioxidants (Vitamin E and Selenium) are included to support immune function, which is beneficial for horses who are travelling frequently. Stamm 30® also contains a yeast culture that ensures optimum microbial activity, enhancing fibre digestion and utilisation of the feed. Studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research demonstrated that BMC®, which is included in Stamm 30® supports the gastrointestinal health of horses, as it buffers excessive acid in the stomach and hindgut.
VETERAN BALANCER is a highly appetising muesli ration ideal for senior horses and ponies that are leading active and even competitive lives, whose weight needs to be managed. This fully balanced, nutrient dense ration is formulated to maintain optimum health, wellbeing and continued zest for life. This appetising malted flavoured balancer includes Palatability Plus (P+) taste technology, which is designed to encourage even the fussiest of feeders. Saracen Horse Feeds Palatability Plus (P+) is a unique seasoning formulated to maintain high levels of taste in order to support appetite and help maintain nutritional intake.
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