Feeding A 'Pre-Exercise' Chaff.

Workload is one of the suggested risk factors associated with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in horses. Research has found that horses with less than 2 days of rest a week are at an increased risk of developing gastric ulcers. Further studies by White et al (2007) also found that horses in light to heavy work for as little as 8 days were at an increased risk, with only 27% of 102 horses being free from gastric ulceration.

Exercise increases the production of gastric acid, and contraction of the stomach during exercise allows acid to splash onto the non-glandular region of the stomach, increasing the risk of acid injury to this relatively unprotected mucosal lining.

Research has shown that risk of acid splash injury can be reduced by feeding 1 stubb type scoop of chaff 30 minutes prior to exercise.

The images below from leading equine gastric ulcer vet Richard Hepburn show that chaff is very effective at creating a fibre mat and absorbing the 2-4 litres of acid in the stomach. The overall gastric size remains unchanged, however the chaff ball limits the acid mobility and prevents the formation of ulcers through splash injuries.

HOW ELSE CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISK OF GASTRIC ULCERS?

• Horses should ideally be allowed consistent access to forage on an ad-lib basis where possible. A horse should never receive less than 1.5% of their body weight in forage per day and having periods of more than 6 hours between forage meals should be avoided.
• It is recommended not to exceed more than 1g of starch for every 1kg of body weight per meal, and no more than 2g for every 1kg of body weight per day. For example, a 500kg horse should not exceed more than 500g of starch per meal, or 1000g of starch per d
• Intermittent access to water increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and close attention to water intakes is crucial to address any changes to what is normal.
• As much access to pasture turn out is recommended to reduce stress levels and encourage natural browsing behaviours.