Pasture management to minimize the risk of equine laminitis.
The sugar, starch, and fructan content (collectively referred to as nonstructural carbohydrates [NSC]) of pasture plants is dependent on the environmental conditions under which they have grown. Pasture that is stressed by cold, drought, or lack of nutrients can be 2 to 3 times higher in NSC than pasture that grows quickly in warm weather and is adequately watered and fertilized. Horses at risk for laminitis should have access to pasture limited or be removed completely when environmental conditions are conducive to high levels of NSC accumulation.
Watts
Kathryn
K
Rocky Mountain Research & Consulting, Inc., 0491 West CR 8 North, Center, CO 81125, USA. katygrasslady@gmail.com
D000818:Animals; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006736:Horses; D007249:Inflammation / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D006109:Poaceae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*