Equine health crucial as ag producers welcome back bitter cold to start new year

MANHATTAN — Colder weather is greeting us here in the new year and while it won’t stick around much this week, it is an important reminder that winter is here and can be brutal for outdoor animals.

For horses in particular, having adequate shelter in pastures is a must and can be done with a simple metal frame three-sided structure with a roof. Laurie Beard, clinical professor and section head of equine medicine and surgery with Kansas State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine explains other possible alternatives.

Signs your horse may be having difficulty with the cold temperatures could be lack of hydration. Beard says when horses don’t drink enough, they can get impactions of their GI system and develop colic or abdominal pain. Paying attention to fecal production may be one way to monitor that. Beard says adding salt to a horse’s diet may be another option.

Horses may have trouble staying hydrated in the winter months if the water freezes.  Beard says heated water bowls may be available for some outdoor pets, but for horses there are typically special waterers that can be installed deep in the ground.

Making sure horses are properly fed, especially in geriatric horses is important to ensure they survive the winter months and stay warm. Beard explains some warning signs that a horse might be in distress.

For geriatric horses, paying attention to their eating habits is crucial especially this time of year. Beard says their are specific horse feeds for those having trouble chewing.

While alfalfa may be ideal for some horses due to its high protein levels, Beard also recommends brome hay which has more carbohydrates and may give horses more energy than prairie grass hay.

Laurie Beard joined KMAN’s In Focus program on November 12. The full audio can be found here: KMAN’s In Focus On Demand