By Antoinette Foster

Our environment effects us and our horses, over the last 25 - 30 years we have seen an increase in pollution (at an alarming rate), deforestation, over use of chemicals and land, depletion of the ozone layer, soil deficiency and a rise in salinity levels. Needless to say our horses are trapped in this ever-increasing problem, just as we are.

It is important to feed our foals safely and effectively, neither overfeeding nor underfeeding. There are many conditions associated with malnutrition. Often the word malnutrition is used in the wrong way; malnutrition can mean overweight or underweight, which means there is a major shortfall in the supply of nutrients to the body.  Limb deformities are quite common in foals, these can be due to the position of the foetus in the uterus, and generally in this case the foal’s limbs straighten after a few days and further treatment is not required. Flexural deformity occurs mostly in the forelimbs in one or both legs and most commonly in well-grown yearlings. The fetlock and pastern joints become more upright and the fetlock starts to knuckle over. Angular limb deformity can be caused by a combination of trauma and nutritional imbalances. This means perhaps lunging of foals and yearlings, placing uneven and unnatural pressure on there limbs, long before they are fully matured, this can place pressure on one side of the Physis or growth plate  causing one side to grow faster than the other. Through research we have discovered that Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD) which includes OCD (Osteochrondosis), Cervical Vertebral malformation, Angular deformities, Contracted Tendons and Physitis (formally known as Ephyphisitis), can be caused by many factors, such as Genetic predisposition, management practises, disease and dietary influence. It is therefore very wise to seek professional advice before jumping onto any single D.O.D.  Bandwagon. OCD (impaired blood supply to cartilage delays conversion of cartilage to bone resulting in abnormal thick cartilage or joint surfaces, the cartilage is therefore only loosely attached to underlying bone and may become detached causing inflammation within joint) occurs particularly in young rapid growing individuals, excelerating a horses growth by overfeeding may increase the risk of OLD. Generally the stifle and hock joints are effected and clinical signs of the disease usually become obvious in the first two years of growth. So in the case of OCD correct feeding will probably prevent this disease.  Weanlings require almost twice the amount of protein than that of a mature horse. Correct nutrition means supplying your foal with right amount of water, protein, fibre, fat, minerals, carbohydrates and vitamins, a shortfall of any of these nutrients could lead to illness. Nutrients provide replacement molecules, provide energy and allow for growth. Our foal’s survival depends on the survival of cells. Approximately 70% of the body is water, it is vital, as it is involved in digestion, regulating body temperature, lubrication and metabolism. Water must be readily available. It is important to allow fresh clean water on a daily basis. Sufficient amounts of carbohydrates must be supplied to allow for normal growth rate, athletic ability and resistance to disease. Proteins,  (chains of amino acids) are vital for our foal’s growth also and the 12 essential amino acids must be supplied by the diet. A deficiency of protein can cause a decrease in food intake, and the condition of the coat may be affected. On the other hand feeding too much protein will mean the excess protein will be utilised as an energy source far less efficiently than carbohydrates or fat. Minerals and trace elements are also vital for growth and protection, as are vitamins.