Horse owners need to be educated about the dangers of obesity in their horses and the benefits even moderate exercise can provide.

Increasing the body mass of horses through weight gain is a timely topic because more horses are turning up in rescue situations, warranting a clear understanding of weight gain and changes in body condition.

Several factors that affect the soundness and future athletic ability of young growing horses -- especially equine athletes -- were discussed at the recent KER Nutrition Conference.

In an article in the July 30, 2007 Feedstuffs, Dr. Joe Pagan explains that modern horse management is often a contributing factor to hindgut acidosis. When horses are fed large grain meals, undigested starch can flow into the hindgut, where it is rapidly fermented. Production of volatile fatty acids and lactic acid increases, pushing pH out of line and causing a shift in microbial populations. These changes may lead to irritation that damages the lining of the intestine. Horses with hindgut acidosis sometimes show signs of colic, refuse to eat, or may begin to exhibit behaviors such as wood chewing or stall weaving. Acidosis in cattle is sometimes treated with sodium bicarbonate, but because the horse's gastrointestinal anatomy is different from a ruminant's, this simple solution is not effective. Encapsulated sodium bicarbonate (EquiShure™, KERx Special Needs Nutrition), an oral hindgut buffer, is designed to reach the horse's hindgut and attenuate problems associated with hindgut acidosis.

Three studies have been conducted to assess the effects of different forms of vitamin E on vitamin E status. Results from these studies indicate that the source of vitamin E significantly affects vitamin E status in exercised and unexercised horses.

Q. I am a first time breeder, and my maiden mare is due to foal in late winter. How can I ensure that she produces high-quality milk for her foal?

The Blood-Horse (September 3, 2005/ No. 36) - "Feed for the Future" spotlights Dr. Joe Pagan and Kentucky Equine Research.

Founder of KER receives industry award

United States Equestrian Federation Names Kentucky Equine Research as Official Equine Nutritionist

Thoroughbred Times - Learn more about nutritional management of the broodmare in "Veterinary Topics: Meals of Great Importance".

California Thoroughbred (January 2005) - Dr. Pagan sheds some light on managing horses with ulcers in "Gastric Ulcers: A Widespread but Manageable Disease ".

FEED Management (January/February 2005) - Issues pertaining to the revision of the NRC publication, Nutrient Requirements for Horses are addressed in "Requirements then, recommendations now" by Dr. Pagan.

EQUUS (February 2005) - "How to Feed for Healthy Young Bones". Horse Illustrated (March 2005) - "Healthy Balance" by Cynthia McFarland features nutritional advice for feeding the young horse from Dr. Lawrence.

Thoroughbred Times - Learn more about nutritional management of the broodmare in "Veterinary Topics: Meals of Great Importance".

Horse Illustrated (March 2005) - "Healthy Balance" by Cynthia McFarland features nutritional advice for feeding the young horse from Dr. Lawrence.

EQUUS (February 2005) - "How to Feed for Healthy Young Bones".