Harvest time of hay is one of the most influential factors that
determine the quality of hay. As grasses and legumes continue to grow and mature
the amount of valuable nutrients such as protein and energy decrease. Each day
harvest is delayed reduces the quality of the hay.As plants progress from the vegetative state (no seed heads
or flowers) to the final seed formation state, the amount of s…
Knowing
the body weight of a horse is an essential element for many management
decisions. Most horse owners and veterinarians underestimate body weight of a
horse when using only visual assessment. Livestock scales are the most accurate
method for determining body weight of a horse, but they are not easily
accessible by most horse owners. This poses two questions for horse owners: 1)
is it r…
Organic MineralsThe use of organic minerals is becoming more and more
popular in the horse feed industry, and there are many different types of
minerals that fall under the “organic mineral” term. However, they are not all
created equal. Bluebonnet Feeds is
dedicated to using only the best organic mineral sources. In fact, there are
over 225 peer-reviewed scientific research studies to back t…
The term ‘fetal programming’ may sound like it belongs in a
science lab rather than a breeding operation, but this concept is something
that breeders should take note of. Most people don’t realize it, but a developing
fetus can actually adapt to external factors while in the mother’s womb, and
those adaptations have a life-long effect on the baby. Development of a fetus
is a complex process t…
Performance horses are subjected to stresses on a daily basis. Horse owners, in turn, do everything possible to keep them healthy and comfortable so they perform to their highest potential. Spa therapy, magnetic blankets, ceramic wraps, joint supplements, hay steamers, gel-sole booties, massage therapy, acupuncture, vibration plates, and infrared light therapy are just some of the tools profession…
Performance horses constantly battle low-grade joint inflammation caused by repeated maneuvers such as turning and stopping. This inflammation can be especially prominent in horses that work in very hard or deep ground on a daily basis. Low levels of inflammation are part of the body’s normal healing process and typically the body can clear this inflammation on its own without intervention from dr…
