When is grass most dangerous for horses

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Library Section Only. These conversions happen all day long. But during frost certainly below -5 degrees sugars are converted to fructan, this fructan then protects the grass against freezing. So in frost there is more fructan in the grass. Fructan is mainly found in the lower part of the grass, which is close to the ground. This is the part where the growth takes place and therefore needs to be protected.

Enzymes in the stomach and small intestine break down sugars and starches. But fructan is mainly digested in the colon. Bacteria in the colon ensure the breakdown of fructan and this releases volatile fatty acids. These volatile fatty acids are an important energy source for horses. But an overkill of fructan causes the colon to acidify, releasing endotoxins that poison the horse.

These endotoxins can damage the intestinal wall and thus end up in the blood. These toxins increase the risk of laminitis. This is why it is important to keep an eye on the fructan content of the grass, even in winter. The higher the temperature, the more the grass consumes fructan to grow. For horses with a laminitis history, 15 minutes a day for a week, then 30 minutes a day for week, increasing each week until 4 hours a day is reached.

Feed hay prior to turnout. Continual hay lowers Insulin, protects hooves. Turn horses out in the early morning am in the gradual steps when sugar levels in grass are lowest.

Avoid afternoon turnout when sunlight raises carbohydrates in the grass. Daily exercise! Exercise lowers Insulin levels and increases circulation, this is a must! Keep pastures mowed to inches which keeps weeds down and keeps sugar levels in grass lower. Turn horses out at night. Night turnout allows your horse more time in the pasture. Night has lower sugars in the grass than in the afternoon. WSC levels may still be high at night! Beware of Jack Frost Sunny frosty mornings are common at this time of year and present a hidden danger for laminitics.

Turnout for short periods may be counterproductive Although turning out for short periods may seem like a logical way of restricting grass intake, our four-legged friends can soon become wise to such a regime.

Do grazing muzzles really work? Complete removal from grazing Rapid growth makes spring a particularly high risk period for laminitics and for very susceptible horses and ponies, complete removal from grazing may be the only option. March 31, at am.

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