As winter winds down and soil temperatures start to rise, spring grass pops up all over. Our equine partners eagerly start seeking out this lush, soft, green grass. However, many owners worry about this sudden transition from a rather bland winter hay ration to green spring pasture. On the other hand, when hay resources are running low, it may be tempting to just let them be — especially given the scarcity of hay this year!

In this post, we’ll explore the challenges of managing grazing horses in this season and provide practical tips for a smooth and safe transition to spring grass.

Understanding the issue: Winter hay vs. spring grass

As grass matures throughout the growing season, the protein content decreases, while the fiber fraction and dry matter content increase, resulting in an overall decrease in digestibility and digestible energy.

It therefore makes sense for early spring grass to be higher in protein, and higher in easily fermentable carbohydrate content, than the grass used to make hay, which was allowed to grow later into the season before being cut. Of course, hay will be much lower in moisture compared to fresh grass as well.

The combination of these factors sets the stage for potential digestive upset when there is an abrupt switch from hay to spring pasture. That’s a big problem, given the overall importance of gut health for horses.

Why, you ask? Well, let’s do a quick calculation.

Depending on the variety of the grass, early spring grass can be as high as 20% or more in protein. That same grass, cut later for hay, may test around 10% to 14%. We know that the majority of the average horse’s nutrients will be supplied by their forage. So, as an example, let’s say there is a 6% protein difference between our hay and our spring grass. An increase in forage protein content of 6% equates to just over a pound of additional protein consumed by the horse each day. That seemingly small change in protein content alone can almost cover the protein requirements of the average horse. Consider that the horse is now consuming that in addition to what they were getting from the hay alone.

The same goes for other nutrients passing through the digestive tract. When combined with the higher digestibility of spring grass due to its rapidly fermentable fibers, it all represents a large and potentially abrupt change in the influx of nutrients into the hindgut. This change in nutrient influx can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbial organisms. The highly specialized and sensitive hindgut microbial population requires time to adapt to feeding changes to avoid metabolic issues. And so, as with all nutritional changes in a horse’s diet, a gradual change is ideal when moving from hay to fresh grass.

Strategies for a successful transition

Spring grass often sprouts and grows rapidly, making it difficult to accurately determine how much horses are really consuming when they have full access to pasture — but with good management, you can help to keep the transition gradual. Here are some different approaches to gradual transitions that may suit your management situation and personal preferences:

1. Keep some hay in the pasture: Start by making hay available in the pasture for the first couple of weeks, regardless of access to fresh grass. The fresh grass is lower in fiber, so horses can manage their fiber needs by going back and forth between the two forage sources.
2. Manage turn-out time: If your horse is stalled, consider reducing the amount of time they are turned out on grass and then gradually increasing it as spring progresses. This is an easier option for those who have dry lots or other areas, to make sure horses spend enough time turned out while also restricting access to grass.
3. Consider a grazing muzzle: Horses that are exclusively kept out on pasture can also be managed with a grazing muzzle. Another option, for horses kept out on large pastures, is the use of temporary fencing to restrict access, but be aware that the fencing will need to be moved frequently.

Some horses require careful oversight

Horses diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) conditions, a history of pasture-associated laminitis, foundering, and so forth, present a different set of challenges. They require particularly careful management during this time, should some access to a dry lot, or careful restriction practices such as muzzles or time-of-day turnout, not be possible. Depending on the individual horse’s condition, turnout on spring pasture may not be desirable regardless of the restrictions implemented.

Some horses may lose a little weight in the early days of spring, specifically the picky ones that prefer soft new grass over hay. That weight should be gained back rapidly as pasture growth rate accelerates and you can give them free access. Keep in mind, though, that mares in late pregnancy or lactation need to be monitored more closely. They have higher nutrient requirements and benefit from the more nutritious grass.

The magic number is two … or perhaps three?

For the best support of horse health throughout, the hay-to-grass transition is implemented over a two-week period. This allows those hindgut microbial communities to adjust without deleterious effects. If your horse has been fed only hay over the winter, with absolutely no access to pasture, start out more conservatively, extending the adaptation period to three weeks if needed.

Keep in mind that the area you live in will dictate when and how quickly your spring grass arrives, and this will influence your transition plans. Some areas have sparse pastures as compared to more lush areas such as Central Kentucky. Regular evaluation of your horse’s condition and your forage quality and quantity during this period are crucial to making informed adjustments to the transition plan.

Keeping these principles of equine nutrition in mind will empower you to plan for and oversee a healthy transition from winter hay to spring grass. By embracing a gradual approach and tailoring strategies to your horse’s needs, you can ensure a smooth and healthy transition, allowing them to fully enjoy spring pasture.

About the author: 

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Mieke Holder is a senior research scientist at Alltech. Her research focuses on equine nutrition and the use of Alltech technologies to improve feed and nutrient utilization, horse health and environmental sustainability. Prior to joining Alltech, Dr. Holder was a faculty member at the University of Kentucky, focusing on the environmental impact of grazing livestock. She earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in animal sciences from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, followed by a Ph.D. in equine nutrition from the University of Kentucky.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.

Alltech is proud to continue to partner with the Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) Mentorship Program.  Applications are now open for new mentors of any gender and for female mentees from across the global food and agriculture sector. Now in its fourth year, the free-to-join program is dedicated to supporting women across the global food and agriculture sector by providing invaluable mentorship opportunities and has proven to be a beacon of support for women seeking guidance, advice and networking opportunities in their careers.

Findings from the WFA survey and ongoing feedback from all levels of the food and agriculture sector consistently suggest that a hurdle to greater success for women in the global agri-food industry is a lack of mentorship opportunities. To tackle this issue, WFA launched its Mentorship Program.

WFA matches applicants based on their preferences, which can include gender of mentor, areas of expertise, language and industry sector, and offers opportunities for women in food and agriculture to develop meaningful industry connections. Since the inception of the program, WFA has received an overwhelming response, with 3,051 applications from individuals seeking mentorship and 1,691 industry professionals offering their mentorship services. This remarkable level of engagement underscores the program's significance in addressing the need for mentorship opportunities within the food and agriculture sector.

To date, the program has facilitated over 562 pairings, connecting mentees with experienced mentors who provide invaluable insights and support. These pairings have spanned various roles and sectors within the industry, ranging from CEOs of agribusinesses to small-scale farmers, academics, and ag-tech professionals.

“Our partnership with the Women in Food & Agriculture mentorship program is an investment not only in the lives of women, but in the future of agriculture as the industry most integral to the nourishment and vitality of our planet,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech.

Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, global chair of WFA, expressed her enthusiasm for the program's continued success, stating, "We are delighted to see the overwhelming response to the WFA Mentorship Program, which underscores the importance of mentorship in empowering women in the food and agriculture industry. With Alltech's ongoing support, we are confident that the program will continue to make a positive impact, fostering diversity and inclusion across the sector."

Orla McAleer, chief culture officer at Alltech, reiterated the company's commitment to the program, stating, “I am excited to reaffirm our support and sponsorship of the WFA Mentorship Program in 2024. We believe in championing the advancement of women in this vital sector and helping to cultivate a more vibrant, equitable and diverse agricultural community. As a mentor and advisor to the program, I understand the value and impact the mentorship connection brings to everyone involved."

Alltech believes that inclusion cultivates creativity, drives innovation and is essential to the company’s purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty^TM. In 2019, Alltech selected Gender Equality as one of the nine United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to which the company committed to advancing.

Applications are now open for the 2024 WFA Mentorship Program, supported by Alltech, to individuals seeking mentorship as well as industry professionals interested in offering their mentorship services. The program welcomes applications from across the global food and agriculture sector, and applicants will be personally matched based on their preferences and professional objectives. For more information and to apply to be a mentor or mentee, visit https://wfa-initiative.com/mentorship-program/.

Dr. Colm Moran has been appointed chief regulatory officer at Alltech, a global leader in agriculture with more than 5,000 team members serving customers in over 120 countries.

Moran has worked with Alltech for more than 20 years, most recently serving as director of European regulatory affairs and as chairman of Alltech’s crisis management team.

“Alltech’s regulatory strategy is moving into new strength under Colm’s leadership,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “This positions Alltech firmly at the leading edge in delivering innovation to our customers.”

Moran has worked in the feed industry for 23 years and has extensive experience in zootechnical studies for registration of feed additives for livestock and poultry species. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from University of Wales, Cardiff, and three master’s degrees in food biotechnology, food regulatory affairs, and brewing and distilling — from University of Strathclyde, University of Ulster/University College Dublin, and Heriott-Wyatt University, respectively. He also has a Ph.D. in fermentation microbiology from University of Plymouth.

Moran has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in his subject area. He has received two international patents and has presented at numerous international conferences. He is based in Marseille, France.

Moran serves on the board of directors for the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).

It could be argued that few more iconic or beloved brands than Mrs. Pastures® Cookies for Horses exist in today’s horse industry. With their highly recognizable, red-lidded jars, they evoke a sense of nostalgia for many of us, leading to memories of days gone by, when we would cheerfully feed them to the horses that helped us learn and grow.

Devoted fans have included some of horse racing’s best-known champions, such as Hall of Famers California Chrome — who is still receiving regular Mrs. Pastures shipments at his home in Japan — and Old Friends Farm resident “Mr. Personality,” Lava Man. Mrs. Pastures cookie crumbs are even sent to 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Silver Charm, who has trouble chewing the standard cookies.

In October 2023, Mrs. Pastures built on this success when it proudly launched its first-ever addition to the product line, the sweet potato-infused Super Cookie™. Several more exciting new recipes are in the works.

How it all began

Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses was the 1986 brainchild of 66-year-old California horsewoman Patricia Burge, who wanted to create a wholesome treat for her daughter Maggie’s exceedingly picky horse, Poncho.

People are often curious about how the name of the company came to be. As the story goes, Mrs. Burge’s husband tried one of the horse cookies and remarked, “Well, it ain’t Mrs. Fields,” to which she replied, “No, it’s Mrs. Pastures!” The name stuck.

The all-natural ingredients of Mrs. Burge’s original cookie recipe remain unchanged, including apples, oats, cane molasses, rolled barley, water, and wheat middlings (a beneficial byproduct of the wheat milling process).

A legacy of love

Patricia Burge officially started the Mrs. Pastures business in her home kitchen and, at that time, never dreamed of it becoming the success it has. Her daughter, Maggie Carroll, officially took over business operations when her mother passed away in 2016 at the age of 96.

Five years later, Alltech acquired the business. Mrs. Carroll served as a close advisor in the first year following acquisition, helping to ensure that customers could continue to count on the high quality and great taste for which the treats are known.

A recipe for success

The original wholesome, home-kitchen-developed recipe, paired with Alltech’s industry knowledge and global reach, has already proven to be a winning combination — positioning Mrs. Pastures to meet the equine industry’s ever-evolving needs. The original recipe is now available not only in those red-lidded jars but in everything from 8-ounce pouches to 50-pound tubs.

With the new Super Cookie, Mrs. Pastures is giving health-conscious horse owners a superfood-filled treat option. Made with the same time-tested process as the original cookie, the Super Cookie is primarily made up of sweet potatoes, turmeric and kelp, with no molasses or other added sugars.

Nourishing the bond

Mrs. Pastures has an enduring commitment to nourishing the bond between horses and their humans — a tradition Alltech is proud to help the business carry on. The treats often serve as a healthful, positive reinforcement-based horse training incentive, helping to develop better ground manners, improve trailer loading and reward good behavior under-saddle.

To learn more or to find a retailer near you, visit mrspastures.com.

[LEXINGTON, Ky.] — E. Michael Castle II has been appointed chief operations and financial officer at Alltech.

Castle has been with Alltech for 19 years, most recently serving as chief operating officer and CEO of the Alltech Feed Division. He has deep experience in the business globally, having also served as chief administrative and legal officer, among other roles.

Castle began his career at Alltech as an engineering intern. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Washington University St. Louis School of Law and then returned to Alltech.

"Having worked with Alltech for almost two decades, Mike has Alltech DNA through and through. He worked closely with our leadership team and my father on many of the most important deals in our history. Since the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons in 2018, Mike and I have worked hand in glove to lead the business,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “In all his endeavors, Mike has demonstrated unparalleled dedication, exemplary leadership and a passion for excellence. He is an invaluable asset to Alltech – and a trusted friend and colleague to me. There is no one better prepared — and no one I'd rather work alongside — to lead Alltech into the future.”

Castle is supported in leadership of Alltech’s financial strategy by:

• May Xu, deputy CFO, audit and reporting
• Flora Djojo, chief tax officer
• AnaLucia Medrano, who has been promoted to director of financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Medrano most recently served as finance director of Alltech Crop Science.
• Hemant Gandhi, vice president of finance, global treasury

Alric Blake, former CFO and CEO of Alltech who served as interim CFO over 2023 Q3-Q4, will remain a senior advisor to the business.

“Alltech has an exciting future built on its strong foundation of helping farmers, ranchers and producers nourish the world and nurture the planet,” said Castle. “I am pleased to continue working alongside Dr. Mark Lyons to help Alltech capitalize on opportunities to provide solutions that improve the health of animals and the soil, maximize the value of feed, increase on-farm efficiency and help lower environmental impact.”

As winter approaches and pasture availability declines, most horse owners start thinking about hay. Knowing how much hay your horse may need per day, or how to spot good hay, can be tricky if you are less experienced.

So, how do you plan your winter hay purchase?

First, know how much hay you will need to provide.

Hay can be expensive, so it is important to supply an adequate amount without wasting it. And from a health perspective, the goal is to meet fiber and foraging needs, and nutrient requirements, without over- or under-supplying.

Horses typically eat 2 to 2.5% of their body weight on a dry matter basis. Hay is typically around 90% dry matter, so an average-sized adult horse, weighing 1100 lb., should consume 24 to 30 lb. of hay over a 24-hour period. Keep in mind that the amount of grain you offer will replace some of this hay. The very minimum forage offered for a horse this size should be about 1.25% of body weight on a dry matter basis, or 15 lb. Feeding below this amount may cause harm to gastrointestinal health (e.g., gastric ulcers) and has been associated with behaviors such as chewing wood and eating bedding.

Choose the right hay for your horse.

Physical quality characteristics include the stem-to-leaf ratio (how “stemmy” it is) and the presence of seedheads (indicators of maturity), weeds, and foreign objects, as well as dustiness and mold. Quality can also be measured based on nutritional composition. Having a nutritional evaluation of the hay you plan to purchase is very helpful.

Often, hay can provide almost all the nutrients that a mature horse may need. However, not all horses benefit from being fed the most nutritious hay, so consider what the horse is used for, any health issues the horse may have, and winter management practice as you make your hay-purchasing decisions. For example, an overweight horse may benefit from a more mature hay that provides fewer calories but can be fed in a sufficient quantity to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy. In contrast, a growing horse will consume a smaller amount of hay, so a higher nutritional quality is needed, with calcium, phosphorus, and protein content being particularly important.

Keep in mind the approximate length of winter in your area.

The longer your winter, the more hay you will need. Keep some on hand to transition to spring pasture. Hay intake may increase temporarily when the temperature drops particularly low, since fermentation of hay in the hindgut helps to regulate body temperature. Provide extra hay during a cold spell.

Choose storage and feeding methods with care to avoid problems with spoilage and wastage.

Ideally, store hay in a dry barn to prevent spoilage. When horses are fed outside, the use of a hay feeder or rack reduces wastage. While round bales are a popular choice, up to 40% is wasted when they are not managed properly and used with a bale feeder. In stalls, the preferred method of feeding hay is on the ground, allowing for a more natural grazing head position. However, some owners prefer using slow-feeder type hay nets, more closely mimicking continuous grazing. This is particularly beneficial for overweight horses fed a limited amount of hay. A large feed tub for hay can also be effective in stalls. Management style preference and horse preference will determine what works best.

If you are completely new to purchasing hay, seek expert advice to learn hay-buying tips, and find good suppliers local to your area. In the U.S., your local extension office will be of great help.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.

Farmers and ranchers typically use late summer and early fall to do their prep work for winter. Horse owners should take note and do the same, as fall is the ideal time to tackle winter preparedness. Cooler temperatures are easier to work in and better for plants and crops to establish root systems. Plus, the timing is right to get a leg up on tasks that will make it easier to get through wintertime challenges.

Use this “to-do” list to help you coordinate beneficial fall activities, which will undoubtedly provide a more chore-efficient winter with less weather-related stress.

1. Apply a “green band-aid” to bare spots in pastures. Fall is the ideal time to fix bare spots by overseeding pastures (at least six weeks before the first hard frost, which for most of North America typically occurs from mid-September through mid-October). Warm fall soil encourages root growth, which will continue until the ground freezes. In areas with mild winters, roots may continue to grow all season. Once early spring rolls around, roots either begin new growth or continue growing at a faster rate, while also beginning top growth. When summer finally arrives, fall-planted grass is far better equipped to deal with heat and drought because of its well-established root system. By contrast, grass seed planted in the spring will get a much slower start due to the cooler soil temperatures.

Other good reasons to plant in the fall include dependable rainfall, cooler weather (which most grasses prefer), fewer pest and disease problems and less competition from weeds. Drier fall weather also makes it much easier to prepare soil than it would be in the springtime.

Encourage a thick, healthy stand of grass by overseeding with forage plant seed on existing pastures. Overseed areas that are thin or have bare spots.

Talk with local extension offices or conservation districts about ideal forage plants for your soil.

2. Plant trees and shrubs. Fall is also a great time to place native plants, which can be beneficial on a horse property. For example, native hedgerows can act as wind or dust barriers and provide an attractive visual boundary between neighboring uses. Native plants can act as mud managers alongside paddocks and confinement areas to help reduce flows, absorb water, and filter sediments and pollutants. Check with your local conservation district or Horses for Clean Water if you have any specific questions on this topic.

3. Provide shelter for your horse. Shelter requirements may vary depending on your specific horse and location. However, horses typically need a way to get out of driving rain and/or wind. They can usually regulate their own body temperature if allowed to do so. Your horse’s shelter doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple as a three-sided run-in shed, a stall with a paddock, or a shelterbelt of trees.

4. Bring in footing material for paddocks, confinement areas and other high-traffic areas. Now is the time to think about the sand or gravel you will need for footing in confinement and heavy use areas, such as in front of gates. These materials are easier to access in the fall before demand is high. Plus, it is easier for delivery trucks to back into paddocks and drive through pastures in the dry season rather than once these areas become slick and muddy during the rainy season. Put down 2 to 6 inches of material for each of these areas.

5. Begin a horse manure management program. If you don’t do so already, now is the time to start picking up manure on a regular basis. A horse creates 50 pounds of manure per day. When mixed with winter rain or melting snow, this quickly becomes 50 pounds per day of unsightly and potentially hazardous muck. All manure should be picked up at least every three days in stalls, paddocks, confinement areas and high traffic areas. Composting is a great way to manage manure and turn it into a valuable resource for your property.

6. Spread compost. Early fall is a great time to spread compost. Compost is a rich source of soil enhancement. It adds micro- and macro-nutrients and replenishes natural microbes, all of which improve the health of soil and plants. Spread compost in pastures during the growing season no more than one-half inch thick and no more than three to four inches per season in the same place. Check with your local conservation district for more advice and to ask if they have a manure spreader rental program.

7. Check gutters and downspouts. Roof runoff systems should be cleaned and repaired in the fall. Gutters and downspouts “keep clean rainwater clean” by diverting roof runoff away from your paddocks to areas where it won’t get contaminated with manure or create mud. Good areas to divert rainwater to include a grassy ditch, a dry rocky landscaping area, rain barrels, stock watering tanks, well-vegetated woods, or an unused portion of pasture. Doing this will greatly benefit you by reducing the amount of mud your horse spends the winter standing in. It will also make daily chores easier.

8. Reroute surface water runoff. Runoff from driveways, parking areas, and hillsides can add significantly to the problem of managing mud in confinement areas. Ditches, grassy swales, dry wells, water diversion bars, and culverts are all useful means for diverting water away from confinement areas and barns. It is considerably easier to build these now than during the next downpour.

9. Review equipment needs for daily chores. Having the right equipment for chores not only makes things more efficient but also ensures that you’ll be more likely to get those chores accomplished when it’s dark and cold. Consider purchasing a manure cart that’s easy to push and to dump into the compost pile, along with a new manure fork if necessary. The heavy-duty plastic-tined type with a bent edge is made specifically for cleaning horse stalls and paddocks. Wooden handles or ones wrapped with tennis grip tape (or even vet wrap) are easier — and warmer — to grip than metal handles.

10. Review lighting needs. In the winter, most feeding time is in the dark — either early morning or evening. Indoor as well as outdoor lighting will help immensely with chore efficiency. When you come home after work, do you have enough light to pick up manure and clean stalls and paddocks? When feeding, can you see the hay well enough to weigh it and be sure it is both green and mold-free? Solar lighting along walkways or drives makes nighttime walkways safer. Prepare now instead of waiting until temperatures are freezing and you’re trying to feed by cell phone flashlight.

11. Consider your emergency equipment needs. Do you have a headlamp flashlight that frees up your hands? Store several in easy-to-locate areas in the house and barn. Keep them charged or be sure to always have extra batteries on hand. How about fuel for generators, outdoor cook stoves or lanterns? Having a car cell phone charger on hand is also extremely important to power cell phones in case of a power outage. A cell phone with a dead battery and no way to recharge it is useless.

12. Set up a water supply that won’t freeze or get too cold during winter weather events. A horse drinks 8 to 12 gallons of water per day. Academic research shows horses prefer warm water, about 45–65 F. Horses drink less when water is icy cold, and studies show they cannot get enough moisture by simply eating snow. Inadequate water consumption can lead to colic, so it is very important to make sure your horses are drinking enough. On very cold days you can either break ice twice daily, consider getting a stock tank heater, or get a heated stall and/or muck bucket.

13. Develop a backup plan for watering your horses if you are concerned you might lose power to your private well. Water can be stored in rain barrels or garbage cans. Emergency officials generally recommend having a 3-day supply of water on hand, which for horses is a minimum of 30 gallons of water each.

14. Feed more hay. If the temperatures really drop, a horse must work harder to maintain its body temperature. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends increasing caloric intake by as much as 15–20% for every 10-degree drop in temperatures below 30 F. Hay (not grain) is the best choice for helping a horse generate body heat. Forages are digested in the large intestine by a process that generates body heat and raises the horse’s core temperature. Grain is digested in the stomach and small intestine, which creates much less heat. It is wise to provide plenty of good-quality hay during cold winter weather; free choice is best if possible.

15. Check your waterproof turnout horse blankets for rips or other necessary mending or washing so they are on hand and ready for use should you need them. Most horses don’t need to be blanketed since nature provides them with their own warm coat, but there may be circumstances when a waterproof turnout blanket would be helpful, such as in the instance of a cold, heavy downpour, or a polar vortex–type freeze, or if a horse should become hypothermic for health reasons.

16. Consider your own winter waterproof clothing needs. This is a fundamental yet often overlooked point. As a horse owner, you are likely to be working with horses in inclement weather for a significant amount of time. Invest in a good, waterproof jacket; calf-high, insulated mud boots; and waterproof, insulated gloves. These items will go a long way toward helping you stay ahead on winter chores and will be particularly beneficial if there’s a winter emergency. You are no good to your horses if you become hypothermic and in need of immediate medical attention.

17. Flood-proof your property. If you live in a flood-prone area or near a creek, river or wetlands, take time to review the high-water locations on your property. If it is difficult to visualize these, get help from your county or your local conservation district. Acquaint yourself with the historic high-water locations recorded for your property. If you live in an extremely flood-prone area (of which there are many), it may be wise to consider building a “critter pad.”

A critter pad is a large mound or small hill built out of dirt and fill material above the floodwater level. It is used to keep animals above a flood. Critter pads usually require special permitting and must be specifically engineered using approved fill material to ensure that they stand up to high traffic, heavy rains and high water volumes, all while remaining above flood levels. In some cases, funding or technical assistance may be available to help with the development of a critter pad. Contact your local conservation district, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) office sooner rather than later for assistance.  

The dead of winter and the early spring are common times for damaging, dangerous storms in North America. Making chore efficiency updates on your horse property and organizing backup supplies now will prove helpful in getting through the most challenging time of the year for horse owners, and it may help you avoid disaster.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.

[CALGARY, Canada] – Calgary, Canada, was host today to the third stop of the Alltech ONE World Tour (ONE), a series of international events bringing the ideas and inspiration of the annual Alltech ONE Conference to the world. ONE Calgary welcomed more than 300 attendees from across Canada to explore collaborative solutions to the greatest challenges facing the agri-food industry, especially as they relate to the Canadian marketplace. Changemakers and thought leaders throughout the ag value chain united at the event to explore opportunities for agriculture to innovate and take a leading role in nourishing both people and planet.

The Alltech ONE Conference has been held in Lexington, Kentucky, home of Alltech’s global headquarters, for the past 38 years. In 2023, the global leader in agriculture is bringing the conference to its partners, customers, suppliers and friends across the globe, providing the opportunity for more people than ever to experience the power of ONE.

“As our customers and partners continue to face many challenges and uncertainties, we determined that 2023 would be dedicated to meeting them in their market,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO. “This special edition of the ONE endeavors to deliver global expertise to locally relevant issues. In the midst of economic and political uncertainties that fuel regionalization, this ONE reflects the responsibility we have as a global company to be a connector of people and ideas, ever advancing our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.”

Alltech ONE Calgary featured global and Canadian experts discussing agricultural trends, animal nutrition and business, including keynote presentations from Dr. Mark Lyons and renowned motivational speaker, Chris Koch, and a Sustainability Insights panel discussion. Moderated by Dr. Kayla Price, Canadian technical manager for Alltech, panelists included Tara McCarthy, global vice president of ESG at Alltech; Melissa Downing, director of regulatory and sustainability for the National Cattle Feeders Association; John Barlow, vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Parliament; and Al Mussell, research director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).

“Our industry is navigating unprecedented disruption yet remains confident and committed to evolving toward a more sustainable food system,” said McCarthy. “The key to success will be the development of innovative solutions, but even more critical is the capacity of the industry to work together across the value chain.”

Alltech recently launched a global value chain engagement study seeking industry input. Though the complete Alltech Sustainability Insights report will be released later this summer, the initial findings include:

•           There is a world of shifting and, depending on geography, quite divergent priorities. There is a very real series of crises facing the agri-food industry and, for the most part, an acknowledgement and realistic view of the gravity of those challenges. In the face of all that, there is a strong level of optimism and positivity with 85% of respondents agreeing that the food system can rise to the challenge.

•           Respondents were similarly realistic about the need for support for the primary producers of the food that the 8 billion people on this planet eat. 66% agree that unless the farmer is incentivized, things will never change.

•           There is recognition that we won’t be able to resolve the challenges ahead without a huge degree of innovation and harnessing technology to enable us to feed ourselves sustainably, with 92% of respondents believing that technology and innovation are key to more sustainable food systems.

•           There is a near-universal recognition that we need a collaborative conversation and effort across the value chain, with 93% of respondents agreeing that we all have to work together to create a better food system for the future.

Dr. Mark Lyons presented the 2023 Alltech Canada Planet of Plenty Award to Laurie Stanton, owner of Stanton Farms in Ilderton, Ontario. This award recognizes Canadian farmers, producers and ranchers across the country and their efforts of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.

“Alltech Canada is proud to honor and thank the people and organizations that work hard every day to feed our country while implementing innovative and sustainable practices for the future of Canadian agriculture,” said Lyons.

The Alltech ONE World Tour will continue with stops in the U.S., Asia, South America and the Middle East. For more information and to register for an Alltech ONE World Tour stop, visit one.alltech.com.

-Ends-

Download photos from Alltech ONE Calgary: 2023 Alltech ONE World Tour - Calgary, Canada | Flickr

Those who work outside during hot and humid weather are familiar with sweat-soaked shirts and sweat rolling from their foreheads. Horses and humans are two of the very few mammals that really rely on sweating to regulate body temperature. Horses have one of the highest sweat rates of all mammals and can lose 1–12 liters of sweat per hour, meaning they can lose about 70% of their metabolic heat from evaporative sweat. Several factors can affect the amount of sweat excreted, including work intensity, temperature, humidity and level of fitness.

The sweat of both humans and horses is composed of water, minerals (sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium), and some proteins. The minerals, also called electrolytes, are influential in the maintenance of fluid balance, osmotic pressure, nerve response, muscle contraction and relaxation. However, although both humans and horses sweat liberally, their sweat glands are not the same, creating different concerns for dehydration and exercise recovery. Humans largely have eccrine sweat glands, while horses predominantly have apocrine sweat glands.

Human eccrine sweat glands retain large quantities of electrolytes, producing what’s called hypotonic sweat, which contains lower concentrations of electrolytes when compared to other bodily fluids. This increases plasma osmolarity, stimulating the thirst response. But equine apocrine sweat glands do not retain large quantities of electrolytes, so horses’ sweat tends to be isotonic or hypertonic, containing the same to higher concentrations of electrolytes compared to other bodily fluids. This isotonic or hypertonic sweat doesn’t increase plasma osmolarity, which in turn doesn’t stimulate the horse’s thirst response. Consequently, equine athletes lose more electrolytes and are at an increased risk for dehydration, heatstroke, muscle fatigue/cramping, and potential cardiac arrhythmia in extreme cases.

Electrolyte supplementation and its role in exercise and recovery

Optimal hydration and electrolyte status sets equine athletes up for improved exercise performance. Research from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover reported improved water and electrolyte metabolism when horses were supplemented one to four hours pre-exercise. This can lead to improved exercise performance in hot weather. 2021 research led by Canadian researchers at the Nutraceutical Alliance reported increased exercise duration and sweat volume, as well as delayed onset of fatigue when three to eight liters of electrolyte water was consumed before the onset of moderate exercise.

Electrolyte supplementation is also beneficial in optimal exercise recovery, helping prepare horses for returned performance — and adequate post-exercise hydration can do more than prevent risk factors from dehydration. Research by the University of Guelph reported that oral administration of electrolyte water after prolonged, moderate-intensity exercise improved the rate of muscle glycogen repletion. These results indicate that post-exercise dehydration may be a contributing factor to slow muscle recovery and slow glycogen repletion.

Providing electrolytes in water during and after exercise will further induce drinking during exercise recovery. The electrolyte solution increases plasma osmolarity and leads horses to consume more water within 60 minutes post-exercise than they do when given regular water. However, nonelectrolyte water should be provided as well, in case a horse doesn’t favor the taste of water with dissolved electrolytes.

Checking for dehydration

Horse owners can check for signs of dehydration in the field. Two common tests include checking skin elasticity and gum coloration.

When evaluating skin elasticity, pinch and pull a small section of skin on the neck above the shoulder. Well-hydrated skin will snap back quickly. Dehydration will show the skin remaining as a ridge or taking longer than two seconds to return.

Long capillary refill time is another sign of dehydration. Hydrated horses should have moist, pink gums. When testing for dehydration, lift the horse’s lip and press the gums, above the teeth, for a couple of seconds. After pressure is released, the pink color should refill the white spot created by your finger. If gums are white in color, or if the spot takes more than two seconds to return to the original pink color, these are signs of dehydration.

Electrolyte supplementation

When to provide electrolyte supplementation is a common question asked by horse owners. Under average conditions, forage, commercial feed, and free-choice salt will cover electrolytes excreted from sweat. Although free-choice salt is recommended and can be beneficial, excessive salt supplementation in feed isn’t a recommended practice. It can cause horses to refuse feed, can lead to gum ulceration, and can increase dehydration post-exercise when horses don’t consume adequate water. Due to these risks, most provide free-choice salt separately from the feed.

As mentioned before, several factors affect the amount of sweat that horses excrete including work intensity, temperature, humidity, and level of fitness. In many commercialized diets, sodium and chloride are not provided at high enough levels to replenish electrolytes lost from excessive sweating. When these factors coincide and excessive sweating occurs, additional electrolyte supplementation is crucial to recovery!

Why McCauley’s® Hydrolyte®?

McCauley’s Hydrolyte encourages water consumption, improving hydration status and maximizing exercise recovery. It doesn’t contain added sugar, which makes it safe for horses with metabolic diseases like Cushing’s disease, equine metabolic syndrome, and chronic laminitis. It has long been said that added sugar improves electrolyte absorption and retention, but this myth has long been debunked in horses. No added sugar in Hydrolyte further ensures a focus on providing quality electrolyte ingredients rather than containing a large fraction of sugar.

Hydrolyte also provides optimal electrolyte supplementation by mimicking the ratio of electrolytes lost in equine sweat. It is balanced with sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium to replenish minerals lost from excessive sweating due to exercise, stress and environmental conditions. Hydrolyte can also easily be top-dressed on feed and/or dissolved in water for flexible electrolyte supplementation.

Summary

• Horses have one of the highest sweat rates of all mammals and can lose 1–12 liters of sweat per hour.
• Equine sweat glands lose more electrolytes than human sweat glands do, increasing the risk of dehydration.
• Providing electrolyte water can improve equine exercise performance and recovery.
• Ways to check for dehydration include evaluating skin elasticity and gum capillary refill time.
• Providing free-choice salt is industry standard and recommended, but it may not ensure full electrolyte replenishment from excessive sweating.
• McCauley’s Hydrolyte is a great addition to your horse’s exercise program to aid in exercise performance and recovery during hot and humid conditions!

I want to learn more about nutrition for my horses.

Alltech has released the 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report, which demonstrates the actions the company is taking to align the business with its commitments to the United Nations Global Compact, the U.N. Ten Principles, the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™.

“Today, climate change threatens agriculture’s ability to feed the world’s growing population. Fortunately, the world’s best problem solvers are on the case,” said Dr. Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech. “We believe agriculture has the greatest potential to positively shape the future of our planet and that is why Alltech is uniting the agri-food community in Working Together for a Planet of Plenty. It’s not just our mission, it’s our purpose.”

Alltech is committed to the efficient production of nutritious food while working to minimize its carbon footprint and helping producers worldwide find and implement solutions to their sustainability challenges.

Through data and stories from Alltech team members around the world, the 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report emphasizes the role of agriculture in combatting climate change and creating healthy, sustainable food systems. It also includes information about Alltech’s emissions reduction goals, efforts to promote sustainability and the ways in which Alltech is advancing environmental actions in the industry.

Additionally, the report outlines the steps Alltech has taken to promote an inclusive work environment and highlights its team members’ efforts to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work.

“By adopting new technologies, improving business practices and embracing innovation, the agri-food industry is working together to harness the power of human ingenuity and the sustainable science of agri-food to create a Planet of Plenty, and we are honored to be part of it,” said Dr. Lyons.

Highlights include:

• Alltech invested $4.5 million in efficiency projects in 2022, resulting in a reduction of 7,600 metric tons of CO₂e.
• One hundred percent of production team members are trained in health and safety procedures.
• The Alltech Mini-MBA, Alltech’s advanced management development program, has had 576 graduates – 25% have been women. In the 2023 Mini-MBA class, 52% of participants are women.
• Seventy percent of office-based team members have received role-related training and development.
• Alltech’s climate advisory service, Alltech E-CO₂, supports 30 countries and has conducted over 20,000 on-farm environmental assessments.
• Alltech Coppens’ new sustainability scoring index reflects the carbon footprint of feed on packaging.
• Alltech Serdán received Empresa Socialmente Responsible (ESR) certification and reduced CO₂e by 650 tons through its photovoltaic system and use of compressed natural gas (CNG).
• Alltech was reaccredited by the Pet Sustainability Coalition.
• Alltech São Pedro received the Paraná Climate Seal for its emissions reduction.

“Through collaboration and innovation, the agri-food community can create a world where science-based solutions help ensure sustainable food production for the global population,” said Dr. Lyons. “Agriculture has already made huge strides in sustainability. Imagine what is possible when we all work toward the shared goal of creating a world of abundance for future generations.”

For more information and to download the 2022 Alltech Sustainability Report in full, visit alltech.com/sustainability. Click here to read the executive summary.