As I watch performance horses competing at the top of their game at events such as the Rolex or Triple Crown races, I often wonder what the feeding schedule of those animals was in the days and hours leading up to the event. Is it better to run a hungry, leaner animal, or a full, heavier animal?
In a recent article, researchers found that feeding hay either before or with grain significantly reduced the glycemic response of the grain meal, thereby reducing insulin production post feeding. Feeding hay also significantly elevated the total plasma protein within one hour. Water intake was greatly increased after the hay feeding, as we might expect. Researchers also found that feeding grain before exercise with or without hay reduced free fatty acid availability and increased glucose uptake into the working muscle. This would not be desirable for horses competing in the speed and endurance phase of a 3-day event.
Feeding only forage before exercise has a much smaller effect on glycemic and insulin response than a grain meal, and it also did not affect the free fatty acid availability. Researchers did find these horses had a higher heart rate and higher total plasma protein, which they attribute to increased gut fill and a movement of water from the plasma into the gut.
In summary, the results of their experiments indicated that feeding hay along with grain will result in a decrease of plasma volume and increase in body weight which may be detrimental to performance. Feeding grain with or without hay two hours before exercise will reduce free fatty acid availability and increase glucose uptake by the working muscle. This is not desirable during prolonged exercise.
Take home note: It may be best to postpone your horse’s grain meal on the day of competition, but continue to feed them hay or pasture and water. Feeding hay at the trailer will also prevent boredom and keep your horses busy between classes.
Whether a horse is competing or being worked hard, Hubbard Life has a performance line of Equine products to meet the high nutrient demands of active horses. Hubbard Life Performance Feed is a 12% protein feed specifically designed for the performance horse. Highly digestible energy sources and high quality proteins are added at optimal levels for the active horse.
Hubbard Life 30% Horse Supplement can be top-dressed on Hubbard Life Performance at the rate of 0.5 to 2 pounds per head per day, depending upon weight, age and activity. Written by: Sharon Kill
