Multiple problems arise with infrequent feeding. If you stable your horse and he stays in a stall all day and is only fed two times a day, he can become bored and start picking up various bad habits. In addition to the bad habits, he can experience psychological issues as well digestive issues. In a study conducted at North Carolina State University, two groups of horses were compared with different feeding schedules. One group received 6 pounds of grain two times a day, whole the other group received it divided up every two hours. The group that was fed only once every 12 hours experienced the following:
-Blood volumes decreased and the concentration of blood solids (red and whilte cells as well as platelets) elevated which slowed oxygewn delivery to the brain and muscle
-The endocrine system released hormones that raised the blood pressure and reduced blood volume and flow to the digestive tract causing hinderance to the absorption of nutrients and electrolytes into the bloodstream.
-Because of the large amount of food at one time, it processes faster, decreasing nutrient absorption, causing the hindgut to react and adapt, reducing electrolytes, and predisposing the horse to colic and gastric upset.
Based on studies, you should allow your horse to ingest hay or grass slowly and steadily throughout the day if he will only be given a concentrate (Grain) two times a day. However, ideally, your horse would get all of his nutrients, vitamins and minerals from a good quality forage or hay, along with a salt/mineral lick. If hay is not provided throughout the day, it should be given 15 minutes prior to feeding the concentrate (grain) because the digestive process functions best when the stomach is about 2/3 full.
The bottom line is that your horse can and will get ulcers if they have an empty belly, because the stomach acids continue to work even when there is no food in the stomach.
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