Q: With the hot weather upon us, is it all right to feed grain mixes that contain large quantities of corn. I have been told that corn creates heat in the horse.

A: That statement that corn is a "hot-feed is a false statement. Corn does contain considerably more calories per pound than is true for most of the common grains. Body heat is created by fiber in the dies - hay will generate more body heat per calorie than is true for grain. Grains or feed mixes that contain high levels of wheat, bran, oats and alfalfa will make the horse more uncomfortable than feeds high in corn. In addition, feeds that contain higher calorie content must be fed at a lower level (fewer pounds per day).

Q: My horse's hooves are brittle and crack to the point that they will not hold a shoe. I have tried a variety of hoof dressings and supplements to no avail. What else can I do?

A: Part of the problem may be inherited although there is no evidence to support this statement. A variety of supplements are currently on the market that contain biotin, methionine, MSM, etc. Again there doesn't appear to be any hard scientific data to support this action. A well-balanced horse feed will have the same amino acids (methionine & cystine). Biotin is usually provided at very low levels in these supplements. The horse synthesizes infinitely more biotin in the gut than is provided in the supplements. Horses suffer from quarter cracks and shelly hooves more frequently during periods of drought than at any other time. The only way that moisture can enter the hoof is through the sole. A very effective method of providing hoof strength and a healthy hoof is to allow horses access to wet turf. During periods of dry weather, allowing a tank to run over will provide moisture. Horses that are forced to spend large amounts of time in mud or wet areas may develop soft, rubbery hooves.

Q: Some feed companies have a variety of feeds for horses eating various kinds of forage. It seems that this is an excellent way to provide proper calcium and phosphorus levels in rations.

A: Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to manufacture a grain mix to meet all forage shortcomings in calcium and phosphorus. A good insurance policy is to provide a concentrate (grain mix) with a ratio of 1.1 to 1 or 1.5 to 1 of calcium to phosphorus. You should not top dress minerals such as salt or dicalcium phosphate. Horses will not consume too much but also will not become deficient.

Q: How do I get a poor eater to eat more?

A: In some cases, a lack of clean fresh water has a greater effect on feed consumption than any other single factor. If waterers are not kept clean, horses will not drink and thus not eat. Horses by nature are competitors. Feed horses so that they can see another horse (preferably a gluttonous horse).

Q: How do you control algae in water tanks?

A: The only method that is safe is to scour tanks periodically or to allow flow of water so that no stagnation occurs.

Q: What makes a horse ration "balance"' or "unbalanced"?

A: Too often balances in horse rations refer to calories and protein. Occasionally, calcium and phosphorus are included. A balanced ration in the true sense in one, which not only provided all of the required nutrients, but also in proper proportions to each other. Feeding excesses of certain nutrients may cause toxicity and will cause interference with utilization of other nutrients.

Q: Does a performance horse that sweats freely have additional nutritional requirements?

A: Horses that sweat freely obviously require ample water. In addition, they should be provided with adequate amounts of salt. It has been suggested that there may be an increases need for potassium. However, most hays contain adequate amounts of potassium.

Q: What steps can be taken to try to prevent colic?

A: Most colic seems to be a result of mismanagement in some form. The most notable cause is probably internal parasites followed by improper feeding. Changing feeds rapidly will precipitate colic generally because changing feeds causes a change in intestinal bacterial, which increases gas production, gut occlusion and possibly torsion or twisted gut. Much difficulty can be avoided if horses are allowed to have something to eat (hay) in from of them at all times. A subtle form of colic, which is more common that we would like to think, is causes by a lack of adequate clean water, which results in impaction.

Q: High protein seems to make a horse hyper. Why?

A: Most hyperactive horses are simply poorly trained or under worked. Horses that are stalled seem to enjoy burning off excess energy, which may be misinterpreted as a hyperactive horse. Spirit can be starved out of a horse but cannot be fed into the horse.

Q: Will excess protein be harmful to an older horse?

A: Horses that may be harmed by excess protein are those suffering from kidney malfunctions. Horses, in general, have very resilient kidneys.