Feeding Young Horses for Sound Growth
Nutritional causes of DOD include excess dietary energy (excess calories), unsteady growth rate (periods of slow, restricted growth followed by rapid, compensatory growth), and inadequate or imbalanced mineral supplementation. A common misconception is that high protein diets also contribute to DOD; however, this is not the case.
Weanlings should be maintained in moderate body condition (ideally a body condition score of 5). Excessive weight gain may put the growing horse at risk for developing bone abnormalities and long-lasting skeletal problems.
Weanlings should be allowed to have all the free exercise they want. Research has shown that exercise strengthens bone and makes for a more durable athlete. Foals should only be stalled for long periods if recommended by a veterinarian.
Yearlings
Because their growth rate slows considerably by 12 months, yearlings need lower nutrient concentrations in their ration than weanlings. Essentially, the percentage of protein, calcium, and phosphorus required by the yearling is less than that required by the weanling. Their digestive system has also grown, so yearlings can consume more pounds of feed.
- Feed a balanced ration.
- Keep foals in moderate body condition.
- Maintain a steady, moderate growth rate.
- Prevent undue stress and illness.
- Avoid excessive stall confinement; allow plenty of free exercise.
- Be able to recognize developmental problems early.
When signs of DOD appear:
- Temporarily decrease amount of grain fed.
- Evaluate diet for imbalances, excesses, and deficiencies.
- Ensure protein, vitamins, and minerals are in proportion to the energy content of the diet.
- Adjust foal slowly to a rebalanced diet.
Do NOT put foals on a starvation diet of poor quality hay. Minimum protein, vitamin, and mineral needs must always be met. While reducing the energy content (calories) of the ration, starvation diets do not provide enough protein, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, the foal will overcompensate for growth when the full balanced ration is resumed, resulting in the return of DOD.
