October 2020 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN October 2020 Page 17 Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and gastric discomfort affect an estimated 50 to 90% of all performance horses. This man-made condition is a product of stress, reduced forage intake, intermittent feeding, confinement, and/or high starch diets. But, through dietary mod- ifications, owners can improve the gastric environment thereby decreasing the risk of ulcers in their horses. Horses with continual access to pasture have a decreased risk of EGUS when compared to their stalled, meal fed counterparts. If confinement is required, provide free access to a high-quality, long-stem forage. When com- pared to a concentrate, forages produce twice as much saliva, helping protect the stomach and buffer gastric acid. Forage type is ADM’s Forage First GS Helps Prevent Ulcers in Performance Horses also an important consideration. Alfalfa has a greater buffering capacity than grasses. If possible, decrease the starch content of the diet. Starch can further decrease gastric pH while producing volatile fatty acids which can damage the mu- cosa. For extra calories, use fats such as soybean oil or stabilized rice bran. ADM’s Forage First® Equine Nutrition now offers owners an- other invaluable tool to help sup- port a healthy stomach, Forage First GS. Forage First GS delivers a unique triple action formula, including a proprietary mineral complex, lecithin, and pectin. The proprietary mineral complex pro- vides marine-derived calcium and magnesium contained in a unique honeycomb structure which acts as a strong buffer, helping neutralize gastric acid. Lecithin, a naturally-occurring compound containing phospholipids, can interact with the gastric mucosa, helping strengthen the lining of the stomach. Pectin, a water-sol- uble fiber, can help increase the viscosity of the stomach contents to further protect gastric mucosa. For questions or more details about ADM’s Forage First GS, visit their Facebook page (ADM Animal Nutrition – Horse Feeds) or www.ADMequine.com. Or send an email (AN.EquineHelp@ adm.com) or call (800) 680-8254. ADM’s sales team and Ph.D. nutritionists are happy to help answer any nutrition questions you may have. Remember...tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian! Advertising Deadline: October 12 East Coast Equestrian's November 2020 Bonus Feature: Let our 38,000+ readers know how your products and services will make the long winter ahead a breeze! To advertise in the November issue or for more information, please contact Phyllis or Debbie at (717) 509-9800 www.eastcoastequestrian.net WINTER READY