Re: RC: Re: Reply to Sarah's post

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/27/99 5:34:31 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
hn.heather@wanadoo.fr writes:

<< So is ten years not
 long enough to know if fat is good or bad for endurance horses? >>

Heather, it has to do with when it is fed.  It is good as a part of the daily 
ration, but it delays gastric emptying, so during the actual event it can 
interfere with the availability of other nutrients--carbs because they don't 
get to the small intestine readily, and VFA's because the entire gut is not 
working and moving as it should.  (There is a phenomenon called the 
"gastro-colic reflex" by which filling and movement in the stomach trigger 
activity in the colon.  That's why when a horse comes into a check with poor 
gut sounds but a good appetite, the gut sounds will usually pick up within 15 
minutes or so--what he's eating is by no means getting to the colon in that 
time, but the stimulation of the stomach causes the colon to work, too.)  
Anyway--the take-home lesson from this is to go ahead and use fats at home, 
but to discontinue them 24 to 48 hours prior to the event, and don't feed any 
more of them until you get home.

Heidi


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