Care in summer: electrolytes & butyric acid as indispensable helpers for your horse

Summer can be a challenging time for our horses.
High temperatures, cozy rides outside and longer days in the pasture add stress and health risks.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting horses’ health during these warm months.
In this blog, we take a closer look at two essential components: electrolytes and butyric acid.
Find out why they are so important and how they can help your horse get through the summer healthily and happily.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are mineral salts that are essential for the normal functioning of a horse’s body.
The most important electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
These minerals play a crucial role in various physiological processes, such as:

• Regulation of fluid balance: Electrolytes help maintain proper fluid balance in cells and tissues.
• Nerves and muscles: They are essential for the transmission of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles.
• Maintaining pH Balance: Electrolytes help maintain proper acidity in the blood and other body fluids.
• Transport of nutrients: They play a role in transporting nutrients to cells and removing waste products.

Symptoms of electrolyte deficiency in horses include decreased appetite, lethargy, muscle stiffness, and delayed recovery time after exercise.

Why are Electrolytes Important in Summer?

During the summer, especially during intense heat and exercise, horses lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes through sweating.
This loss can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can negatively affect the horse’s performance and health.
Supplementing electrolytes is therefore crucial to:

• Preventing dehydration: By restoring moisture balance.
• Maintain optimal muscle function: By supplementing calcium and magnesium, which are essential for muscle contraction.
• Faster recovery after exercise: By replenishing sodium and potassium, which are lost during sweating.

What is Butyric Acid?

Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid naturally produced in the intestines through the fermentation of dietary fiber.
It plays a crucial role in intestinal health and digestion through the:

• Feeding intestinal cells: Butyric acid is an important source of energy for the cells of the colon.
• Support healthy gut flora: It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and helps control pathogenic bacteria.
• Reduce inflammation: Butyric acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce intestinal inflammation.

Improving the horse’s overall health by supporting a healthy gut flora, can also contribute to a stronger immune system and better nutrient absorption.

Why is Butyric Acid Important in Summer?

The summer heat can have a significant impact on the gut health of horses.
Stress and heat can disrupt gut flora and lead to digestive problems.
Butyric acid plays an important role in the:

• Promote a healthy gut microbiome: This helps maintain a stable and healthy population of microorganisms in the intestines.
• Strengthen intestinal barrier: By nourishing intestinal cells, butyric acid helps maintain a strong intestinal barrier that prevents the entry of harmful substances.
• Improve digestion and absorption of nutrients: This ensures that the horse receives all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy during stressful summer conditions.

Nutrition Recommendations for Summer

For optimal health of your horse during the summer, it is important to consider specific nutritional supplements and forms of electrolytes and butyric acid:

• Electrolyte supplements: Add electrolyte supplements to your horse’s ration to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
  Pay attention to the dosage and balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
  When electrolytes are combined with additional butyric acid, as in Florian Reflorish, your horse’s digestion and recovery is even better supported.
• Foods rich in butyric acid: A good variety of dietary fibers such as esparcette, bran and flaxseed can help with the production of butyric acid in the intestines.
  Florian Fibre Grass is an ideal mix for supporting your horse’s digestion.
• Extra hydration: Make sure your horse always has access to clean, fresh water.
  Consider offering water with added electrolytes after strenuous exercise.
  Is your horse drinking too little?
  Consider giving First Care Xtra.
  Combined with the Reflorish, give your horse the optimal support during hot days.

Practical Tips for Summer Care

By adjusting daily management, you can prevent dehydration and heat stress in horses:

• Adjust working and feeding times: Work your horse during the cool hours of the morning and evening and avoid the hottest parts of the day.
• Shelter and shade: Make sure your horse has access to shaded areas and well-ventilated stalls.
• Check regularly: Observe your horse regularly for signs of dehydration and heat stress, such as excessive sweating, lethargy and increased heart rate.

Prevention and Health Monitoring

Recognizing early signs of electrolyte deficiencies and intestinal problems is essential.
Keep a close eye on your horse’s health and take preventive measures:

• Ongoing monitoring: Monitor signs such as skin elasticity, frequency of urination and general alertness.
• Regular consultation with veterinarian: When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian.
  Periodic checkups and appropriate nutritional advice can help keep your horse in top condition.

Conclusion

Electrolytes and butyric acid are essential helpers for your horse during the summer heat.
By proactively adjusting nutrition and focusing on hydration and intestinal health, you can make summer enjoyable for your horse.
Want to keep your horse in peak condition this summer?
Discover our specialized supplements with electrolytes and butyric acid at Florian Horsefood.
Visit our website for more information and order today to give your horse the care it deserves!
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With proper knowledge and careful measures, we can protect horses’ health and create a safe feeding environment even during the hottest months.

Hopefully this comprehensive blog will provide valuable insights and practical tips for maintaining your horse’s health during the summer!

Author: Pieter de Gouw, Animal Scientist

References

1. Gill, M. et al. (2020).
   “Nutritional Management of Electrolyte Balance in Horses.” Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
2. Harris, P. (2017).
   “The Importance of Micronutrients in the Equine Diet.” Journal of Animal Science and Technology.
3. Green, E. M. et al. (2018).
   “Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Equine Intestinal Health.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice.
4. Westermann, C.M. et al. (2021).
   “Electrolyte Supplementation and Hydration Strategies for Performance Horses.” Equine Veterinary Journal.
5. Harvey, F. J. et al. (2019).
   “Managing Gut Health in Horses During Seasonal Changes.” Journal of Equine Health and Nutrition.