SPILLERS Introduces New Ulca Fibre For Horses Prone To Gastric Ulcers
4 years ago 
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SPILLERS has introduced a new gastric ulcer friendly feed. SPILLERS Ulca Fibre is an ultra-low starch, high oil fibre feed that is proven* to support horses prone to gastric ulcers following veterinary treatment. For added reassurance it carries the prestigious BETA Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) Certification Mark.
Your horse’s stomach produces acid continuously, yet acid-neutralising saliva can only be produced whilst chewing. In a domestic environment, opportunities to forage and chew can be limited increasing the risk of gastric ulcers developing. Studies have shown that in some competition disciplines up to 60% of horses are affected by gastric ulcers.
New SPILLERS Ulca Fibre contains short-chopped alfalfa to extend eating and chewing time, encouraging saliva production and increasing the horse’s ability to buffer damaging stomach acid. The high oil content gives slow release energy for optimum condition and performance and a full range of vitamins and minerals includes vitamin E for immune support and muscle health. High-quality protein includes lysine to support muscle development and performance. SPILLERS Ulca Fibre can be fed on its own or in addition to a suitable low starch compound feed such as SPILLERS Ulca Power Cubes.
SPILLERS Ulca Fibre was used alongside another SPILLERS feed in a recent study which was the first research to show that diet can have a beneficial effect on gastric health. Horses that were clinically treated for grade three and four ulcers were split into two groups; one group had their diet changed at the start of omeprazole treatment, while the other remained on the pre-treatment diet.
“The dietary change group maintained their improved ulcer score post treatment,” explained Clare Barfoot RNutr, Marketing and Research and Development Director at SPILLERS. “Whereas overall the horses in the group remaining on the pre-treatment diet regressed back to their pre-treatment ulcer scores, proving the value of dietary management in reducing the risk of ulcers.”
SPILLERS has also launched SPILLERS Ulca Power Cubes, a high energy, low starch cube for racing and performance horses prone to gastric ulcers. Based on SPILLERS HDF Power Cubes which are a favourite in the racing industry, SPILLERS Ulca Power Cubes are just 12% starch and have added functional ingredients to support gastric health. They are Ideal to feed alongside a chopped fibre containing alfalfa to help extend eating time and buffer stomach acid.
Clare’s tips to help reduce the risk of gastric ulcers:
· Feed as much fibre/forage as possible at a minimum of 1.5% of bodyweight (dry matter) per day.
· Avoid prolonged periods without forage.
· Avoid straw being the sole or predominant forage source.
· If extra energy is needed look for feeds that have restricted starch and sugar levels and added oil rather than cereals.
· Aim to feed < 1g/kg bodyweight of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC: starch plus water soluble carbohydrate) per meal and preferably <2g NSC/kg bodyweight per day.
· Try to spread meals across the day- multiple small meals are better than one or two large ones.
· Add chopped fibre to every meal - especially alfalfa which has been shown to help buffer gastric acid.
· Avoid very stalky sharp chopped fibre which can increase the risk of damage to the stomach wall.
· Provide a small chopped, fibre based meal or access to forage before exercise to reduce gastric acid splashing up onto the sensitive unprotected upper non-glandular part of the stomach.
· Turn out to pasture as much as possible.
· Provide access to water at all times.
· Avoid using electrolyte pastes.
· Provide forage while travelling.
New SPILLERS Ulca Fibre is available from your local stockist. You can benefit from a special introductory offer of £1.50 off each bag from 3 February 2020 for six weeks, while stocks last. For more details contact the SPILLERS Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com.
* Luthersson N, Bolger C, Fores P , Barfoot C, Nelson S, Parkin TDH & Harris P (2019) Effect of changing diet on gastric ulceration in exercising horses and ponies following cessation of omeprazole treatment JEVS 83 article 102742
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