|
Warmer
weather is here. So is the need for your
horse to have plenty of fresh drinking water.
By
Dr. Bob Mowrey, NCSU Horse Specialist
As
we move into the spring and summer months, it’s a good idea
to take note of our horses’ need for water.
Of
the five basic nutrients: protein, energy, water, minerals and
vitamins, water is the most essential nutrient in the
horse’s diet. Water
composes a majority of the horse’s body and accounts for
several very important functions, including’
1.
Regulation of body temperature,
2.
Aids in the transportation of nutrients,
3.
Necessary for waste removal,
4.
Aids in digestion, absorption and utilization of nutrients.
Under
ideal conditions, horses should be provided free choice assess
to water, comparable in quality to human drinking water.
Water should be free of chemical contaminants, bacteria
and protozoa and contain acceptable levels of trace minerals
and heavy metals.
Commercial
companies and many local health departments offer quality
testing services. Water
intake levels vary greatly from horse to horse.
Normally, a horse will consume one gallon of water per
100 pounds of body weight.
Using this estimate, an 1,100 pound horse will consume
an average of 10-12 gallons of water daily.
The water intake is quite variable.
It is dependent upon the dry mater content of the diet,
the environmental temperature and production stage or
activity.
Water
intake increases during hot, humid weather.
Under such conditions, horses will compensate for the
additional body fluids lost in sweat by increasing water
intake. Studies
have shown that increasing environmental temperature from 55
degrees to 70 degrees will increase the water requirements of
horses by 15 to 20 percent.
The same 1,100 pound horse, which typically drinks 11
gallons per day, may elevate its daily water intake to as high
as 15 to 20 gallons. During
hot weather, water tubs and buckets should be positioned in
predominately shaded areas to minimize contact with direct
sunlight.
Horses
prefer water temperatures that range from 45-60 degrees.
Water in direct sun can reach 85 degrees on extremely
hot days. Remember,
horses should be hand walked after excercising until their
body temperature is reduced before offering water free choice.
|
