By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
Nutrition plays a vital role in the growth, development, and overall health of foals and young horses. With poor grass quality over the summer and autumn approaching, ensuring optimal nutrition for young stock is more important than ever. One key advantage of the Keyflow® Stud Range is the use of steam extrusion in the production of feed for foals and young horses. Extruded feed offers clear benefits over traditional pelleted or mixed feed - and it’s a core part of why our products deliver such effective results.
Extruded feed is produced using a high-temperature, high-pressure process that effectively "pre-digests" the feed - think of it like popping popcorn! This advanced method breaks down complex nutrients, significantly improving digestibility, while preserving the feed’s full nutritional value. For growing horses, this means more efficient absorption of essential nutrients at every stage of development.
Keyflow's Nurture has been pre-digested by way of steam extrusion to ensure maximum nutrient absorption. This process also supports foal development and behaviours.
Foals and young horses are at a crucial growth stage, so it's vital they gain maximum benefit from their diet. The extrusion process breaks down complex carbohydrates and denatures anti-nutritional factors, resulting in feed that’s much easier to digest. This helps young horses access the key nutrients they need to thrive.
Young horses require specific levels of energy and protein to support their rapid development. Extruded feed offers high-quality, easily digestible protein and energy sources. This allows foals and weanlings to meet their calorie and nutrient requirements without overloading their delicate digestive systems.
In addition, the improved starch gelatinisation from extrusion enhances starch digestion in the small intestine, preventing undigested starch from reaching the hindgut, a key factor in reducing the risk of digestive upset.
The physical texture of extruded pellets encourages chewing, which stimulates the production of saliva. Saliva helps neutralise stomach acid and maintain a balanced gastric pH, which supports healthy digestion and reduces the risk of gastric ulcers - a common issue in young horses.
The shape and consistency of extruded feed make it easy for foals and young horses to pick up, even when fed on top of hay or haylage. This helps reduce waste, keeping feed areas tidier and feeding more efficient - particularly beneficial when managing large groups of young horses in a barn environment.
Thanks to their lower moisture content, extruded feeds are less prone to mould and spoilage, making storage safer and more convenient. Additionally, the extrusion process ensures a uniform distribution of nutrients, meaning each pellet delivers consistent, balanced nutrition in every mouthful.
Extruded feed provides significant advantages for foals and young horses, particularly during their rapid stages of growth and development. With improved digestibility, optimised nutrient absorption, and ease of feeding, it’s a smart and science-backed solution for young horse nutrition.
Whether you're raising a foal or supporting the development of a young equine athlete, extruded feed - such as that found in the Keyflow® Stud Range - ensures your horses receive the best possible start in life.
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