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Ensuring your horse ingests enough Lysine (Amino Acid)

Lysine is an essential amino acid, which means that your horse cannot synthesize it and must obtain it through food sources.

As you may know, proteins are substances constructed of amino acids. Your horse is actually made up of different protein compounds, especially in the hair, hooves, muscle tissue, and blood.

Your horse is not only made up of proteins, it also needs proteins to live a healthy life. Some amino acids the animal can make on its own while others need to be ingested via the horse’s feed – like Lysine. Experts have found that certain amino acids are woefully underfed to the average horse, namely lysine.

The good news is the fact that if your horse receives sufficient lysine in its diet, it also receives sufficient protein all the way round.

Of course, your job of providing a good nutritional protocol has been made considerably easier by the ability to supplement amino acids to the feed. Thus, lysine and methionine can now be added to the feed you are already feeding or your horse can obtain the Lysine through vitamins like Equine Vitamins by Durvet - which is available in pellet form and gives your horse many essential vitamins in addition to Lysine.

Featured to the right is Pure Lysine for Horses. Made with pure, concentrated Lysine Hydrochloride (HCL) and only a few grams are needed daily to supplement your horse’s diet. Lysine is essential for your horse’s diet and helps to improve the availability of protein. Comes with a 4 gram scoop for easy measuring. Feed one scoop daily to foals and weanlings up to one years old. Feed daily to mature horses 1 to 3 scoops.


 

Enhance joint function and cartilage health in horses

Products to enhance joint function and cartilage health are the most widely used equine supplements, with 54% of horse owners using some type of joint therapy product.

While a number of different compounds can be found in the various products, the two most prevalent and effective are chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.

Chondroitin sulfate is the primary glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage tissue.  In addition to this physical role, chondroitin sulfate also inhibits the activity of catabolic enzymes that lead to joint degeneration. The chondroitin sulfate used in equine supplements is isolated from specific tissues of slaughtered cattle, pigs, and poultry, and from some aquatic sources.

Glucosamine hydrochloride is a key component in the synthesis of joint tissue.  Additionally, it promotes the secretion of glycosaminoglycans, like chondroitin sulfate, in cartilage.  The glucosamine hydrochloride used in equine supplements is isolated from shellfish.

Manna Pro has a joint supplement called Sho-Flex.  This innovative supplement combines all the nutrition of Manna Pro’s popular Sho-Glo® vitamin and mineral supplement with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.  The result is a unique 2-in-1 supplement that provides important nutrients along with a joint supplement.  Just two ounces of Sho-Flex provides a full complement of vitamins and trace minerals, along with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride at the same level as Cosequin®, the market leader.  The palatable alfalfa-based crumble assures that horses will consume the product readily.

To top it off, Sho-Flex is the best value on the shelf because its cost per horse per day is lower than competitive joint supplements AND it provides the benefits of Sho-Glo®, giving  you value and convenience in one package.
The benefit-oriented package clearly states the purpose of the product, which makes shopping easier for you, the consumer.  You have the assurance of knowing exactly what type of supplement you are buying.


 

Using Pyrethrum Insecticides on Cattle

Research and control of flies attacking cattle and livestock has progressed considerably in the last few decades. 

Most progress has been made against horn flies, for example, the control measures employed against horn flies consisted of destruction of larvae in the manure and the use of fly traps and pyrethrum oil sprays against adult flies. The sprays and pourons usually afforded only a few hours of protection a few decades ago.

About 2 to 3 weeks of protection can be obtained now with one application of several different insecticides.

Advances have also been made on the control of stable flies and horse flies.  The measures employed have been greatly improved. The protection afforded by pyrethrum against these flies has been increased from a few hours to 2 or 3 days by the use of synergists, activators, and antioxidants, which increase the toxicity and duration of effectiveness of the pyrethrins.

Our most popular brand of insecticides are by Chem-Tech – the Prozap brand.  Included in this line of insecticides is dust, pour-on sprays, pest strips and much more.

Prozap Garden & Poultry Dust Dust poultry to control northern fowl mites.

Prozap Backrubber Pour-on For use on dairy cattle, beef cattle and swine. Ready-to-use formulation for reduction of flies, mosquitoes, ticks, and lice. For use on-animal with back-rubber devices. Low evaporation formula is designed for use with backrubbers and fly bullets.


 

The Equine Scratcher helps with Horse Boredom

Whether its insect and fly bites, boredom or shedding a heavy coat, your horse will seek relief from itching wherever and whenever he can get it. 

The result can be broken skin or puncture wounds, not to mention missing or unruly hair at event times.  Your horse can truly hurt himself from the scratching and there is finally a solution – the Equine Scratcher revolutionary product.

The Equine Scratcher is designed to give maximum itch relief without the worry of potential injuries. Simply install The Equine Scratcher on any vertical surface and watch your horse love the feeling he gets from rubbing either up and down or back and forth.

The Equine Scratcher has a no-pull surface that will not tear at your horses mane and tail, leaving those short, broken hairs that never seem to grow back.

For stalled horses, The Equine Scratcher has the added bonus of affording your horse relief from boredom and stress which often result in wind sucking, cribbing and anti-social behavior.

Avoid vet bills for puncture wounds and infected scratches and avoid costly fence repairs.
Know your horse is comfortable, giving you peace of mind!


 

Protect Your Horse’s Face from Flies with the Use of a Fly Mask

Fly bites can be very irritating to your horse’s face, eyes, and ears during the spring and summer while the flies are out in full force.  By using a fly mask, you can help prevent this irritation and help keep your horse happier and healthier, while out for a ride or just trotting in the pasture.  Fly masks come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit your horse’s size and needs.  It is important to choose one that is the proper size for your horse to ensure a comfortable fit and to make it more effective.   Here are a few fly masks that are sure to help keep the flies away from your horse:

  • The Fly Rid Premium Masks for Horsesby Durvet is available in a variety of sizes and two different styles, with ears or without ears.  This fly mask is ideal for preventing bites from flies and other types of biting insects.  It also provides your horse with sun protection and is easy to put on your horse.  When this fly mask gets dirty, it may be washed.  It is made of fade-resistant material that is durable and strong to withstand many uses.
  • The Supermask 2 Fly Mask by Farnam is another great option in fly masks for your horse.  This fly mask is also available in a variety of sizes and styles for a secure fit that your horse will find to be comfortable and is designed to help block out the sun and prevent dirt and dust from getting into your horse’s eyes, while helping to keep biting insects away from your horse’s sensitive facial areas.   The mesh is see-through and won’t impair your horse’s vision.
  • The FlyRid DuraMask V Horse Fly Mask by Durvet is also available in a variety of sizes and designed to securely fit under your horse’s jaw to provide extra protection against flies.  It helps to prevent debris from bothering your horse and the mesh allows your horse to see clearly. 

 

Keep the Mosquitoes Away from Your Horse

The mosquitoes are now out in full force and keeping them away from your horse is very important for the health and well-being of your horse.  By using mosquito protection on your horse on a regular basis, your horse can avoid the irritation caused by mosquitoes and the possibility of catching West Nile Virus from mosquito bites.  Many manufacturers make a combination mosquito and fly repellent that work to reduce the amount of mosquitoes and flies that bother your horse.  Here a few mosquito repellents that effectively repel mosquitoes:

  • An easy-to-use, spray-on mosquito and fly repellent is Manna Pro Equine Fly & Mosquito Spray.  This spray is available in a ready to use form that requires no mixing and may be applied directly to your horse’s coat.  It helps protect your horse from mosquito bites and bites from horse, face, deer or stable flies.  It contains .25% Permethrin that is safe for use on your horse and keeps the pests away.
  • For use on hot, sweaty days, the Sweat Resistant Equine Fly and Mosquito Control by Manna Pro, is formulated to stay on your horse even when he or she gets really sweaty or gets wet from the rain.  One application is designed to kill and repel mosquitoes and a variety of flies that bother horses for up to four weeks.  The ready-to-use formula is easy and convenient to apply to your horse’s coat and the concentrate makes up to 25 gallons of repellent.
  • To control the mosquitoes and flies around your horse’s face, use Bug Block Easy Swipe Equine Fly Repellent to help repel and kill all kinds of biting insects.  The applicator makes it easy and convenient to apply to your horse’s sensitive facial area without the hassle of getting it on your hands.  It is ideal for use around the eyes, ears, and nose.

 

Provide Fresh Water for Your Horse with a Stall Waterer

Adding an individual stall waterer to your horse’s stall is a great way to provide fresh water for your horse and to help prevent your horse from becoming sick from other horses.  Installing an individual stall waterer is easy and a great way to monitor how much water your horse is drinking everyday.  Look for a water bowl that is made especially for use by horses, so they are able to easily drink from the bowl.  Stall waterers are made from a variety of materials, so you should choose one that is durable and will withstand lots of use by your horse.

  •  A durable, heavy duty stall waterer that is ideal for use by any horse is the Cast Iron Water Bowl for Horses & Cattlemade by SMB Manufacturing.  This stall waterer has a cast iron bowl and has features like a  super flow valve and a nylon frost plug.  It is ideal for use with both horses and cattle.
  • The Automatic Float Bowl for Horses, which is also made by SMB Manufacturing, is ideal for providing water for your horse right in the stall.  This stall waterer has a large capacity bowl and has a sturdy and durable plastic bowl.  It is made especially for use by horses and has an adjustment for changing the depth of the water.
  • The Galvanized Automatic Watererby Miller Manufacturing is another great stall waterer for use by your horse.  This stall waterer has a galvanized steel bowl and is ideal for providing water to horses, cattle or dogs.  It is designed to be hung at a variety of heights and is designed to fit on a garden hose.

 

Keep the Worms Away By Giving Your Horse a Daily Equine Dewormer

The best way to treats internal parasites that your horse can pick up is by using a preventative treatment.  Once your horse has become infected with internal parasites, it can be a challenge to get rid of them.  By using a preventative treatment, you can keep the internal parasitesaway without extensive treatment at the vet.  It is a good idea to choose a dewormer that will treat a variety of internal parasites to help prevent infestation.  Look for a dewormer that will treat the most common types of internal parasites including pinworms, bots, strongyles, and roundworms and one that is convenient to administer to your horse.

A great dewormer for everyday use is the Equi-Aid Strongyle Horse Wormerby Farnam.  This dewormer may be used a preventative treatment or  to help treat a current infestation.  It is formulated to kill 18 different types of internal parasites including strongyles, ascarids, and roundworms.  Place this dewormer on top of your horse’s daily ration to help prevent worm infestations.  It may also be given in addition to other dewormers if an infestations already exists.  It is safe to give to lactating mares, foals and breeding stallions.

Another daily dewormer that may be mixed in with your horse’s feed is the Continuex Daily Dewormer for horses, which is also made by Farnam.  This daily dewormer is effective at killing and preventing an infestation of strongyles.  It may be mixed in directly with the feed or as a top dressing on the feed when given to your horse.

The Equi-Aid CW Continuous Horse Wormer provides continious protection against internal parasites that cause problems for your horse.  It is formulated to kill 18 different types of internal parasites and helps to prevent future infestations.  This dewormer is made to be very palatable, which makes it easier to give to your horse and is safe to give to horses of all ages.


 

Preventative Care is the Best Medicine for Your Horse

Taking preventative measures is the ideal way to keep your horse healthy and helps avoid expensive medical bills in the long run.  Whether it is grooming your horse on a regular basis, insect prevention, or helping to prevent your horse from getting colic, if you take the time to care for your horse, your horse will be healthier and happier and you will have lower vet bills in the future.

When it comes to grooming your horse, it is necessary to groom your horse on a regular basis to avoid problems with the skin, coat, mane and tail hair, hooves and more. 

  • Without proper, daily grooming, your horse’s skin can chafe and become irritated by built-up dirt, burrs and more and a dirty coat can attract pests, which can also irritate the skin.  Shampoo your horse’s skin when it becomes dirty to help keep it clean and healthy.  Use a shampoo, such as Aloe Advantage Iodine Equine and Dog Shampoo, to clean the skin and help prevent bacteria and fungal infections.
  • In addition, tangles in the mane and coat hair can become a challenge to remove and may cost your horse hair in the future and lower the rate of growth.  Use a conditioner like Calm Coat Equine Detangler and Shine to help keep the mane and tail hair soft, shiny and tangle free. 
  • Horse hooves are another grooming area that needs to be cared for on a daily basis.  By caring for your horse’s hooves on a regular basis, you can avoid problems such as thrush, stone brushes, and more.  It is important to use a hoof pick and a hoof brush to remove impacted mud or dirt, lodged stones, and other debris that can get stuck in the hooves.  Be careful not to damage the frog when cleaning out the hooves.  The hoof brush is great for removing loose dirt and more.

 

Stain Removers that Improve the Look of Your Horse’s Coat

Remove stains and make your horse’s coat shiny and beautiful with a stain remover made especially for cleaning and conditioning your horse’s coat.  A stain remover is ideal for use on dirty horses, horses with colored coats, horses that are shown or perform, and more.  Before you apply a stain remover to your horse’s coat, it is recommended that you clean your horse’s coat thoroughly with shampoo and then apply the stain remover to the coat.  Here are some great stain removers to remove stains and brighten up your horse’s coat:

  • Showclean Mane & Tail Whitener is great for helping to remove stains from the mane and tail and keeps your horse’s hair looking great.  It contains no peroxide or bleach that can be drying on the hair.  It is formulated to be a UV whitener and brightener that may be used on all colors of horse hair.
  • To clean all types of stains, including grass, dirt, urine, manure and more, use Green Clean Horse Coat Stain Remover by Fiebing to make your horse’s coat look clean and fresh.  It is made with Tea Tree oil that is safe for use on your horse and contains no harmful bleach or peroxide.  Just spray it on your horse and wipe it off to quickly remove a variety of hard-to-remove stains.
  • Another effective spray-on stain remover for horses is the Silverado Visual Difference by Healthy Haircare.  It is formulated to remove dirt, sweat, grass, urine, and manure stains on the coat, mane and tail.  It works by dissolving the stain and leaves your horse looking cleaner.  To use, just spray on the stain and work it in by using a brush or soft cloth.  You will see results right away and don’t need to rinse it off of your horse.  It is made with aloe and a blend of essential oils.

 


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