Feeding Oil: 101
What are NSCs?
NSCs are Non-Structural Carbohydrates, which include sugar and starch. NSCs are mainly found in grains, as well as in sweet feeds (ie. molasses). NSCs provide energy to horses, but in high levels, they can cause metabolic chaos, namely colic, laminitis, poor temperament and blood acidity. The accepted NSC level in feeds for most horses is 12-15%
What is the alternative?
Research shows that oil is a suitable non-grain source of cool energy. One cup of oil is equivalent to about two and a half cups of grains in digestible energy. Not all oils are the same. There are saturated oils eg. coconut oil – which uniquely contains high levels of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s for performance). There are also polyunsaturated fatty acidsd (PUFA) which contain Omega 3, 6 and 9
Oils must be balanced
Over consumption of hydrogenated and PUFA vegetable oils (eg. soybean oil, maize oil etc.), in combination with grain can cause imbalanced Omega 6: Omega 3, This may contribute to inflammation and increased circulating free radicals. These oils may also cause cellular acidity. Together this may impact on the efficiency of energy utilization for performance, and also compromise the overall health of the animal long-term.
EquiPower…a unique blend of balanced oils
Equipower is a balance of Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, and MCTs as well for maintenance and Performance These provide:
Balanced sources of essential Omega 3, Omega 6, Omega 9 and MCT oils.
May provide a source of cool energy from cold pressed oils.
Coconut oil – a natural source of Lauric Acid.
Want even better results?
As horses don’t have a gall bladder, their ability to digest and utilise fats is limited. The inclusion of Equitec Metagen® in the diet may help to increase the uptake and use of oils in horses.
Where you can get these oils for your horse.
EquiPower Maintenance and EquiPower Performance
A blend of essential fatty acids which may benefit health and maximise performance in horses and companion animals.
Cool Energy Source. Feeding high NSC (non-structural-carbohydrate) grain based diets can cause metabolic chaos as exhibited by colic, laminitis, poor temperament and blood acidity. Research shows that oil is a suitable non-grain source of cool energy. One cup of oil is equivalent to two and a half cups of grains in digestible energy. It is important to keep in mind that not all oils are the same.
EquiPower Maintenance is a unique combination of organic virgin coconut oil, cold pressed rice bran oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil, which provides the balanced ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids at 4:1, as well as Omega 9. The combination of fresh, balanced oils in EquiPower Maintenance are designed for enhanced energy availability and may assist post event recovery. This ratio may increase cellular alkalinity.
EquiPower performance. To complete the perfect oil blend for general health and maximum energy output Omegas 3, 6 and 9 need to be combined with MCT Oil (which contains lauric acid). This unique blend provides a constant source of energy as each fatty acid is utilised at different stages at cellular level. This may provide a continuous source of fuel for the muscles and helps prolong the onset of lactic acid.
Directions for use:
EquiPower Maintenance
60ml twice a day for light work
Start slowly and increase to 100ml twice a day for performance and competition.
EquiPower Performance
RACE HORSES
Initially 60mls twice a day.
Increase gradually over last 4 weeks to
100mls twice a day for sprinters,
150mls twice a day for middle distance horses and
200mls twice a day for stayers and endurance horses
Ingredients:
EquiPower Maintenance
Organic virgin coconut oil, ricebran oil, flaxseed
EquiPower Performance
Organic virgin coconut oil, ricebran oil, flaxseed, Medium Chain Triglycerides
Issues with Omega 6 oils: Unbalanced consumption of hydrogenated and polyunsaturated vegetable oils (soybean, maize oil) in combination with grain can cause metabolic overload of Omega 6, which may contribute to inflammation and increased circulating free radicals. These oils may also cause cellular acidity. This may impact on the efficiency of energy utilization for performance.
For Best Results:
As horses don’t have a gall bladder, their ability to digest and utilise fats is limited. However the inclusion of Metagen ® may help to increase he uptake and use of oils.
Storage:
Please store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Equipower® and Equitec®
For more information https://www.equitec.com.au/product-category/oil/
