7 Management Tips to Reduce the Risk of Feed-Associated Equine Colic

Equine colic is unfortunately a relatively common health issue in horses. It can be very serious, and as we are all aware, might require the horse to be euthanized in some instances. It is a complex condition with various causes, primarily related to gastrointestinal disorders. But, it can also involve other abdominal organs. It is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort.

Colic can occur for various reasons even in horses kept under optimal conditions. Not all of these are feed- or feed management-related. While nutrition can be involved in causing colic, most importantly nutrition is an aspect that we can influence relatively easily to help reduce the risk of a horse suffering from colic.

Following are tips to reduce equine colic that could be associated with feeding. These tips are very general and often overlap with other good feed practices. They are not exhaustive and need to be adapted to individual circumstances. If you are at all concerned, please contact your veterinarian or nutrition advisor for specific targeted advice.

1) Meal timings can be key for some horses to reduce equine colic risk.

Try to be as consistent as possible with respect to when meals are given

2) Changing grains and complementary feeds needs to be undertaken carefully.

Try to avoid rapid or major changes in the amount or type of complementary feed fed.
Small changes can be made in a stepwise manner over 3-5 days, while more major changes might require a 2-3 week adaptation period.
Make changes in amount rather than type where possible and appropriate to help avoid equine colic.
If changing or increasing complementary feed, do so by no more than 0.5 kg (1.1 pounds) per day every other day (for horses 500 kg or 1,100 pounds and over; less for ponies). This is especially important for grain-based feeds, even in horses used to receiving starchy feeds.

3) Try to avoid rapid or major changes in the amount or type of forage fed.

A recent change (the high-risk period is 2 weeks post change) in hay or other types of forage can be as—or more—harmful than a recent change in grain or complementary feed.
Typically changing from one type of forage source to a similar forage seems to cause less of a problem with equine colic compared with changing from preserved to fresh forage or from a forage only diet to one with cereal-based complementary feeds
Moving from a preserved forage to fresh forage or the reverse increases the risk of colic due to changes in gut motility, gut microbiome, and possibly water intake .

4) Help avoid equine colic when a change in the diet has to occur.

Ideally, any changes in the diet should be made gradually.
When moving from preserved forage out to pasture or the reverse, consider hand grazing for short periods or adding fresh hand-cut grass (not lawn mower cuttings!) to the diet before allowing increasing time out at grass. Introduce preserved forage when still out grazing.
Always monitor the horse for colic closely in the few weeks following a diet change. This is especially true if there has been a major change (including changing from one facility to another).
If you do have to make changes suddenly (e.g., when having to box/stall rest), monitor even more closely for signs of colic

5) Water is essential.

Provide clean water at an appropriate temperature (see below) and monitor intake. It is always worthwhile knowing the water intake characteristics of your horse when at home and if you travel.
Remember that some horses do not like to drink very cold or warm water. Therefore, it is important to know your horse and act when environmental conditions change.
For some horses, feeding a mash might help increase voluntary water intake if you are concerned about water intake associated with equine colic. (See A Guide to Feeding Mashes.)
Make sure older horses are not prevented from gaining access to the water source. Consider providing multiple water sources.

6. Dental tips to reduce equine colic.

Maintain regular dental checks with your veterinarian or qualified dental technician. This is especially important as your horse gets older. (See Dental Problems in the Older Horse.)
It might help periodically to watch your horse chewing and check for any dropped balls of semi-chewed moist hay or grass. These are called quids. Remember, other horses might ingest quids if animals are kept in groups. That’s why you should spend time watching your horse chew and swallow.
Also, look for any change in the nature of a horse’s faeces, including the presence of more long fibres than normal (potentially indicating dental issues that cause a reduction in chewing efficiency).

7) What about your horse?

Have you checked its teeth recently? Any signs of quidding? Older animals often need more frequent dental evaluations.
Is your horse as mobile as it was previously? Could it be having difficulties in accessing feed or forage?
Is your horse being bullied in the field, had a change in routine, or has there been any change in the herd dynamics that might alter its feeding behaviour in the group?
How are they approaching their feed and forage? Has this changed?
Is your anthelminitic programme up to date and have you discussed it recently with your veterinarian? Older horses might need more frequent monitoring and/or treatment, especially if they have PPID. This should be part of your agreed anthelmintic plan.
Any change in condition or weight that might suggest potential problems? Regular monitoring is key.