Den yngre respektive äldre hästens näringsbehov och omvårdnad för en god hälsa

Sammanfattning: The horses nowadays are getting older and it is common that horses be fully active in competition in older ages. Loss of nutrients and weight loss in older horses is a common consequence when the horses have difficulties assimilating the feed. The dental health can affect the uptakes of nutrients. For the younger horses it is important in an early age that feeding takes place with a balanced feed table containing right nutrients for its growth and skeletal development. When the younger horse grows the teeth replacements occur which can cause soreness and decreased appetite which can lead to malnutrition. The aim of this study was to increase knowledge about the older and younger horses nutritional needs and what can cause a lack of nutrients. The secondary aim was to increase knowledge about how the older and younger horse should be fed and cared for to promote good health. This by answering the questions: What can cause a lack of nutrients in the older and younger horse? How should the older and younger horse be fed and cared for in order to achieve good health and avoid common age-related problems? Studies have shown that older horses have an increased need for protein and energy. The body weight of older horses decreases in correlation to the horses aging and positive correlations were seen between increased nutrition, especially energy and protein, and better health. In a study with 932 horses, dental problems turned out to be a common health problem for the older horse and a link between increased age and the development of dental problems were seen. In most studies, the result was that a feed composition rich in protein, calcium, fat and phosphorus proved to benefit the younger horses for development, durability and health. A balanced feed table with the right nutrients is important for a healthy maturity and development for the younger horse. It is also emerged that feeding and dental health where important aspects regarding the health problem colic. Colic was a common health problem in both the younger and older horses. Risk factors for colic included feed and feeding routines. Regarding health problems in the older horse, studies showed that especially dental health was deficient, and the increasing age was a risk factor. Studies have shown that dental health affects the ability to break down food. Studies also showed that colic was a common cause of death among older horses and that the older horses have a higher frequency of colic cases compared to the younger horse. The conclusion was that older horses become healthier and require a higher nutritional intake of energy and protein. The younger horse has an increased nutritional need for protein and calcium. A diet rich in fat, protein, calcium and phosphorus are important aspects in the daily feeding of nutrients to the younger horse for development, sustainability and health. Health problems in the younger and older horse can be avoided by regularly perform preventive health care such as dental examination to avoid nutritional deficiencies and other age-related problems. The health problem colic can be avoided by maintaining good dental health. In the older horse, underweight is common, which can be avoided by giving a feed rich in nutrients, especially energy and protein.