The best combination of cereals to supply energy in the form of soluble carbohydrates (starch) is utilised in the Badminton Horse Feeds' range. Most cereals are cooked or processed to increase the digestibility of starch. Cereals grains contain mostly poor quality protein and these deficiencies are corrected by the addition of good quality protein sources such as soya. These energy sources are mainly quick release energy and include:
· Micronised Maize
· Micronised Barley
· Extruded Barley
· Micronised Wheat
· Rolled Oats
· Wheat
· greater available energy for the horse
· starches are broken down and absorbed mainly in the small intestine
· starches are absorbed as simple sugars
· less starch passes to the large intestine and caecum
· less fermentation of starches occurs in the hind gut leading to a reduction of lactic acid.
· there is therefore lower incidences of acidosis and laminitis
· there is less antagonism of normal gut fermentation of fibre and therefore less colic
Grain By-products supply mainly digestible fibre that helps to maintain the health of the horse's digestive tract. They also supply limited protein and energy with exception of Distillers grains, which are higher in fibre and protein.
· Distillers
Grains
· Oatfeed
· Wheatfeed
Badminton Horse Feeds use natural, high quality fibre sources to supply optimum levels of digestible fibre. Quality fibre sources provide good slow release energy and help maintain the health the horse's digestive tract. Quality fibre provides important sustained, slow release energy and should not be considered as a "filler".
· Grass Meal
· Alfalfa
· Sugar Beet Pulp
· Grass Pellets
· Oatfeed
All protein sources used in Badminton Horse Feeds are derived from plants. These are high in quality proteins, but low in fibre, with the exception of Alfalfa meal.
· Micronised Whole Soya Beans
· Full Fat Soya
· Sunflower Meal
· Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal
Oils supply two to three times more energy than cereals. The use of oil in feed formulation increases the energy density of the feed, allowing less to be fed. Oils also provide slow release and sustained energy for work.
· Full Fat Soya
· Vegetable Oil (including Soya Oil)
Sugar Beet Pulp is a by-product of the sugar refining industry. It is an excellent source of digestible fibre, providing the same amount of energy as oats. Sugar Beet Pulp provides slow release energy. Molglo and molasses are a good source of energy, help to reduce dust in feed and aid palatability.
· Sugar Beet Pulp
· Molglo
· Molasses
All Badminton Horse Feeds' range contain extensive amounts of vitamins and minerals in the form of premixes. These are specific blends designed to meet the requirements of the horse or pony. All of the range uses the latest technical information by supplying some minerals in their more available bioplex form, such as magnesium, zinc, copper and selenium.
· Full specification of required minerals and vitamins including bioplex minerals and a full range of B vitamins.
Herbs are added to some feeds to encourage shy feeders. Herbs also provide some natural vitamins and minerals and have some antioxidant properties.
· Spearmint, garlic, rosemary and red clover
· Equimatrix - plant derived formulation providing extra antioxidant protection
· Crina - digestive aid contains extracts of ginger, coriander, parsley and rosemary
