Although some areas continue to experience mild weather, other areas have already received blankets of snow and cold winter temperatures have arrived. These changing conditions require special attention to make sure horses and other animals are protected from the cold and have adequate nutrition to stay healthy during cold, wet weather.
Horse watching snow fall
When horses become wet as the result of winter storms, they experience not only an increased energy demand, but the potential for hypothermia.
© 2016 by Sharon Morris
When horses and other animals become wet as the result of winter storms, they experience not only an increased energy demand, but the potential for hypothermia also becomes a concern. The threat is especially greater for animals with body condition scores of 2.5-3.5, and those consuming poor quality hay.
Proper feeding, watering, housing, and care of horses during cold weather can make the difference between a healthy horse and one that suffers from illness and discomfort.
During cold weather, your horse requires additional energy to maintain its internal body temperature and keep warm. The exact amount of energy depends on the severity and extent of the cold period. In the many areas, weather is variable and horses typically experience a dramatic drop in temperature for one to three days, followed by a return to moderate, normal temperatures.
When environmental temperatures, including wind chill, drop below 45 degrees F (the critical temperature), significant amounts of energy are used by the horse to maintain its internal body heat.
The amount of energy required by the horse to meet daily energy needs is measured as digestible energy (DE) in calories. The critical temperature can be used to estimate increased energy needs which the horse must obtain from its diet.
For each 1 degree F decrease below the critical temperature, the horse requires a 1 percent increase in digestible energy to maintain a consistent body temperature.
Wind chill, moisture and coat thickness will affect the critical temperature. The horse’s thick winter coat has an insulating effect against cold and wind. If the coat becomes wet, the critical temperature will increase by 10 to 15 degree F.
Six tips to keep animals healthy during cold weather:
- Monitor weather forecasts to determine cold periods in advance
- Increase forage and concentrate intake for horses in poor condition.
- Be sure hair coats are dry, and if not, rub down to dry the haircoat.
- If horses are wearing blankets, make sure they aren’t soaked.
- If the animals body condition score 2.5-3.5, consider taking them indoors. If you are not sure on body condition score, if you can see ribs or they are very easily felt under the hair, this animal is potentially at risk.
- Offer at least 10 gallons of warmed water daily
Hypothermia may result in decreased appetite and water consumption, which may in turn cause impaction colic.
Note: This article was first posted on EquiMed December 2018.