As the population of aged horses (20+) grows, according to the USDA, and veterinarians continue to be a sought-after resource for equine health information, it’s important for veterinarians to learn about the nutritional needs of older horses.
Red bucket emphasizing horse nutrition with hay, grain, carrot and apple
We're learning more every day about how to provide the best nutrition not only for senior horses, but for horses needing to lose weight or who suffer from laminitis.
© 2020 by Equine Guelph New window.
Research in equine nutrition has come a long way in the 21st century, and many long-held beliefs, such as it is normal for old horses to be very thin, have been disproven.
As horses live longer, our knowledge of how to feed and manage them comfortably has increased. In addition, we’re learning more every day about how to provide the best nutrition not only for senior horses, but for horses needing to lose weight or who suffer from laminitis.
This new series of Equine Veterinary Continuing Education seminars, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™, takes a deep dive into these topics while intending to offer a total of six Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE)-CE credits to veterinarians and veterinary technicians this fall.
Nettie Liburt, PhD, PAS, will present information on nutritional management of senior, obese and laminitic horses alongside Pat Harris, MA, PhD, VetMB, DipECVCN, MRCVS & RCVS and Amy Polkes DVM, DACVIM as part of the MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Equine Veterinary Continuing Education Series
The virtual series will take place on three consecutive Saturday mornings from 10:00am-12:00pm EST on Oct. 30, Nov. 6 and Nov. 13.
Topics will include Obesity, Laminitis and the Senior Horse covering relevant research and providing up to date nutritional advice, as well as current guidance on diagnostics. For more information and to sign up for registration information, please visit https://web.antechdiagnostics.com/equinewebinarseries.
This virtual educational series integrates Mars, Incorporated’s equine-focused products and services which include WALTHAM™, ANTECH™, SOUND®, BUCKEYE™ Nutrition and SPILLERS™ Brands. The expert panel of speakers features nutrition and veterinary specialists in research, diagnostics and product development.
Nettie Liburt, PhD, PAS, who is the Senior Equine Nutrition Manager at Mars Horsecare US, Inc., working on the BUCKEYE Nutrition brand will speak alongside Pat Harris, MA, PhD, VetMB, DipECVCN, MRCVS & RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Nutrition (Equine) and Amy Polkes, DVM, DACVIM. Dr. Liburt holds Master’s and PhD degrees in Animal Science (Equine Nutrition & Exercise Physiology) from Rutgers University, where she studied the effects of age and exercise training on glucose metabolism and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Dr. Liburt’s current role in Research and Development involves creating and formulating new products, training associates and customers in equine nutrition, providing veterinary continuing education, and working with the company’s UK-based team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute on developing and implementing research protocols designed to improve our understanding of the nutritional needs of the horse.
Dr. Liburt has proven expertise in formulation, product development, as well as equine nutrition research and is directly involved in the horse industry, both personally and professionally. She is a lifelong horseperson who came up through the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Horse program and went on to turn her love of horses into a career that serves to improve equine nutrition. Dr. Liburt is a member of the Equine Science Society, is a registered Professional Animal Scientist (PAS), is a past board member of the East End Livestock and Horseman’s Association on Long Island, NY. She has an Appendix gelding named “ET” that she occasionally competes in the hunter and equitation divisions.
“I am incredibly excited to talk to veterinarians about these three areas of equine nutrition,” said Dr. Liburt. “Working with vets on a proper nutrition plan is an essential collaboration, especially for horses with endocrine disorders or those with a history of laminitis. Equine professionals and amateurs alike often feel overwhelmed by all of the nutrition information out there. I work to make it easy to understand and try to streamline the feeding regimen into something that ultimately is best for the horse, particularly in these special categories where proper nutrition is a critical part of management.”
The series will be presented virtually with pre-registration required. Registration details will be forthcoming. Equine veterinarians and veterinary technicians are encouraged to save the dates. For more information, please visit https://web.antechdiagnostics.com/equinewebinarseries.
About MARS EQUESTRIAN™
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Sponsorship, funded by Mars, Incorporated, is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS EQUESTRIAN is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, the MARS EQUESTRIAN Brand is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them. For more information please visit www.marsequestrian.com and join us @marsequestrian.
Press release by Sara Lehman