In the process of extracting starch from corn for food manufacturing, the co-product corn germ dehydrated (AAFCO 48.32) is produced. This fraction is known commercially as Golden Max (GM). A study was conducted to investigate the nutritional value of GM for horses and compare it to the typical forms of processed corn commonly fed to […]

Muscle glycogen is a potentially limiting substrate for horses during intense exercise. Low-starch, high-fat concentrates have become popular for performance horses, but their effect on muscle glycogen usage and repletion is unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) intake on substrate utilization and glycogen repletion in Thoroughbreds during training […]

Commercial electrolyte products often contain dextrose, which is purported to improve electrolyte uptake in horses. Studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research suggest that adding dextrose or starch to electrolyte mixes does not increase rate of absorption or retention of electrolytes. Dextrose may still have some value in improving the palatability of electrolyte mixes, but the […]

The aim of this study was to investigate the glucose dynamics in horses fed a high fat or moderate carbohydrate diet and to investigate if fish oil moderated these effects.

Low-carbohydrate diets are often recommended for horses with metabolic syndrome and high-fat diets are useful for managing horses suffering from RER and PSSM. It is questionable whether these types of diets are appropriate for normal, non-obese horses. This study was conducted to determine whether a moderate daily intake of carbohydrate from oats or a high […]

Pagan JD, Brown-Douglas CG and Huntington PJ (2012). Carbohydrates are well tolerated by most Horses. Proceedings of the Australasian Equine Science Symposium 4: 1-3

Horses have evolved over millions of years as grazers, with specialized digestive tracts adapted to digest and utilize diets containing high levels of plant fiber.

Horses are superior athletes. Physical adaptations through evolution have given horses speed and endurance.

Few animals are as precocious as the horse. Within 20 minutes of birth a foal may stand and within hours can be ready to run at speeds no human athlete will ever achieve.

Nutritional Management of Metabolic disorders of Horses PJ Huntington and JD Pagan Proc 14th Asian Assoc Animal Prod. Animal Science Congress p369 -374.