Missouri FFA alumnus Todd Banner was still in high school when he created the concept that would turn into the successful business he runs now. Banner, who lives in Ames, Iowa, used the skills he learned in FFA to launch Swamp Fox Innovations LLC, a technology company that provides solutions to everyday challenges in the equine, livestock and recreational industries.

Banner got the idea for one of his company’s products more than 20 years ago when he was an FFA member in Eldon, Mo.

“I grew up on a cattle farm and showed animals at the county and state fairs,” Banner says. “I always noticed problems with animals drinking water. None of them drank enough water at shows, and some wouldn’t drink any at all. It’s a major problem for livestock owners and can be devastating for animals.”

Banner thought the problem might be the chlorine in municipal water. Along with his FFA Agricultural Sales Career Development Event (CDE) team, he created the concept of a product that could be added to water to remove chlorine so animals would drink more.

“That was my junior year, around 1996, and it was just a concept at the time,” Banner says. “It was a learning experience.”

Eventual Expertise

After high school, Banner got his PhD in chemistry and worked for Cargill as a scientist for two decades before starting his business.

“I was always science-centered. In college, I majored in agriculture and biochemistry, and later became a chemist and developed products,” Banner says. “I started thinking about that FFA product concept 15 years later, and by then I had the technological expertise to solve the problem.”

Banner created a product called Show FresH₂O™ that instantly neutralizes the chlorine and odor in municipal water. His wife, Nicole, is an FFA alumna and does marketing for Swamp Fox.

Banner also created a product called Advanced Arena^® Dust Control Fluid that reduces dust in indoor riding arenas.

“Our business develops innovative products for agriculture. We take everyday problems and develop solutions,” Banner says. “Water treatment and dust control are two big ones. I’m working on a new product now that I’m excited about.”

The impact FFA had on Banner’s career path has proven invaluable.

“I actually manage the business like my old SAE [supervised agricultural experience] projects — I keep track of expenses and sales, create awareness for the product and teach people how to use it,” he says. “I was always quiet and introverted, and FFA helped me gain self-confidence. SAE projects helped me learn how to run a small business.”

As far as developing a successful new product, Banner says the key is to find unmet needs.

“Be aware of problems that exist,” he says. “I had problems with my animals drinking. Is there a product you could develop to create a solution for a problem?”

This article first appeared at www.ffa.org

Do your show animals hate city water? Do they turn their noses up when it’s time to drink and then even go off feed? It may be due to the added chlorine that is not typically found in farm water.

Chlorine is no joke when it comes to drinking water for show livestock and horses. It’s a major reason why animals perceive city water as smelling and tasting “different” from farm water. In fact, the chlorine levels in city water are about 1-3 ppm, which is similar to what’s in your swimming pool!

Reports of water chlorination for dairy cattle led to reduced water consumption,  rumen digestion, and lactation performance. If you want your animals to stay hydrated, healthy, and perform well from day one at the show, consider the impact of chlorine in their water.

How much chlorine is in your animals’ show water? Take the guess work out by using ShowFresH₂O™ Chlorine Test Strips. You can test the show water yourself in as little as 30 seconds.

Below is a great example of chlorine in city show water. The test strip on the left side was dipped into the water and stirred for 30 seconds. A purple color developed on the indicator patch revealing it had about 3 ppm total chlorine.  ShowFresH₂O™ Water Treatment was then used to treat the city water. The test strip on the right side was used to retest the water. It had no pink color formation, confirming that the treatment INSTANTLY eliminated all chlorine.

Start your show off on the right hoof, by treating your animals to the smell of success on day one.  ShowFresH₂O™ Water Treatment was scientifically designed to eliminate chlorine from drinking water for show livestock with no hassle.  Stop hauling in water.  Don’t waste money on water filters that may not work or freeze up during those cold month shows. Read more about what our happy customers have to say!

 

Key References

Bach, A., Valls, N., Solans, A., Torrent, T.; Associations Between Nondietary Factors and Dairy Herd Performance, J. Dairy Sci. (91:8), 3259-3267, 2008.

Beede, D.; Assessment of Water Quality and Nutrition for Dairy Cattle, Proc: Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference, April 27-28, Arlington, TX, 2005.

Joe Frizzell of Iowa loves taking care of and riding his horses in his backyard barn. With a National Champion Arabian in the barn, he knows a thing or two about caring for horses. However, dust control was one issue that made him constantly scratch his head.

Joe regularly watered the arena, but it took time away from actually enjoying his horses. This costly effort also created inconsistencies in his arena footing and froze in the winter. If he did not water, the dust could rise as high as the roof of the barn which was more than just annoying.

At one point he tried salt-based products, which provided some dust control relief, but he eventually noticed metal gates and siding in his barn were beginning to rust. This rusting of metal is common among salt-based products. The problem became so bad, he actually replaced the footing to stop the rusting and went back to watering.

 

 

Then Joe learned about Advanced Arena™ Dust Control. This was a new solution that promised to reduce dust and not rust his barn. It was also safe for horses, pets, riders, and grandchildren who frequently use the barn. In fact, its ingredients are FDA approved for food contact.

Joe’s riding arena is about 90 ft x 66 ft. The footing is sand-based and about 2 inches deep. Based upon these dimensions it was estimated that about nine, 5-gallon buckets should be applied. The buckets were slowly applied over about six weeks and reduction in dust was observed with each application. By the final treatment the dust was completely eliminated and the footing was consistent again.

 

Initial Application

Date	Number of Buckets Applied
4/13/18	2
4/24/18	3
4/27/18	2
6/4/18	2
TOTAL	9

 

In most cases, all of the material can be applied at once instead of over several weeks as in this example. Using our quote requestor, we can estimate how much is needed.

The product worked great for Joe. The dust was completely eliminated for about six months and then the dust began to pick up about knee-high before falling back to the ground. A maintenance application of three buckets was applied and dust was again eliminated for about seven months. Additional maintenance applications were applied as needed (when dust began to pick up to about knee high) according to the table below.

 

Maintenance Applications

Date	Number of Buckets Applied
11/2/18	3
6/3/19	3
9/6/19	4
5/20/20	4

 

Based upon this barn study it’s estimated that maintenance doses should be applied at about 30%-50% of the initial application. The product should be applied as needed, which is typically about 3-6 months.

Joe has not watered the indoor arena for over 2 years now and has enjoyed a dust-free barn. His horses have continued to do well since it was treated. Both horses and rider are very happy. Problem solved!

 

 

 

Do you worry that chlorine in water will cause your animal to stop drinking, go off feed, or even become sick at the next show?Now you can stop worrying. ShowFresH₂O™ Water Treatment was invented by scientists that had experienced these same problems and decided to develop a practical solution.

Why is Show Water Chlorinated?

Chlorine is a chemical disinfectant added to drinking water. It’s typically added as sodium hypochlorite, which is the active component in household bleach. Chlorine works by killing harmful germs and bacteria in public water supplies. It’s usually not found in rural farm water, which is why show animals may turn up their noses when they are first exposed to it at the show. Traditionally the levels of chlorine in city water is about 1-3 ppm, which is similar to the amount found in swimming pools!

How Can Chlorine Harm Your Animal?

Given that chlorine can kill micro-organisms, it’s no wonder that it might also be harmful to your animal. In addition to killing bad bacteria, chlorine can also kill the beneficial ones in your animal’s digestive system and potentially make them go off feed and water. It’s similar to how you may feel lethargic and lose your appetite when taking antibiotics.

Ruminant animals, such as cattle and sheep, may be particularly sensitive to chlorine.  Their rumen system relies on micro-organisms and fermentation processes to aid in digestion. When that system is disrupted it can create all kinds of health problems. For example, a dairy cattle study from 2008 reported that drinking water chlorine concentration was negatively associated with milk protein content. The authors believe this may have been due to the antimicrobial effect of chlorine on the rumen.

 

Monogastric animals, such as horses and pigs, are not immune from chlorine’s harmful effects either. An eye-opening case study of a pig barn reported the health effects of an accidental release of chlorine to the barn’s drinking water, increasing free chlorine to about 2 ppm (similar to show water). The gilts and sows had increased abortion rates, higher stillborn rates, and abnormal heat cycles. This ultimately led to reduced farrowings. To make matters worse the growing piglets experienced higher death rates as well.

 

If all of the above was not bad enough for you, there’s more. Chlorine can directly impact your animal’s immune system which can make them get sick easier. A study on young rats found that chlorine reduced spleen weight, altered macrophage metabolism, and changed immune cell signaling.

In addition to the direct effects of chlorine on animal health, some animals just plain don’t like the smell or taste of chlorinated water. Most humans don’t either, so can you blame them? It tends to be especially bad for animals that have just come off the farm for the first few times. They can be very sensitive to the bad taste and odor of chlorine. Of course, when animals don’t drink water, they can become dehydrated.  This leads to reduced immune system function, increased illness, and to going off feed.  The potential results?  A very high vet bill. You get the idea?

 

What can you do about chlorine?

Most experienced show people are aware of the chlorine problem. For decades, many have been trying various remedies to solve it.  But do they really work?

Exhibitors will use water-hose filters at shows that are reported to “remove contaminants.”  There are at least a few problems with filters: 1) They can freeze-up in cold weather  2) If not maintained or replaced regularly they can “result in bacterial growth on the filter, causing potential contamination of the water with pathogens” and  3) Their performance in removing chlorine from water is unreliable. If you are unsure if your filter is working properly try  ShowFresH₂O™ Chlorine Strips to check the before and after performance of your filter.

 

Probiotic powders, electrolyte pastes, and flavor aids are even marketed as solutions. These are often prescribed to be used before, during, and after the show. These might provide nutrition and electrolyte support to your animal temporarily, but are they really solving the root cause of chlorine or just applying a band-aid to the symptoms?

ShowFresH₂O™ Water Treatment was developed specifically for livestock to help stop the problem before it begins, by ELIMINATING chlorine from drinking water. Not only does it eliminate the foul odor of chlorine, it safely converts harmful chlorine to a form that is harmless to your animal and its digestive system. Treat the chlorinated show water BEFORE they get sick.

 

ShowFresH₂O™ Water Treatment fits easily in your showbox. It will not freeze in the winter and will not spoil in the summer. It only takes a few minutes to use. One bottle treats 150 gallons of chlorinated water. Stop worrying about chlorine!  Start the show off on the right hoof.

 

Key References

Bach, A., Valls, N., Solans, A., Torrent, T.; Associations Between Nondietary Factors and Dairy Herd Performance, J. Dairy Sci. (91:8), 3259-3267, 2008.

Beede, D.; Assessment of Water Quality and Nutrition for Dairy Cattle, Proc: Mid-South Ruminant Nutrition Conference, April 27-28, Arlington, TX, 2005.

Exon, J., Koller, L., O’Reilly, C., Bercz, J.; Immunotoxicologic Evaluations of Chlorine-Based Drinking Water Disinfectants, Sodium Hypochlorite and Monochloroamine., Toxicology (44), 257-269, 1987.

Langdon, A., Crook, N., Dantas, G., The Effects of Antibiotics on the Microbiome Troughout Development and Alternative Approaches for Therapeutic Modulation, Genome Medicine (8:39), 2016.

Olkowski, A.; Livestock Water Quality. A Field Guide For Cattle, Horses, Poultry, and Swine., University of Saskatchewan, ISBN 978-1-100-12443-8, Cat. No.: A22-483/2009E, 2009.

Tofant, A., Ostovic, M., Wolf, S., Kabalin, A., Pavicic, Z., Grizelj, J.,  Association Between Over-Chlorinated Drinking Water and Adverse Reproductive Outcomes in Gilts and Sows: A Case Report. Veterinarni Medicina (55:8), 394-398, 2010.

Tofant, A., Ostovic, M., Wolf, S., Kabalin, A., Pavicic, Z., Mikulic, M.,  Association Between Over-Chlorinated Drinking Water and Suckling, Nursery, and Fattening Pig Death Losses, Veterinarni Medicina (56:7), 358-361, 2011.

Summary

• Adding electrolytes to water during a show may increase water consumption and lead to short-term water retention.
• Adding too much electrolytes could reduce water and feed intake. This cutoff appears to be between about 2,500 – 10,000 ppm electrolytes for non-lactating cattle.
• If your animals are refusing to drink water at the show it likely is not due to it lacking electrolytes. It’s probably due to the chlorine which negatively affects the smell and taste of the water. Consider using a dechlorinating product such ShowFresH₂O™ to eliminate chlorine and help keep your animal drinking and staying healthy.
• If your animal is already dehydrated electrolytes may need to be provided as fluid therapy. Consult your veterinarian!

Have you ever been at a livestock show only to find that animals are not drinking the water? You’re likely to see a variety of home-remedies including water-filters and Kool-Aid, which tend to not be very effective. Another common recommendation is to “add electrolytes” to the water to help them drink. Is this really a sound idea?  In this article we’ll take a look at the science of electrolytes.

What are electrolytes?

Hydration, as well as electrolyte balance, is critical to maintaining nutritional health and pH balance in livestock. Electrolytes are “salts” and generally include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. The word comes from the fact that these minerals, when dissolved in water, help conduct electricity in water.

The primary source of electrolytes should be provided in the diet as feed and hay. If there are some nutritional gaps in the feeding regimen then mineral and salt supplements can be provided free-choice. There is also evidence that adjusting electrolytes in feed rations during periods of high-stress, such as hot summer months, may be beneficial.

Cattle may auto-regulate the amount of electrolytes they consume in water, feed, and hay. If they are already getting plenty of electrolytes, the animal may not want more. If they are deficient, it may increase the palatability of the water.  In fact, a foundational study found that when heifers were supplemented with electrolytes in their drinking water, they actually consumed LESS free-choice electrolytes (salt and trace mineral mixture).

Electrolytes in dehydration/rehydration.

A primary reason to provide electrolytes is if your animal is already dehydrated. This may be due to diarrhea or simply not drinking water at the show. Signs of dehydration may be gauntness and/or their eyes may appear to be sunken in.  When an animal becomes dehydrated, they also tend to lose electrolytes.

Once an animal becomes dehydrated, electrolytes could be added to water as part of the rehydration process. Ruminants are particularly sensitive to electrolyte imbalances when rapidly rehydrating. Their rumen acts as a buffer to help strike the correct balance of electrolytes and adding them to water can help this process. This is why veterinarians will often provide electrolytes to severely dehydrated animals requiring fluid therapy.

How much electrolytes?

Providing electrolytes is not a “yes” or “no” question. What’s important is to provide the correct amount of electrolytes. This will depend upon your animal’s feed regimen and environmental changes. For example, if the temperature has become much hotter and/or your animal is working harder, more electrolytes may be required than normal.

Research studies support the idea of an optimum amount of electrolytes. When sodium chloride (a common electrolyte) is added to water in controlled, non-lactating, cattle studies there may be some minor improvement in palatability of the water up to concentrations of about 2,500 ppm to 10,000 ppm. The effect appears to be small, however, ranging between no difference and up to about 10% increased water consumption in cattle. Above this range water intake can sharply decline.

Additional studies demonstrate that excess electrolytes in water can lead to LESS water consumption. This may explain why in some regions where electrolyte concentration is high in the water, reducing the electrolyte content of water actually increases water consumption and performance of dairy cows.  Another study in Spain also found that electrolytes in drinking water were related to reduced water consumption.

Increasing electrolyte supplementation for the show?

Many supplement marketers recommend providing excess electrolytes leading up to, and during a show.  This may provide some short-term weight gain and fullness appearance. This occurs because excess electrolytes leads to excess fluid retention. Beware! This practice could come with negative health consequences related to salt poisoning.

Not sure about potential negative health complications? Would you drink sea water if you were really thirsty or dehydrated? Of course not….it goes against common sense. It could make you very sick and even more dehydrated because its electrolytes are so high (about 35,000 ppm).

 

Make sure to trust the manufacturer of your electrolytes and follow their instructions closely in consultation with a veterinarian. Most products provide less than 10,000 ppm electrolytes when added to water according to instructions, which is towards the upper end of a safe amount. If you are going to add electrolytes to water, be sure to also provide a free choice of water with NO added electrolytes.

My steer is not drinking at the show. Should I add electrolytes to the water?

If you NEED to use electrolytes at the show you are too late…your animal is already dehydrated.

But what about providing electrolytes to water if your animal is not drinking? This is a very common situation. The idea is to improve the taste so the animal will drink. But is this really effective?

We discussed above that adding electrolytes to water will only increase palatability if they ALREADY have a deficiency in their diet. Experiments further showed that adding electrolytes, at best, increased water consumption by a maximum of about 10% for cattle. Even in the study the authors thought this may difference may not have been statistically significant and was within the variability of the study.  If your animal is not drinking at all, it’s probably not due to it lacking electrolytes.  It’s probably due to something else, and we believe that it is because of chlorine.

Chlorine may be why your animal is not drinking the water.

Animals not drinking on the road is a common problem. It can lead to poor appearance and performance of livestock. What often is not considered is that the show’s water contains high amounts of chlorine.  Chlorine can discourage animals from drinking and may even be harmful.

ShowFresH₂O™ is a new, patent-pending, product that safely removes chlorine from water. It can help keep your animal hydrated and healthy at the show. But don’t just take our word, read the testimonials from our customers!

KEY REFERENCES

Alliance Consulting and Management, Use of electrolytes to alleviate stress. Meat and Livestock Australia, Live.104B, 2001.

Constable, P., Fluid and electrolyte therapy in ruminants. Vet Clin Food Anim, 2003, 557-597.

El-Sharkaway, AM et al., Acute and chronic effects of hydration on health. Nutrition Reviews, 2015, 73(S2): 97-109.

Embry, LB et al., Salinity and livestock water quality, 1959, Bulletins. Paper 481.

Guadalupe, GMJ et al., Effects of drinking water desalination on several traits of dairy cows in a Mexican semiarid environment.  Life Science Journal, 2015, 12(2s).

Jaster, EH et al., Physiological effects of saline drinking water on high-producing dairy cows.  J. Dairy Sci., 1978, 61:66-71.

Johannson, K., Salt to ruminants and horses. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. 2008.

Silanikove, N., The struggle to maintain hydration and osmoregulation in animals experiencing severe dehydration and rapid rehydration:  The story of ruminants. Experimental Physiology, 1994, 79, 281, 300.

Smith, G., Fluid therapy in adult cattle. Proceedings of the NAVC, 2005.

Smith, GW., Treatment of calf diarrhea: Oral fluid therapy. Veterinary Clinics of North America Food Animal Practice. 2009, 55-72.

Terre, M. et al., Exploring the use of tertiary reclaimed water in dairy cattle production. J. Cleaner Prod., 2019, 229, 964-973.

Weguer, TN and Smith, JD.,  Effect of highly mineralized livestock water supply on water consumption and blood and urine electrolyte provides in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci., 1974, 57:608 (Abstract)

 

Whether you’re first-generation or a seasoned showman, hauling across country or just down the road to the county fair, a successful show season starts with a healthy animal. And in the heat of the summer, animal health starts with fresh, clean water … and plenty of it.

Water intake is important in all seasons and helps to mitigate the stress show animals often experience.

Clayton Hannon, Valparaiso, IN, knows the importance of livestock hydration.

“Two years ago, we took a bred heifer to the fair to show. We have ground [well] water at the house and when we got to town, we couldn’t get her to drink;’ Hannon says. “She ended up aborting the calf.”

Hannon says that not wanting to risk more health problems, the family began hauling water with them to every show, a burden that Northwood, IA, sheep and cattle showman Austin Foss, and his family know well.

Like Hannon, Foss says that the family farm utilizes well water, which can make transitioning to chlorinated water at a show a challenge for their livestock.

“There was never a show that came up that we didn’t have to haul water with us.” Foss says, “If we ever got in a pinch and didn’t bring water, our cattle would, inevitably, go off of water, and those that did drink would end up with diarrhea. It’s something that everyone in the show world, who doesn’t already have their animals on city water, battles.”

Foss says that the struggle of hauling water for a steer that drinks as much as 25 gallons a day was a dilemma that often left the show team rationing water or using products to mask the taste-all ending the same: cattle that didn’t look full or cattle that exhibited intestinal problems. Both of which will cost the show.

For both Hannon and Foss, ShowFresH₂O™ has been a game-changer in water management-keeping their livestock hydrated, full and healthy. And as Hannon shares, the product has been his family’s secret weapon in the show barn.

“We were introduced to ShowFresH₂O™ about a year ago and it has changed the way we head into a show week. We don’t have to worry about water; we use it in the water of everything we show-pigs, calves, steers. It’s safe for all livestock. It almost makes me feel like we are cheating because of how easy it is to keep our livestock drinking during the fair;’ Hannon says. “I see guys hauling in water and packing it to their livestock. My solution comes in a quart bottle and is premeasured; I just squirt the ShowFresH₂O™ right into the five-gallon bucket and I’m done.”

Foss agrees, and says that using ShowFresH₂O™ has made believers out of both he and his dad.

“We were actually given a bottle of ShowFresH₂O™ a few years ago. I’m not going to lie, we were both skeptical, but when you go to a show and see those problems that you fight at every single show disappear with the squirt of a product, it makes you a believer. It doesn’t just mask the chlorine, it takes it away;’ he says. “We won’t haul without ShowFresH₂O™.”

 

Coast to coast and border to border, horse trailers burn up the road year-round, hauling horses of all disciplines to competitions throughout the country. While the changes in scenery can be refreshing for our horse’s human companion, the changes in climate, water and location can be stressful for the animals. And although little can be done to change climate and location stresses, water should never be a cause for concern.

“We don’t haul water anymore”

Dehydration doesn’t just hinder a horse’s performance, as one of the leading causes of colic, it can be fatal. And when a horse is being hauled from location to location, even trace amounts of chlorine in a water supply can present enough of an odor and taste difference to cause horses, especially young, inexperienced horses, to reduce their water consumption.

For Jim and Stacey Warner, owners of 3/W Performance Horses, Greenwood, South Carolina, keeping horses hydrated while they are on the road is paramount to the success of their business of starting barrel racing horses on the futurity circuit.

It’s a constant battle for anyone that travels with horses and livestock,” Stacey says of dehydration and the struggle to keep her barrel racing futurity horses hydrated. “We haul six colts everywhere we go—they drink a lot of water, but it is the single most important thing we can do to help our horses’ performance and their health.”

Last fall, Stacey came across ShowFresH₂O™ on Amazon, and she shares that the product has been life-changing for both her and her horses.

“We used to haul a lot of water with us wherever we would go because the horses just wouldn’t drink. We train futurity horses and open horses so we are always campaigning new horses every year—hauling is stressful for young, inexperienced horses. It’s hard on them mentally and physically; we could never keep them drinking on the road. But since we discovered ShowFresH₂O™, instead of hauling water with us, we can drop ShowFresH₂O™ right into the five-gallon water buckets,” she says, “We don’t haul water anymore.”

Available in easy-to-use, pourable containers, ShowFresH₂O™ treats a five-gallon bucket of water as easily as it treats a 150-gallon tank. And because the product eliminates chlorine from the water, rather than just masking it, it works every time to keep all classes of livestock hydrated.

Today, the Warners find themselves using the product at home, as well as on the road, sharing that for the price of treatment and the improvements they have seen in their horses’ water consumption, they can’t afford not to.

“It is really affordable. We started using it at home as much as we are using it on the road,” Stacey says, “I can drop ShowFresH₂O™ into our Rubbermaid® water tanks and never have to worry about our horses going off water because of the taste or smell of the water.”

 

COLIC: CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

“Colic” – one of the most feared conditions by horse owners, is more likely to strike when your horse is on the road than any other time. It can come on quickly and have devastating health consequences. There are lots of myths and wives’ tales about what causes colic and how to prevent it. There is good reason for this. Colic is a complicated condition with no simple answers. However, in this article we’re going to rely upon scientific studies to help cut through the confusion and provide steps you can use to prevent colic on the road.

The word “colic” describes a broad range of conditions that cause abdominal discomfort in horses. However, it’s more complicated than a simple tummy-ache. One source of discomfort could be gastric distention, which is an enlarged or swollen stomach. This can be particularly dangerous because horses cannot vomit when they get a full stomach, potentially leading to rupture if the pressure is not relieved (Gill – Chapter 3). Other causes could include bowel entrapment, twisting, or distension. Impaction could also occur by accumulations of firm, dry feed blocking the intestine.

Recognizing colic is not trivial, but there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of. These include poor appetite, appearing uncomfortable or lethargic, and looking at or kicking to their stomach. If you think your horse is displaying signs of colic you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Colic can occur at any time, but it tends to occur during periods of higher than normal stress, including travel. A study by Kaneen and colleagues found that horses involved in certain activities (races, shows, events) were at significantly higher risk of colic. In fact, it was the second highest risk factor behind foaling!

 

HYDRATION

Multiple other colic studies have found a consistent theme… DEHYDRATION, is a top risk factor. In particular, the #1 RISK FACTOR identified by Kaya and coworkers was reduced water consumption, increasing colic risk by 2 to 12 times. Another study by Reeves and colleagues also found that not having access to adequate water was the highest impact risk factor. The risks may be even higher during hot temperatures or when you are exercising your horse hard (Gordon, Chapter 6).

When you are at the show, rodeo, event, or trail riding the #1 thing you should consider to prevent colic is to ensure they have a clean source of sufficient water. This is easier said than done. Many animals do not like water on the road because it’s chlorinated. It’s not surprising because you likely do not like the water either. Have you ever travelled to a new city and thought the water tasted bad?  It’s probably due to the city’s chlorine disinfection process and your horse hates it just as much as you…if not worse!

“many animals do not like water on the road because it’s chlorinated”

In addition to preventing them from drinking the water, chlorinated water can potentially have even more harmful effects on the animal if they do drink it? Chlorine kills the bad bacteria in drinking water, but it can also kill the good bacteria in your horse’s gut. These microorganisms are important to the fermentation processes in their digestive system (Smyth – Chapter 2).

A recently developed product, ShowFresH₂O™, was designed to safely dechlorinate city water for horses. A small amount of the product is simply mixed into the water for about one minute. It converts chlorine from a bad smelling, harmful form to an odorless, harmless form. It is best used from the beginning to end of your travels to ensure that chlorine does not interfere with your animals’ hydration. Learn more about its Frequently Asked Questions.

Many people will haul water to their events. Not only is this a time-consuming process that takes up trailer space, but it may lead to health risks for your horse. This is because water can spoil within a day or two, depending upon temperature and how sterile are the water and storage tanks.

 

FEEDING

Diet changes are another leading risk factor to colic. When you are on the road you will want to maintain a feeding routine as similar to home as possible. This means feeding the same, non-moldy, feed and hay in the same quantities and on the same schedule. Studies have found that increased use of concentrated feed can lead to colic, so this is a change that you would especially want to avoid while travelling.

Horses are curious and playful and this can sometimes lead to them consuming an inedible object that can obstruct their digestive tract (Gordon, Chapter 6).  When you first board in an unfamiliar stall make sure it is free of foreign bodies that would harm the horse if ingested. This could include bailing twine, rubber fencing or footing, stones, metal objects, etc.

 

SUMMARY

The next time you’re on the road with your horse consider the following to prevent colic:

• Provide access to clean, fresh water at all times and especially during times of high performance and/or high temperatures.
• Consider using a dechlorinating product such ShowFresH₂O™ to safely eliminate chlorine from municipal water.
• Maintain a feeding routine similar to home.
• Feed high quality hay that’s not moldy.
• Make sure the stall is free of foreign and inedible material that the horse may eat.

 

 

KEY REFERENCES

Cohen et al., Dietary and other management factors associated with equine colic. Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the AAEP 1999, Volume 45, pages 96-98.

Gill, S., The etiopathogenesis of acute colic. Field Guide to Colic Management in the Horse. The Practitioner’s Reference. Eds Gordon, B. and Allen, D., 1988, Veterinary Medicine Publishing Co.; Chapter 3 – Pages 59-76.

Goncalves et al., Risk factors associated with colic in horses. Vet. Res. 33 (2002) 641–652

Gordon, B.J.,  Evaluation of the horse with colic. Field Guide to Colic Management in the Horse. The Practitioner’s Reference. Eds Gordon, B. and Allen, D., 1988, Veterinary Medicine Publishing Co.; Chapter 6 – Pages 127-140.

Kaneene et al., Risk factors for colic in the Michigan (USA) equine population. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Volume 30, Issue 1, April 1997, Pages 23-36.

Kaya et al., Risk factors of colic in horses in Austria. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 93 (2009) 339–349.

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