In general, the feeding of the breeding horse is still relatively disregarded in daily practice. However, we know, nowadays, that the feeding of stallions influences their performance and fertility.
In addition to this knowledge, the fact that the breeder presents, in general, a sporting activity to be performed, which requires increased care with his diet.
Reproductive Season
Stallions must present, at the beginning of the breeding season, an adequate body condition and this must be monitored, in order to better adapt the feeding management during that period.
Thin stallions have few body reserves, which could compromise their performance and fertility. Obesity in stallions, on the other hand, is equally undesirable, as it is associated with a decrease in libido and fertility, and often contributes to an increase in joint overload, which can, in turn, contribute to a physical limitation on the part of the stallion. of the stallion.
Food Management
Breeders with access to good quality pasture will be able to see their needs met only with the use of pasture. However, depending on the quality of the pasture, there is often a need to supplement it with a mineral and multivitamin complex.
BALANCE
In stabled stallions, an adequate forage feed, in quantity and quality, and a balanced supplementary feed must be provided. We know that energy requirements during the reproductive season increase, particularly when associated with sporting activity. In order to respond to this increase in needs, it is recommended to use a specific food during the breeding season.
EPOLDRIN
In breeders with a tendency towards obesity, access to pasture must be conditioned, and these horses must consume a complementary feed of low caloric density, which provides the vitamins and minerals they need, complementing the dry forage feed.
BALANCE
In stallions with difficulty maintaining body condition, we must allow the consumption of forage as described, complement it with an adequate compound feed and, if necessary, add a source of fat. The caloric density of an oil is significant, being a safe way to increase the caloric intake in these horses. In breeding animals, we should favor oils with a high Omega 3 content, such as flax oil or fish oil, since they are associated with an improvement in spermatogenesis.
Stallions also have increased needs for vitamin E during the reproductive phase. (pass from 500 IU to 800 IU (NRC,2007)), so supplementation should be considered, particularly if they do not have access to pasture, given the loss of vitamin E that occurs with haymaking. The correct supply of vitamin E to the stallions prevents oxidative damage to the sperm cells, thus favoring the stallion's fertility.
VIT E+
Stallions of advanced age, more nervous temperament or extremely active may have a greater tendency to lose weight during the breeding season. These cases may additionally benefit from a food with greater incorporation of fat.
NATURE MASH
In short, knowing the needs of the sires and ensuring that these needs are met, has reproductive advantages for stallions.
