Outshine the Competition with Strategic Supplementation

When it comes to yearling sales, preparation often separates the also-runs from the homeruns. Sound nutrition with strategic supplementation are two key factors in yearling preparation. For top-drawer condition on sales day, look for scientifically formulated supplements.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch, cool-energy conditioner. Equi-Jewel is the original, research-proven stabilised rice bran product and is the only conditioning supplement to include KER BMC™ to buffer the digestive tract. This, combined with Equi-Jewel’s proven track record, make it the go-to topline conditioner for horse owners, leading trainers and breeding farms around the world. Adding Equi-Jewel to the yearling prep diet fosters weight gain and builds topline with lower grain intakes. Equi-Jewel has 20% more energy than some similar products. Reduced grain intakes are associated with more settled yearlings and a reduced risk of colic and gastric ulcers.

Once sales-prepping begins, yearlings no longer have free-choice pasture intake and starch intake rises dramatically. These factors increase the risk of gastric ulceration and hindgut acidosis, characterized by loss of appetite, behaviour changes, and loose manure. KER BMC, a unique source of marine-derived calcium, has been shown to buffer stomach acid to bolster gastric health and reduce the incidence or severity of ulcers, as well as moderate the pH of the hindgut to prevent acidosis. Equi-Jewel also contains linoleic acid, which has been shown to reduce gastric acid secretion and increase output of protective prostaglandins, making Equi-Jewel an important component in the diet of horses at risk of gastric ulcers and hindgut disturbances as well as helping achieve that important shiny coat.

Bio-Bloom® HF is a dual-action supplement designed to improve skin and coat condition, and promote healthy hoof growth with research showing a 20% increase in hoof growth. It is the ideal hoof and coat conditioner for horses that need to be presented at their best for show, sale or parade. A double dose will help shed the remnants of a winter coat, help grow the mane and tail and add bloom for on-farm inspections, videos and sale days. If the coat is bleached or washed out, a course of Hemabuild® will put the richness of color back into the coat and will help the horse “dapple up.”

When yearlings come out of the paddock and into boxes for sales prep, there is a sizable change in their exercise program, which can have a negative influence on bone density and strength. Horses confined to stables can rapidly lose bone density, and walking or trotting exercise during prep does not stimulate bone formation in the way that galloping in the paddock can. This means that bone mineral density and strength could reduce during sales prep at a time when most yearlings have rapid weight gain.

Triacton® is a triple-action supplement designed to improve bone density and support digestive health in horses. Triacton supports health in three research-proven ways: increasing bone density for skeletal strength, buffering stomach acid to bolster gastric health and reduce the incidence of ulcers, and moderating the pH of the hindgut to prevent acidosis.

To achieve the best possible condition, gut health and coat quality, include these research-proven products into the diets of sale yearlings.