Get the right balance for good health

From laminitis to obesity, to urology or constipation or looseness, Emily Wansbrough, Smallholder Nutritionist from The Smallholder Range discusses why diseases are caused by unbalanced feeding

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Our number one priority as smallholders is the health of our animals. While we know nutrition is one of the cornerstones of good health, the recommendation for a balanced diet can often be considered a 'fad' or 'trend of the time' compared to the traditional feeding of straights. It is essential to understand that a balanced diet is vital for the good health of all animals, and not providing one can lead to a range of conditions that affect their health.

A balanced diet includes vitamins and minerals and the right amount of protein, fibre, and energy, all required for overall good health. Animals at different life stages require different diets to support them through growth and maintenance stages. A lack of or overconsumption of dietary elements can cause problems that affect these animals' health.

DON'T OVER FEED

While underlying conditions can cause animals and humans to hold too much weight, the leading cause is an oversupply of calories through overfeeding. Calories are a measurement of energy, and all living things need energy to survive, for movement, and for internal bodily functions and reactions such as breathing and weight maintenance. Excess calories can lead to excessive weight gain, which can affect an animal's metabolic and digestive function, strain the heart, and impair the immune system. Carrying this extra weight also puts an additional load on the joints, and in young animals, this can severely affect their development, causing complications as they mature.

Certain animals, such as Pygmy Goats or Pot-Bellied Pigs, can be particularly prone to obesity. Breed-specific, balanced feeds that are lower in calories and protein are available to ensure they are still getting a balanced diet while limiting their calorie intake.

LAMINITIS