NUTRITION GLOSSARY
Alfalfa
Alfalfa includes pro-Vitamin A, Vitamins of the B group, C, D, E, K,
folic acid, biotin, minerals and trace elements. Alfalfa is a major food
crop that supplies nutrients and is an excellent appetite stimulant.
Amino Acids
The construction material from which protein is made. There are two groups
- essential: the critically important amino acids which the body can not
manufacture and non-essential: amino acids which can be manufactured by
the body . Any amino acid can be considered essential under certain
conditions of stress, such as disease, trauma, intense sporting
activity, poor diet and malnutrition.
Beet Pulp
The complete fermentation feature of the shredded beet pulp allows it to
have as many calories as oats making is possible to provide a fiber
product that is easier on the horse's digestive system and still provide
the calorie content of a grain product. In addition, in the shredded
form, the beet pulp provides some additional fiber length that is
important to horses that many other alternative fiber sources do not
contain.
Biotin
Vitamin of the B complex group. Participates in the carbohydrate,
protein and fat metabolisms. Maintains healthy skin, hooves and functions
as a co-enzyme. Normally produced by healthy intestinal bacteria.
Chelated
Chelation is the pharmaceutical process of bonding each mineral to an
amino acid. This bonding makes it easier to digest and assimilate each
nutritive mineral for proper utilization in the body
Energy
Energy is derived mostly from carbohydrates and fats. Until recently, the
focus was on carbohydrates, the dominant fuel provided by grains. Since
hay yields a much lower amount of energy per pound, horsemen seeking extra
energy reserves assumed they had to increase the proportion of grains in
the diet. One solution has been to includes the addition of molasses, corn
syrup and honey, all concentrated sources of sugars for an added energy
source. Another solution for an added energy source is fat.
Fats are a "pure" energy source.
Enzymes
Enzymes are a non living protein catalysts which are secreted by virtually
every living plant and animal cell. Made up of two parts - a protein
molecule and a coenzyme. Inside cells, these catalysts facilitate
thousands of chemical reactions which enable the cell to live, repair
itself, and dispose of waste products. Present in digestive fluids
and in many tissues; enzymes perform their function without being
destroyed or altered.
Essential Fatty Acids
Necessary for cells (all cell membranes consist of fatty acids) and need
to be consumed via the diet. They consist of amino acids, including
linoleic acids, gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic
acid and docasahexanoic acid. Essential fatty acids have been used
as nutritional aids in the treatment of skin problems, allergic
respiratory disease, circulatory problems, arthritis and inflammatory
problems.
Fat
A new tool for energy management is added fat. A conventional mix of
grains and hay will usually be under 5% fat. A number of studies have
shown that horses can readily digest added vegetable oils or animal fats.
The maximum amount seems to be about 15% of the total ration by weight.
Fats generate significantly less heat during digestion. Fats are a
"pure" energy source. When you add them to the diet for energy,
that's exactly what you get
Fiber
Dietary fiber is that part of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and
nuts which resist digestion in the gastrointestinal tract: it consists of
carbohydrate (cellulose etc.) and lignin.
Garlic
Allium sativum (garlic) contains enzymes such as allinase, Vitamins of the
B group, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, flavonoids, minerals and trace
elements. Garlic is an ideal source of the most
important organically bound sulfur compounds. Used traditionally as
a nutrition supplement and for the benefits of its antibiotic effects and
for its ability to reduce hyperlipidaemia (high blood fats).
Linseed
Consisting mainly of essential fatty acids* and protein*. Most often used
as a nutritive and in respiratory tract problems. Can also be
used as a poultice.
Lysine
Insures the adequate absorption of calcium; helps form collagen ( which
makes up bone cartilage & connective tissues); aids in the production
of antibodies, hormones & enzymes.
Micronization
Micronization is an infra-red cooking process. The rapid internal heating
of the grain causes starch granules to swell, fracture and
gelatinize. Micronization is the processing methods of choice to
produce low starch - high-oil-energy dense feeds for pleasure and
performance - reducing the risks associated with grain overload and
acidosis.
Mold
The toxic by-products of molds and bacteria, or the organisms
themselves, can cause a host of problems ranging from reduced growth to
unexplained abortions to death. Feeds in which mold, spoilage or dust are
present are simply unacceptable. Reject them without compromise. Make sure
that grain bins are cleaned out before refilling and keep all stored
feedstuffs as dry as possible. Some types of mold and bacteria are
impossible to detect by eye. Ask your extension agent or feed consultant
about local conditions and testing program
Protein
Proteins are groups of amino acids linked together to form large
molecules. These molecules are too large for the horse to absorb. So,
after the teeth, saliva and stomach acids have done their part to break
down the feed, enzymes released in the small intestine split apart the
protein molecules into much smaller units. These are amino acids and
peptides, which are very small groups of amino acids. Amino acids and
peptides easily pass through the intestinal wall and into circulation.
Once inside the body, they are reassembled to form proteins the horse's
body can use to make blood, muscle, bone, skin, hooves, nervous system
tissues and much more. They are even used to make more enzymes so more
amino acids and peptides can be absorbed in the future.
Soybeans
Soy beans are an excellent protein source for horses. Soybeans are
45% protein and a great source of lysine. They are often used as a
supplement to improve protein quality. Soybeans provide a good
source of protein for
growing diets.
Soybean Meal
During processing, heating of soybean meal destroys certain
anti-nutritional factors, making a more valuable protein.
Steamed Flaked Corn
The process of steam flaking the grains is what sets RED MILLS apart from
most other feeds. This is not a new process - it has been around since the
early 1800's. This steam flaking process causes gelatinization of the
complex starch molecule rendering it more digestible. As an example, steam
flaked corn becomes 95% digestible while raw shelled corn has only an 80%
rate of digestibility.
Vitamins
General term for micro nutrients essential for normal metabolic function.
Vitamins cannot be synthesized in sufficient amounts by the animal or
human body. Vitamins occur in foodstuffs found in nature. An intimate
relationship exists between minerals, trace elements and vitamins which,
when combined together in specific groupings, provide an assimilation and
functioning within
the body.
