On the importance of fat & fibres

The KRAFFT products are – for very good reasons – rich in fat and fibres. Both are excellent sources of energy and both interact well with equine biology. Scientific studies bring evidence to this, as does the comprehensive experience within our own organization. Below, you will find a description of the vital functions fulfilled by fat and fibres in horse feed.

Fat – a source of lenient energy

The complete KRAFFT feeds are high in fat. We also offer an oats variety with a high level of fat and oil with a structure that is suitable for horses.

Enzymes in the small intestine process fat into energy. Energy in this form does not affect the bacterial flora of the colon and does not leave high levels of residuals in the muscular tissue. The risk for “tying up” will thus be reduced.

If the energy is supplied in the form of cereals that are rich in starch, only a small part can be processed in the small intestine. A surplus of starch will then accumulate in the colon. Since the bacterial flora there is developed to process energy from fibres, the balance is sensitive to disturbance. Feeding of horses performing strenuous work with regular (and fairly short) intervals calls for special considerations. In many cases, KRAFFT has been able to offer horsemen a model that is both practical and well adjusted to the needs of the horse.


Vegetable fibres – the natural horse feed

By nature, the horse is developed to process fibres more or less continuously. This fact is one of the pillars behind the KRAFFT concept. Fibre deficiency is a well-known factor behind many types of equine health disturbance. Here are som facts on the function of fibres.

• A major part of the energy used by the horse is processed from fibres in the colon.

• Fibres are essential to a sound balance of bacterial flora in the colon. Several types of equine illness arise due to fibre shortage, among them most likely laminitis (founder).

• Fibres supply “filling material” in the digestive tract, thus reducing the risk for spasmodic colic.

• Fibres will retain body liquid in the digestive tract, which is important during sessions of strenuous work in high temperature.

• Fibres will prolong the eating session, thereby inducing a sense of satisfaction. This is important, since the horse does not have the kind of nervous signal system that is found in the stomach of humans.

• Fibre deficiency affects a number of the vital physiological functions in the horse and can thus lead to serious illness and reduced performance ability.