|
|
 |
BHS WARNING ON HORSE LICK
DEATHS
|
The BHS has received disturbing evidence that
horses have died from severe colic after swallowing so called "horse
licks". The molasses blocks are designed to be put in a horse's stable,
for horses to lick on an occasional basis. When eaten in quantity the molasses
may impact food in the gut and cause a blockage.
The BHS is recommending that owners should only use these products when they
are placed in a suitable container that cannot be opened by the horse. Ideally,
there should be only a small area of the block accessible encouraging the horse
to lick rather than bite and chew. Blocks should not be left loose in the feed
manger or on the floor of the stable.
Kerstin Alford of the BHS Welfare Department said: "A horse that is fed a
properly balanced diet, designed for the type of animal and the work it is
doing, should not need supplements. However horse licks are useful in providing
amusement for the stabled horse. As such it makes more sense to use them on an
occasional basis, rather than all the time. They should always be placed in a
suitable container. They are meant to be licked, not eaten, but unfortunately
horses cannot read the instructions. The deaths of these horses is a tragedy
for the owners concerned, and we are desperately anxious that the message gets
out to horseowners so that this type of appalling accident does not happen to
anyone else."
"The British Horse Society would like to confirm that the severe colic
caused from swallowing "horse licks" is not a reference to
"Horslyx". Horslyx are designed to be fed with ad lib access and
Caltech, the manufacturer, have a cooking process which ensures they can be
consumed safely by the horse. Horslyx come in a suitable container which should
prevent accidental ingestion."
 |
|
