Mitavite Extru-barley and Mitavite Gumnuts

Article from 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth' - April 2010

The steam extrusion barley solution

The goodness of barley is unlocked with Mitavite's steam extrusion process which dramatically improves digestibility and provides an affordable option to raw grains.

Steam extrusion increases digestibility in the small intestine - from around 21% for whole/rolled barley to over 90% for steam extruded barley, reducing the risk factors for laminitis, diarrhoea and colic. The increased digestibility means less is fed to meet energy requirements compared to whole/rolled/steam flaked barley. This offers advantages in terms of 'Weight Handicap' and cost.

Plus steam extruded feeds/grains take longer to eat. When horses eat slower they produce more saliva, which has a protective effect against high stomach acid levels and the risk of ulcers.

As a guide, if feeding by weight, replace 1kg of whole or rolled barley with 600g of steam extruded barley.

Aged care and condition

Happy, healthy and active lives well into their later years - that's what we all want for our ageing equine friends and the reason behind Mitavite's development of Gumnuts. Mitavite Gumnuts is a unique complete feed which addresses a great many of the problems and physical challenges facing horses from around 15 years of age onwards.

Highly nutritious, palatable and safe to feed, Mitavite Gumnuts contain increased levels of many of the necessary nutrients required by older horses including vitamins E and C, selenium, Omega 3 anti-inflammatory oil, extra calcium, phosphorus and high quality protein. Gumnuts now also contain Bonafide™ - to assist in the maintenance of healthy bone density.

For horses suffering teeth problems, Gumnuts can be softened to an easily chewed, delicious mash.

Gumnuts is the first feed to address, in a complete way, the special nutritional needs of older horses. If you own or care for one of our ageing equine friends, you can be confident with Gumnuts, you're doing the very best you can for them.

Talk to your local RD1 store about your equine feed and nutritional requirements today.

Some products may not be available in all stores but can be ordered on request. Disclaimer: Any views and comments expressed in this article are not necessarily the opinions of RD1 Limited nor associated agencies. This content is copyright of RD1 Limited.