Level Grow Mix

Research studies have shown a relationship between the glycemic nature of feed and the incidence of skeletal disorders, such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in young horses. High glycemic index feeds are those that produce a large glycemic response in the blood after a meal; an example of such foods are cereals and molasses. It appears that normal bone formation processes in young horses are disrupted by elevated post-feeding blood insulin concentrations following consumption of a diet rich in starches and sugars.

Because of smaller pastures and higher athletic expectations, modern young horses are often fed concentrated feeds rich in starch and sugar. It is not glucose per se that causes the potential problems as much as the resulting insulin that can affect chondrocyte maturation, leading to altered matrix metabolism and defective mineralization of bone. OCD injuries occur on the articular cartilage, which is the cartilage at the end of the bones that protects the joints. The skeleton originates as cartilage, and so if there is a problem in the maturation of that cartilage, this can set the stage for the development of injury. Not all young horses are affected, but some are more sensitive to high glucose and insulin levels than others. In a study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research in 2001, an elevated glucose and insulin response to a concentrated meal was associated with a higher incidence of obsessive compulsive disorder. The glycemic responses measured in the weaned foals in this study were highly correlated with the glycemic index of the feed; body weight and condition of the weaned foal and mare were also considered possible factors. Based on these results, it would be prudent to give foals concentrates that produce a low glycemic response 2-4 hours after feeding.

There are believed to be four basic causes of obsessive compulsive disorder, and affected horses usually have a combination of these factors:

• Genetic predisposition
• Rapid growth
• Food and the environment
• Trauma and the role of exercise and overload

Level-Grow™ uses carefully selected ingredients such as alfalfa, soybean husks, and sugar beet (“Super Fibers”) that produce minimal glycemic response after digestion. Using this research innovation, high levels of soluble carbohydrates have been replaced by fats and “Super Fibers” as alternative energy sources. After weaning Level-Grow™ can be the sole source of concentrated feed fed to foals to carry them through their senior year (and beyond) and until growth rates begin to stabilize.

Because horses’ glycemic response can be affected by the way their feed is formulated, using oil and fiber to produce energy instead of starches and sugars makes Level-Grow™ a “softer” and more tolerated feed. Later foals can cope with feeding without compromising the health of an unripened skeleton, and mares that tend to endure too many issues during gestation respond well when kept on Level-Grow™. The higher level of fiber is suitable for larger mares that tend to become too heavy during pregnancy, making it easier to control body weight, particularly near parturition. The lower levels of grain and higher levels of fiber make this product be useful for foals being prepared for sale. Because of its composition, it helps keep some fillies “lighter” and slows down conditioning some foals that might become too “staid.”

Stamm 30® is included in Level-Grow™ formulations for nutrient continuity. Therefore, BMC® (Buffered Mineral Complex) is also contained within this feed, which, as research has shown, supports digestive health and hind gut stability by maintaining the correct pH for optimal efficiency of the gut and, in general, the gastrointestinal tract. Recent research studies conducted by KER have demonstrated the positive effects BMC® has on bone density and buffering capacity in the stomach and posterior intestine. The new source of calcium in BMC® can maximize bone density and, consequently, skeletal strength and maintenance.