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Stinkbomb

Stinkbomb

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I know that frosty grass is not good for ponies susceptable to Laminitis but i have been told today that it is only dangerous if they are turned out on it in having been stabled??? I.e. if they are kept out overnight and it becomes frosty whilst they are out they are ok??? This seems silly to me is it true????
 
No. Frost increases the sugar content of the grass therefore it is dangerous to laminitics at all times. Best thing is to keep them in until the afternoon then just let out for a couple of hours.
 
Not necessarily I don't think.

The reason frosty grass is risky has to do with photosynthesis and it all gets a bit complicated and scientific for me but think I know where the theory comes from.

If the temperature is mild and there is plenty of UV light then grass grows normally, doesn't make excess fructans which is a carbohydrate indigestible to the horse.

If it is sunny but frosty it is too cold for the grass to use up the 'energy' it's made from sunlight and it gets stored as fructans.

When horses eat grass that's high in fructans the bacteria in the gut die in large numbers releasing toxins and enzymes into the bloodstream that cause laminitis and sometimes colic.

Grass can't really do a fat lot a night as there is no UV light but you'd still be wise to get them off it in the early morning sunshine. Studies have shown that the fructan level drops later in the day if the frost gets the chance to melt.

Mine are both stabled at night and am always cautious about frosty grass. They always have breakfast and hay all night as I worry about them going out hungry and filling themselves up with it.

Does that help?
 
Ummmmm well we never put micks out on frosty grass after being in his stable!

From what i know the frost brings out all the sugars etc in the grass that causes the affects of laminitus, and if they eat it well it doesn't do them any good!

So i dont think it really matters when they go out, it will probably do them harm either way!

But like i said "from what i know", so i might not be correct!
 
Thanks everyone!! thought it seemed abit silly but you never know!!! Custardsmum im impressed too!!!!!!
grin.gif
 
LOL, sorry, am a bit anal about laminitis it's fair to say I have a morbid fascination with it.

They reckon they've isolated the cause of Lami to this particular enzyme. I went to a talk where they did a demonstration with a disected foot and dripped some of this enzyme onto the sensitive laminae, which are normally firmly attached inside the hoof capsule. They then gently pulled on the tissues and they just fell apart it was incredible.

This enzyme is released into the blood stream following any digestive uspet where gut bacteria die in large numbers such as carbohydrate overload from cereals, fructans (people think it's sugar as it sounds like fructose but it's not sugar) or complications from colic surgery and foaling.

I'm going now, got to put on my anorak and do the neds!
 
I think you explained that really well custardsmum, I have a chronic laminitic, I NEVER turn her out on the frosty grass, leave her in until the sun has melted the frost.
 
I chuck some hay out when I put mine onto frosty grass, I cant not put him out on frosty grass due to work commitments but he isnt fussed about eating it til its "thawed" anyway and too busy cantering around squeeling when its cold which is great. Its all so worrying though, whats right, wrong, whats practical etc.
 
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