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Laminitis is the inflammation and damage to the laminae, which are the sensitive structures within the hoof of animals like horses and cows. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including seasonal changes in pasture composition.
How Does Seasonal Variation in Pasture Affect Laminitis Risk?
Seasonal changes in pasture can significantly impact the risk of laminitis in grazing animals. These variations primarily involve changes in the sugar and starch content of grasses, which can lead to metabolic imbalances when consumed in large quantities.
Spring Pasture Flush
In the spring, pastures experience a rapid growth phase. During this time, grasses are rich in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), such as sugars and starches. Horses and other grazing animals that consume large amounts of these rapidly growing grasses are at an increased risk of developing laminitis due to the sudden surge in blood glucose and insulin levels.
Summer Pasture
As summer progresses, pasture grasses mature, and their NSC levels generally decrease compared to the spring flush. However, environmental stressors like drought or overgrazing can cause NSC to accumulate in the lower parts of the plant.
Autumn Pasture
Autumn can bring another period of increased laminitis risk. Cool nights and sunny days can lead to high sugar concentrations in grasses. These conditions favor sugar production through photosynthesis, while cooler temperatures slow the plant’s growth and utilization of these sugars.
Winter Pasture
During winter, pasture growth slows significantly, and NSC levels are generally low. However, animals that are overweight going into winter may still be at risk for laminitis due to metabolic issues related to obesity.
Would you like to explore management strategies to mitigate laminitis risk associated with seasonal pasture changes?