Starch and sugars
Knowledge about starch and sugars digestion in horses has progressed thanks to scientific studies carried out all over the world. For more than 30 years, much of this work has been carried out in Dijon, in particular by the team headed by Pr Véronique Julliand.
Based on new knowledge of starch and sugars digestion and their impact on health and energy metabolism, more appropriate recommendations for feeding horses have been proposed.
After that, new messages began to appear, some advocating a starch- and sugar-free diet, others a “traditional” diet. Nowadays, we regularly hear contradictory assertions in the field: “foals don’t grow without concentrates”, but “cereals induce osteochondrosis in foals”, “athletes necessarily need the energy provided by cereals”, but “cereal starch causes ulcers that affect performance”, and so on. Myth or reality?
In view of the considerable debate generated by this topic, the Scientific Committee has chosen ” Starch and sugars inin horse nutrition: common misconceptions, realities and perspectives” as the theme for the Congress LTF 2024. The aim is to provide independent, science-based answers on this subject.
So, when are starch and sugars beneficial, and when can their use be dangerous?
We look forward to seeing many of you in Dijon to discuss this fascinating subject!