An article by Top Country Animal nutritionist, Nicholas Loughnan.

HORSE LICK RANGE

Top Country produces a wide range of high-quality horse supplements. These rations can help prevent hypoparathyroidism (big head) through specialised calcium inclusions or supplement protein when your working horses need an extra kick during the winter. 

We can help to recommend the ideal ration based on specific production goals and risk management strategies. We can also customise salt levels to help with intake regulation. 

 

Top EQ  

Recommended Intake: Up to 1kg per day 

Crude Protein	Salt	Phosphorus	Calcium	Magnesium
11-15%	10-30%	1.6%	6%	0.4%

 

The Top EQ range provides your horses with high protein and is perfect for horses in work or grazing low quality pastures over the dry season. The supplement targets a higher intake (up to 1kg per head per day), hence why the phosphorus, calcium and magnesium are a bit lower than the other ranges. This supplement is not a big-head prevention lick and is not recommended for horses grazing lush green pastures. 

 

Top EQ Calphos 

Recommended Intake: Up to 500g per day 

Crude Protein	Salt	Phosphorus	Calcium	Magnesium
4-8%	10-30%	5.5%	12%	1%

 

This range is the “in between” supplement, for horses that might require a bit of extra protein as well as some extra calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. It is suited for horses grazing dry or green grasses that don’t pose a risk of big head. Some of these grasses include Rhodes grass, rye grass and some natives like kangaroo grass and Queensland bluegrass. 

The Calphos range is perfect for stockhorses during branding or weaning when there is generally a lot of mustering going on. Lots of physical activity requires higher levels of energy, protein and minerals, which the Calphos range can provide. It can provide some protection against big head but isn’t recommended for that reason. 

 

Top EQ Tropical 

Recommended Intake: 200-300g per day 

Crude Protein	Salt	Phosphorus	Calcium	Magnesium
2-4%	10-20%	5.8%	18%	1.5%

 

The EQ Tropical range is designed for horses grazing tropical pastures during the wet season, when oxalate levels are highest. These pastures include buffel grass, green panic, setaria or signal grasses that are all known for accumulating high levels of oxalates.  

It is generally recommended for horses that haven’t displayed symptoms of big head in the past but are grazing high risk pastures. The Tropical range would also benefit mares in foal or in lactation, especially when on higher risk pastures.  

 

Top EQ Premium Protect 

Recommended Intake: 200-300g per day 

Crude Protein	Salt	Phosphorus	Calcium	Magnesium
3%	10%	4.5%	17%	3%

 

Top EQ Premium Protect provides the greatest protection against big head in horses. It contains an organic form of calcium which is highly bioavailable, meaning that it can be easily absorbed in the gut.  

This ration is recommended for horses that have either shown signs of big head previously or are currently experiencing symptoms. Premium Protect is very effective in preventing the condition so it would also be recommended for all horses grazing high oxalate pastures. 

 

 

Give Top Country a call on 07 46 228 330 to discuss a supplementation program for your horses today!