WITHIN the sales ring the body condition, conformation and overall appearance of a yearling can either add or subtract from its sales catalogue page. The aim of preparation of yearlings for the sales ring is to have them in the best physical condition as possible but to do this without causing any negative effects on their health or musculoskeletal system.

Plusvital Breeding Robust has several targeted, beneficial functions which make it a very suitable supplement for use during sales preparation. It is a highly palatable soy protein-based pellet supplement and is very appetising for young animals. It provides increased levels of lysine and methionine both of which are important amino acids for muscle growth. Both help to produce a high-quality topline on the young horse for the sales ring when used in combination with appropriate types and levels of exercise. Lysine in particular is crucial in supporting the development of the weanling, as it is required for improving protein availability. Lysine is the first limiting amino acid in horses and is required at 0.65% of the diet in weanlings. This means protein synthesis and tissue growth can be impaired if this amino acid becomes limited within the diet.

Another important issue in young horses is the prevention of developmental orthopaedic disease - a complex of musculoskeletal disorders, some examples of which include: physitis, angular limb deformities, subchondral bone cysts and osteochondrosis.

The prevalence of these diseases can be over 60% in young thoroughbreds. The causes of these diseases are multi-factorial and include genetics, hormones, conformation, growth rate, exercise type/amount and nutrition. They are interconnected causal components however nutrition has a role to play. An irregular growth rate or spurts may be a factor that increases risk of these diseases. A balanced and targeted approach to nutrition is key. Plusvital Breeding Robust provides increased calcium and phosphorus in the correct ratio (2:1) which can support the bone growth early in life. Additionally, high levels of vitamins A and D are also support bone growth.

As it is in a pellet form it can be fed to young horses by itself without the need for additional feed and a high oil content provides more energy in a smaller quantity of ration without the presence of non-fibre carbohydrates which can produce an insulin response. Being able to feed Plusvital Breeding Robust by itself enables the reduction of calories in the diet if required.