Читать книгу Animal Cruelty Investigations - Группа авторов - Страница 113

Horses, donkeys, and mules are foraging animals eating grass and hay throughout the day. They require access to hay and/or pasture equal to 1–2% of their body weight (10–20 lb for a 1000 lb horse) per day. They drink 5–10 gal of water per day. Equine species require regular hoof trimming to allow them to walk and stand comfortably. Without regular maintenance, equine hooves are prone to painful splitting and curling. Equine teeth have evolved to grind grasses and grains. They develop sharp points and caps that must be filed away or removed by a veterinarian (a procedure known as floating) in order for the horse to efficiently chew its food. All equines are prone to parasites and require periodic deworming to avoid infestations, which can lead to illness and even death in some cases. Pregnant, nursing, and senior equines may require specialized diets and more frequent veterinary care to maintain their health and comfort.