Wet Chemistry Starch Analysis

Key Benefits

The level of starch in forage tends to be low, but in conjunction with the amount of water-soluble carbohydrate is important for estimating the amount of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) in a forage. Laminitis prone horses, those with IR/EMS and PPID (Cushing’s) may need their intake of NSC to be restricted in order to help manage the problem.

Current recommendations for the management of laminitis prone horses, those with IR/EMS and PPID (Cushing’s) horses are to try to feed hay or feeds with less than 10-12% NSC on a dry matter basis. These figures are primarily based on personal observations and experiences rather than specific scientific studies to show that these levels are ‘safe’. In practice all horses are individuals and the severity of the metabolic issues that they have will vary. Some horses may be managed on hays higher than this level without an issue, whilst management of others may be difficult even on levels of around 10-12%.