Thursday, March 26, 2015

Tribute Kalm Ultra

Tribute Kalm Ultra

12% Protein - 12% Fat - 12% Fiber
25% NSC; 1520 kcal/lb
454 Million Microorganisms/ lb
Ingredients: Ground Beet Pulp, Wheat Middlings, Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Cane Molasses, Oat Meal, Flaxseed Meal, Rice Bran, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Soybean Hulls

Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.

Ingredient Dissection ||


Beet Pulp || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.

Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Ground Extruded Whole Soybeans || An extremely high quality protein [36%], fat [18%], and decent fiber [6%], soybeans are a superior ingredient. Under high temperatures & pressure, the anti-nutritional factors are destroyed and turned the soy into a high digestible nutrient.

Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Pellets are known for using oil to aid in binding the pellets together.


Cane Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

Oat Meal || Oats are about 50% starch though this isn't of too much concern since a majority of it is digested in the foregut as to not raise the pH in the hindgut and induce ulcers. Oat starch is healthy starch, though still use in moderation. Oats are high in protein, fiber, and mediocre in fat. They are a fantastic energy source. Just be AWARE of the starch.

Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.

Rice Bran || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.” “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.” “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.” Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, though adds additional fat and calories.

Dehulled Soybean Meal || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Nutrena SafeChoice Original

Safe Choice Original

14% Protein - 7% Fat - 15% Fiber
???1,300 kcal/ lb???
23% NSC [5.0% Sugar, 17.0% Starch]
Ingredients: Wheat Middlings, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Soybean Hulls, Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Ground Corn, Cane Molasses

Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

Starch is needed to build muscle glycogen stores and provide the explosive energy needed during training and competitions. Though too much starch can be a bad thing, contributing to the pH disturbance in the hindgut that causes released toxins and ulcers. There are different forms of starch, for example there is corn starch and oat starch. Corn is 70% starch and a majority of it passes through the foregut undigested and digests in the hindgut. This is where you run into problems, and can actually GIVE your horse ulcers. Oat is 50% starch and a majority is digested in the foregut, so it is gentler and healthier on the digestive system. Though as a whole, it's important to be conscious of the starch content in a horse's grain, especially if they aren't performance horses.

Ingredient Dissection:



Wheat Middlings || Wheat Middlings offer properties of the wheat grain though with considerably less starch. At a 14% protein, wheat middlings offer more digestible energy than legume hay.
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || An extremely high quality source of nutrients; approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%], higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids.3 Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%.4 Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content. Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles || During the distillation process of corn, starch is converted to ethanol. The leftover solubles [liquid] and distiller grains [semi-dry] are combined to produce DDGS which is commonly used in livestock feed. High protein [25%], decent fat [8%], low fiber [7%], and decent calories [1,400kcal/ lb]. Containing decent levels of lysine, an amino acid, isn't the best ingredient and should not be used as a filler or to replace other nutrition.

Ground Corn || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which messes with the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.” Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.

Molasses || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.



SafeChoice could certainly be worse, but it isn't great either. Wheat middling base is a less-than-idea way to start it off. Alfalfa is absolutely fantastic, very high quality. Soybean anything is very high quality, a super fiber. DDGS are mediocre and they don't concern me, though it's important that they are lower on the ingredient list and don't support a bulk of the feed. Ground corn is high in starch that is digested in the hindgut, a horrid ingredient contributing to the high 17% starch content. Molasses is absolutely within normal limits, especially since the sugar of this grain is 5.0%

Monday, March 9, 2015

Purina Equilibrium Equilizer Break Down



Purina Equilizer
12% Protein - 6% Fat - 15% Fiber - 10% NSC

Recommended Feeding for Intense Working Mature Horse: 1kg [2.2lbs]

Ingredients: Soybean Hulls, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Soybean Oil, Wheat Shorts, -vitamins & minerals- [Ingredients not in order of their inclusion rate]

Soybean Hulls || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content.6 Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.

Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%]2,  higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids.3 Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%.4 Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content  though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”3

Soybean Oil || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Purina is known for mixing soybean oil with molasses to bind the pellets together.

Flaxseed || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.13

Wheat Shorts || High in protein [14%], low in fat [3.5%], and decent in fiber [8%] wheat shorts are the "fine bran particles, germ and a small portion of floury endosperm particles" that are separated through flour milling. High in energy, 3.01 Mcal/ kg makes this an excellent protein and energy source.7

2 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/11744
3 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/275
4 http://www.desialis.com/fr/r-d-qualite/processus-de-fabrication/luzerne-deshydratee
5 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/12623
6 http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2079/F-3923web.pdf
7 http://www.mcness.com/sites/default/files/file_attach/WheatshortsCdnF03.pdf
13 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3163/2
14 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/507/2


--- --- --- --- ---

Equilizer is what we call a ration balancer. It is a lot of vitamins & minerals very condensed into a small amount of grain. Mainly meant for easy keepers who don't require a lot of grain but still need their recommended daily vitamin & mineral values. It could also be used as a top dressing over another feed though I think that's impractical. If you're feeding another grain, then you might as well make sure that said grain is a 'complete feed' and meets all of their nutrient requirements versus adding more products and more volume.

I added Equalizer to my Ration Balancer comparison chart, though I'm pretty confident none of the products listed are available in Canada.



Looking at the chart we noticed that it is one of the best with NSC. "Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); are used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis." Purina does not provide us with any details regarding the NSC, only that the overall NSC is 10%, which is still good no matter how you splice and dice it.

Next is the protein which is heavily lacking, a big problem. Most ration balancers you are only feeding 1kg a day, so they are a lot more condensed to make up for the small volume. 12% is very very low, and it does not guarantee the levels of the amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks of protein; Lysine, Methionine, and Threonine are listed on the chart. 6.00% is generous considering that this type of feed is designed for easy keepers whom probably don't need any extra fat in their life. Fibre, on the other hand, exceeds expectations with a 15%. Fiber is the best for a horse's digestive track and helps maintain stasis within' the gut. Most of the time a ration balancer has a low fiber because the company assumes that the horse is already on an all-forage diet, they just need vitamins & minerals.

Onto the vitamins & minerals; the calcium: phosphorus ratio is off. There should always be about twice as much calcium than phosphorus, a 2:1 ratio. Here it is 3.00% Calcium and 2.5% phosphorus, that ratio is not correct. They guarantee a sodium content which is not as common as you may think it is. A sub-par Magnesium content. Guarantees sulfur, crucial for all connective tissues in the body. Guarantees Iodine, a common deficiency amongst horses so big plus there. While Iron is not proven to increase red blood cells in horses like it does in humans, it is a nutrient all the same.

Low in Selenium, which is concerning because Selenium deficiencies are very real. I would like to see this 3-4 times higher than what it is since it's a ration balancer. Low copper & zinc amounts which will be directly related to hoof health. Then it doesn't contain ANY biotin which is directly related to hoof & coat health. In addition to no microorganisms to aid in digestion.

The further we delved into this grain the more I'm convinced it is a flawed product. No way could it support an adult maintenance horse, let alone a performance horse. I would not recommend this product. It is a poor multi-vitamin, a poor ration balancer, and there are better alternatives.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Corta-Flx [Work In Progress]

Corta-Flx is very a very unique equine joint supplement. When you glance at most joint ingredients you more often than not see glucosamine, chondroitin, and maybe hyluronic acid. Corta-Flx is a great example when you DON'T see that. Here is a breakdown of Corta-Flx, made by Corta-Flx Inc.

Pellet Label: http://www.bigdweb.com/labelpdfs/02892.pdf

285mg [1.0%] Glycine
142.5mg [0.5%] Aspartic Acid
142.5mg [0.5%] Lysine
88.35mg [0.31%] Proline
85.5mg [0.30%] Glutamic Acid
59.85mg [0.21%] Arginine
22.8% [0.08%] Threonine
285mg [1.0%] Gelatin
50mg Hyluronic Acid

Glycine || is a non-essential amino acid means that tissues of the tissues can produce this. Glycine "makes up 35% of the protein collagen, is a key component in many metabolic reactions, and has anti-inflammatory as well as immune-modulating properties." 1

Arginine || Stimulates insulin, growth hormone release, and immune system by boosting T-cell production. 2



1 https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/horse-supplement-ingredients#glycine
2 http://equinenutritionhealth.com/our-blog/protein-amino-acids-in-the-equine-diet

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Multi-Vitamin Supplements




click to enlarge


I made this Multi-Vitamin comparison chart, comparing some of my most popular supplements available on the market. The results were surprising, but enlightening all the same.

Overall Best
Sho-Glo by Manna Pro

Best Value
Perktone by Cox Vet Lab

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Calories per Pound & ESC + Starch

On November 6th, 2014 I gave Poulin, Purina, and Triple Crown a call asking about some of their products. While a guarteneed analysis and ingredients are easily found, the calorie per pound and ESC content is difficult to obtain. So I went directly to the source.

In previous articles I've always referenced NSC, Non Structural Carbohydrate (NSC); used to describe the sugar and starch content of the feed, the digestible carbohydrates. Horses with lamanitis, founder, metabolic, etc require a low starch low sugar diet. 11% NSC and below is recommended for that population of horses. While full working performance horses should have 22% NSC or below as to not cause any digestive upset or unwanted 'hotness' that is usually associated with some grain. To put this in perspective, corn has a 73% NSC with the glycemic index of 100. Corn is basically straight sugar and starch, very bad on the horse's body.

Ethanol soluble Carbohydrates (ESC) is composed of the simple sugars glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Water soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) is glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans. If you take the WSC minus the ESC then you get the fructan content. Fructan is digested in the hind gut, too releases endotoxins in the bloodstream which is a cause of lamnitis. Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) are digested in the foregut and raise insulin levels. Too much can be a contributing factor towards laminitis.

So for the sake of comparison, I will be using ESC + Starch percentage.


Poulin
Fibre-Max: 1,500 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 17.5%
PerforMAX 12:12: 1,500 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 25.5%
Performance 10:12: 1,550 kcal/ lb
ESC + Starch: 28.8%
Calorie-Plus: 3,500 mcal/ lb

Poulin's ESC + Starch levels could not be obtained


http://www.poulingrain.com/resources/Poulin_Horse_Feed_Carbohydrate1010.pdf
 
Purina

  • Ultium: 1,900 kcal/lb & 15% NSC
  • Omolene 100: 1,535 kcal/lb & 40.5% NSC
  • Omolene 200: 1,625 kcal/lb
  • Omolene 300: 1,535 kcal/lb
  • Strategy: 1,500 kcal/lb & 24% NSC
  • Horse Chow 100: 1,000 kcal/lb & 16% NSC
  • Horse Chow 200: 1,125 kcal/lb & 18% NSC
  • Complete Advantage: 1,400 kcal/lb & 22.9% NSC
  • Horseman's Edge 12: 1,500 kcal/lb
  • Horseman's Edge 14: 1,500 kcal/lb
  • Athlete: 1,900 kcal/lb & 45% NSC
  • Equine Senior: 1,225 kcal/lb & 22% NSC
  • Equine Junior: 1,350 kcal/lb & 23% NSC
  • Fibra Plus: 1,452 kcal/lb & 18% NSC
  • IntegriT: 1,452 kcal/lb & 10% NSC

Triple Crown
Complete: 1,700 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 20.6%
Senior: 1,546 kcal/lb
ESC + Starch: 11.7%

Nutrena
Pro Force Fuel: 1,595 kcal/lb
Sugars: 7% Starch: 13% NSC: 20%

Monday, November 3, 2014

Equine Microcurrent: Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulator

Microcurrent

Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulator [MENS] is a device used to
produce low-amplitude currents that mimic the electrical exchanges that occur at the cellular level.6, 3 When damaged, the cells become electrically imbalanced. Microcurrent helps to reestablish normal electrical current to stimulate and accelerate healing, as well as increase levels of ATP up to 500%. ATP is Adenosine Triphosphate and is the body’s energy reservoir and is necessary for almost all body function. When injured, the tissue’s ATP supply can become diminished. Microcurrent increases ATP levels and therefore increases the body’s healing process.6

The primary benefits of microcurrent therapy includes improved circulation, increase red blood cell count, nerve repair without scar tissue, stimulated lymph circulation, elimination of toxins, increase ATP production by 500%, lengthening the connective tissue, improved nutrition to joints. These effects aid and comfort in conditions such as suspensory, ligament, tendon, and hoof issues, body soreness, boosts the immune system, boosting and speeding the healing process.6

Research & Studies:

In a 2013 study done in Japan, they subjected mice to continuous hindlimb suspension and treated one group with microcurrent. The results, respectively, were the regrowth of atrophied soleus muscle in microcurrent treated group was faster than that in control group. Significant increases in phosphorylated levels of p70 S6 kinase and protein kinase B (Akt) in microcurrent treated group were observed.

This means that during the hindlimb suspension, the mice lost the bulk of their soleus muscle, their calf muscle. They were treated the following days with an hour if microcurrent treatment. The treated mice’s calf muscle development increased faster than the untreated mice.2

           
My Products:


MicroPlus Device x 
Elastic Surcingle x
Splitter Cables x
Lead wire extenders 6' x 
Conductor Gel x
9 volt Batteries x&x


The MicroPlus is a small handheld device, made in the USA, and is FDA, CE, and ISO certified. Fueled by a 9-volt battery this is one of the best low-cost systems on the market costing around $200. The MicroPlus “has five frequencies, can adjust between positive, negative or alternating current, and is able to switch from microamps to milliamps. The MicroPlus has polarity control as well as stable and accurate current selections, which is unique for a device in this price range. The MicroPlus has very soft voltage outputs, which makes it one of my favorites in the low-cost category. Quality is very good and it has FDA, CE, and ISO certification. One con is that you must know the little tricks to get the best results and effectively use the full features of this unit. The MicroPlus has a 5-year warranty and overall is a good choice for the price.”4

“It is necessary when treating animals is to create a constant moisture barrier between the electrode and the animal's skin. The moisture from the gel or water provides the medium for electron flow. Without a moisture barrier the treatment will be both irritating and non-effective. Gels are preferred because only using water can be messy and tends to dry to fast. Gels are a thicker consistency and can last the duration of a treatment while keeping the session comfortable and productive.” “Choosing a high viscosity gel is your best choice. This means it will maintain its thickness longer. Plain aloe vera gel will work, but the breakdown will be much faster than a gel made for electrical stimulation treatments.”5

It doesn’t matter what type of electrodes are used, as you are going to be gel’ing and taping them on either way. Extension wires and splitters are necessary for microcurrent in horses, as to treat multiple areas at once or the legs, you will need additional wire. Vet wrap is your friend to help control the cords and keep the taped electrodes in place.



Administering Treatment:


Positive & Negative Polarity
50uA – 500uA Frequency
0.5 – 1.0Hz Range
2 Second Pulses


To set up, you want some type of blanket or bellyband to secure your Microcurrent system on. Attach the splitters to the extensions to the electrodes. Apply the gel to the electrodes and take masking tape to secure the ‘nodes onto the horse; follow up with vet wrap.

Once you’re all hooked up, there are many different settings that one could apply, though it is important not to cause any discomfort or irritation. For the MicroPlus there is switchable polarity, five most popular frequencies, micro amperage, and low level TENS (milliamps).” Positive polarity is most useful with a new injury as it reduces swelling, controls pain, helps prevent stiffness, and increases the range of motion. Negative polarity is useful for chronic injury as it increases circulation, draws excess fluid away from injured body tissue, and aids in promoting the natural healing process. You can run both positive and negative polarities at the same time, though use your judgment.8

“Microcurrent increases ATP production my 500%. In a study done by Ngok Cheng, M.D. entitled "The effects of Electric Current on STP generation, Protein Syntheses and Membrane transport in Rat Skin." ATP production increased five times with currents from 50uA to 1000uA.”9 To induce healing, 100uA is used. It maximize ATP at 500%, 500uA is used. This is taken from different sources, and is meant to be a guideline not a fact. ATP generation decreased at greater than 500uA, ATP increased 30-40% using levels 100-500uA.

To reduce inflammation process, degeneration by restoring equilibrium, restore polarization to nerves, stimulate the ATP function of freshly injured muscle, micorcurrent in the .5-1.0Hz range with 2.5second pulses.10