News
Interesting Findings on the Impact of a Forage-Only Diet on Performance Horses
Eden, ID, August 14, 2012:
Please reference the following study from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences regarding the impact of feeding performance horses a forage only diet.
A forage-only diet alters the metabolic response of horses in training
By A. Janssona and J. E. Lindberg
Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Abstract
Most athletic horses are fed a high-starch diet despite the risk of health problems. Replacing starch concentrate with high-energy forage would alleviate these health problems, but could result in a shift in major substrates for muscle energy supply from glucose to short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) due to more hindgut fermentation of fiber. Dietary fat inclusion has previously been shown to promote aerobic energy supply during exercise, but the contribution of SCFA to exercise metabolism has received little attention. This study compared metabolic response with exercise and lactate threshold (VLa4) in horses fed a forage-only diet (F) and a more traditional high-starch, low-energy forage diet (forage–concentrate diet - FC). The hypothesis was that diet F would increase plasma acetate concentration and increase VLa4 compared with diet FC. Six Standard bred geldings in race training were used in a 29-day change-over experiment. Plasma acetate, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), lactate, glucose and insulin concentrations and venous pH were measured in samples collected before, during and after a treadmill exercise test (ET, day 25) and muscle glycogen concentrations before and after ET. Plasma acetate concentration was higher before and after exercise in horses on diet F compared with diet FC, and there was a tendency (P = 0.09) for increased VLa4 on diet F. Venous pH and plasma glucose concentrations during exercise were higher in horses on diet F than diet FC, as was plasma NEFA on the day after ET. Plasma insulin and muscle glycogen concentrations were lower for diet F, but glycogen utilization was similar for the two diets. The results show that a high-energy, forage-only diet alters the metabolic response to exercise and, with the exception of lowered glycogen stores, appears to have positive rather than negative effects on performance traits.
(Abstract from www.thehorse.com on 8/1/2012)
Standlee Hay Company™ Reports on the Blister Beetle in Idaho
No Infestations Near Standlee Hay Farms
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eden, ID, August 6, 2012: The State of Idaho has recently alerted the public to a beetle congregating in higher numbers in Ada County specifically near the Boise Foothills area. The insect species identified by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is the native Punctuate Blister Beetle (Epicauta puncticollis) The State of Idaho does not have major concerns with the insect, however, Blister Beetles have been found in larger numbers this year resulting in a state-issued alert to raise awareness on the situation.
Blister Beetles belong to the Family Meloidae which lives in all parts of the world except New Zealand and Antarctica. Blister Beetles are commonly found with grasshoppers in weedy conditions where beetle larvae feed on grasshopper eggs and adult beetles ingest flowering crops like alfalfa. Blister Beetles do not typically threaten crops, however, the insect carries a toxin called cantharidin which can be harmful or lethal to livestock if ingested in large quantities.
The Striped Blister Beetle (Epicauta vittata) is widely considered to be a more serious threat to livestock. The striped species is prone to congregate in larger populations and has up to 25 times the concentration of toxin when compared to the Punctuate Blister Beetle. (Source: Blister Beetle Management in Alfalfa- University of Missouri Extension, Report- G4569, Reviewed October 1993.) The Striped Blister Beetle is typically found only in eastern states and they have never been reported west of South Dakota. (Source: Department of Entomology and Nematology- University of Florida, Report- EENY-280, Revised January 2012)
Standlee Hay Company™ (SHC) does not grow or purchase any forage in the Treasure Valley where the infestation of Punctuate Blister Beetles was found. Standlee Hay’s Quality Assurance (QA) personnel have contacted the University of Idaho Extension offices in each county near their forage sources to stay on top of the situation. No extension offices have reported any Blister Beetle infestations outside of Ada County.
Standlee Hay has well-established QA processes at their farms, production facility and distribution centers to detect and eliminate insect infestations and other foreign materials. Standlee Hay harvests its’ forage before abundant blooms exist to provide high quality and high protein products and cut down on any pests. Also SHC farm personnel scout fields 7-8 days prior to harvest to ensure that pests of all kinds are not present.
World Renowned Clinician and Horseman Clinton Anderson visits Standlee Hay Company. Click the link below to watch the video
Clinton Anderson Visits Standlee Hay Company
November 22, 2011
Two leading providers of forage products and services to the equine and dairy community, Standlee Hay Company, and Western Hay Company, today announced a definitive agreement to merge. Standlee Hay Company purchased the assets and accounts of Western Hay Company to create Standlee Hay Company, Western Hay Division. This transaction will combine two pioneering agriculture organizations into a single company with the client base, resources and expertise to meet the needs of the combined customers around the world.
Standlee Hay Company, Western Hay Division makes tremendous sense for our customers and employees. It marks an unparalleled opportunity for two successful, mission- driven organizations to unify with a singular focus on being the premier partner and provider to the equine, dairy and small animal community. Together we have opportunities to improve the access, quality and efficiency of agricultural products globally.
Both companies are passionate about the forage industry and have pioneered the industry. The fundamental beliefs and philosophies between the two companies are very similar; one of those is the passion to continued investment in developing quality products that make a difference. Given the alignment of our visions, technologies, and overall strategies, the combination of our two companies will advance the forage industry, benefiting customers worldwide.
October 19, 2011
Standlee Hay Company has spent several years planning and building the Management Team of Standlee Hay Company and have had several management promotions in the last couple of years. These management changes have provided stability and continued growth of our company. As part of our business plan and to continue to move the company forward we are pleased to announce that Mike Standlee has appointed his son Dusty Standlee as the New President of Standlee Hay Company. Dusty is the third generation Standlee in the family hay business. Dusty started his career in the fields, working days and nights, he moved his way into plant operations, management and to Vice President. This experience from the fields to the Corporate office has provided him the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the future successes of Standlee Hay Company. Please welcome the New President of Standlee Hay Company Dusty Standlee to his new position.
Mike Standlee will remain CEO of Standlee Hay Company and will continue defining the company vision and direction for future growth.
August 25, 2011
Standlee Hay Company's marketing team has been very busy this summer creating videos for our end users and retailers. These videos provide valuable information about our products and will assist end in making the proper decisions towards their equine's dietary needs. You can check out our videos by following these links.
How to Feed a Standlee Hay Compressed Bale of Hay
Standlee Hay Whinny Nicker Horse Treats
Standlee Hay Tidy Wrap Bales
Keep checking our News section or our Youtube page for new video's we will be posting later. Also, like us on Facebook and/or Twitter for the latest updates on products, nutrition or Company news.
May 7, 2011
Kentucky Derby 2011
John Velazquez has failed to get to the winners circle of the Kentucky Derby in 12 tries, when his mount Uncle Mo was pulled from the Derby due to stomach problems he saw his dreams go up in smoke once again. Velazquez’s mood improved when he got a phone call from the trainer Graham Motion, who needed a rider for a colt named Animal Kingdom. Motion, an Englishman, was having a bad week as well. His big horse, the Wood Memorial champion Toby’s Corner, had come up lame on Monday and was out of the Derby. On Wednesday, Animal Kingdom’s regular rider, Robby Albarado, broke his nose when a horse bucked him off during a post parade, then kicked him in the face. Johnny V. (as he is known) didn’t know if he should say yes or not, Animal Kingdom had never run on dirt and he had been on a long rest, and the last horse to win a Derby after being on such a long rest was in 1956.
With Standlee Hay products in Animal Kingdom’s system, Johnny V, rubbed his neck and asked him to go. Animal Kingdom took off and the crowd roared as he won the Kentucky Derby. This is the first win for trainer Graham Motion and Jockey Johnny V., this is also the first Derby win for Standlee Hay Company, you see Standlee Hay products are fed to Animal Kingdom and to the farm in which Graham Motion trains.
A very proud moment for Standlee Hay Company and all of its employees who work so hard to provide “Quality at its Best” to equine athletes.
March 25, 2011
Standlee Hay Company is pleased to announce the move of its Lexington Kentucky Distribution Center to a new larger facility. Our new location is 1124 Russell Cave Road, in Lexington Kentucky. We now offer a retail store available to individuals who wish to purchase less than a pallet of our outstanding Standlee Hay Products. Call us at 859-281-5117 or stop by and see our new facility!
March 15, 2011
Standlee Hay Company announces the addition of a Distribution Center in Newark Delaware. The addition of these facilities allows us to ship product via rail car to Newark Delaware and better service our East Coast customers. If you have any questions about receiving product out of the Delaware facility please give your sales representative a call. The Delaware DC enhances our ability to effectively service our customers in all areas of the United States. We look forward to working with our retail dealers and distributors to utilize this new location!