UlsaKind Cubes are formulated to be highly sympathetic to the equine digestive system, especially when the normal increase in acidity occurs between feeds. The formula is cereal-grain-free, very low in starch and sugar, and high in fibre, but still has a conditioning index of 12MJ/kg making these cubes both ‘Non-Heating’ and conditioning.
UlsaKind Cubes help to maintain a healthy stomach lining in all circumstances because they contain very high levels of β-glucans which form a gel and coat the stomach lining with a soothing film. The gel-like stomach contents are less likely to splash the upper squamous epithelium in the stomach.
These β-glucans also slow the rate of passage of feed through the stomach and intestines because of the sticky, gel-like consistency of the feed. In the stomach, this means that the periods of time when the stomach is empty, and therefore highly acidic, are reduced. The β-glucans in Ulsakind Cubes also bind to sugars in the intestine, slowing their absorption and so lowering the glycaemic index of the feed. This effect is augmented by the addition of a source of pectin to the formula. Pectin thickens to a viscous mucus in the acidic conditions of the stomach.
The UlsaKind formula contains 1% of a marine-derived ingredient, which helps to maintain a healthy stomach pH. The slow rate of passage of feed through the stomach also means that the small intestine has more time to absorb nutrients, reducing the levels of carbohydrate reaching the hindgut and potentially leading to excess lactic acid production.
The highly digestible fibre in these cubes is a food source for the beneficial bacteria in the hindgut, therefore, further helping to maintain a healthy hindgut environment.
UlsaKind Cubes are designed to be added to a TopSpec feed balancer or TopSpec All-in-One multi-supplement and therefore contain no added vitamins or trace-elements. They are however, enriched with the minerals calcium, sodium and magnesium thus overcoming the major problems associated with the use of straights.
UlsaKind Cubes are suitable for:
- Horses prone to gastric ulcers. TopSpec feed balancers provide a perfect base for feeding a cereal-grain-free, low sugar/starch diet. When further calories are required, to maintain or increase condition, UlsaKind Cubes provide the answer.
- All horses requiring extra condition when a ‘Non-Heating’ formula is essential.
- Horses requiring energy for performance whilst maintaining healthy digestive comfort.
- Any horses or ponies requiring a low sugar and starch/high fibre diet for other reasons.