HUNTER CRACKED MAIZE (CLEANED & GRADED) 20KG

Cracked maize (also known as cracked corn) is a common cereal grain used in equine diets, particularly as an energy supplement for horses in moderate to heavy work. While it should be fed with care, cracked maize can offer specific nutritional advantages when used appropriately.

Cracked maize is rich in carbohydrates, particularly starch, making it a dense and highly digestible source of energy. This makes it particularly useful for:

• Performance horses with high caloric demands.

• Hard keepers that struggle to maintain weight.

• Horses in cold climates needing extra energy to maintain body heat.

Horses generally find cracked maize highly palatable, which can be useful for picky eaters or during periods of stress, travel, or illness when appetite may be low. The cracking process improves texture and digestibility by breaking the hard outer kernel.

The high energy content of maize contributes to improved body condition when fed as part of a balanced ration. The oils present in maize can also help enhance skin and coat quality, giving horses a healthy, glossy appearance.

Compared to some commercial feeds, cracked maize is often a more affordable way to increase dietary energy. This makes it a practical option for budget-conscious owners managing performance or breeding horses.

Cracked maize can be used to balance forage-heavy diets or mixed with protein-rich feeds (like lupins or soybean meal) to create a custom ration that meets a horse’s specific energy and protein needs.

While cracked maize offers benefits, it must be fed responsibly:

• Moderate Starch Content: It has a high starch content, which can lead to digestive upset, laminitis, or behavioral changes (“fizz”) if overfed or not properly balanced with fiber and other nutrients.

• Balance with Fiber and Protein: Cracked maize is low in fiber and protein, so it should be part of a balanced diet that includes hay/pasture and additional protein if needed.

• Introduce Gradually: Always introduce cracked maize slowly to prevent gastrointestinal upset.