Feeding Horses Flashcards

Flashcards about feeding horses with information about equine nutrition, body condition scoring, and nutrient requirements.

Body Condition Scoring Chart

A chart used to assess a horse's body fat levels, ranging from 1 (Poor) to 9 (Extremely Fat).

Moderate Body Condition Score (5)

Back is flat; ribs not visually distinguishable but easily felt; fat around tailhead is spongy; withers appear rounded; shoulders and neck blend smoothly.

Karst

A topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves.

Electrolytes

Minerals like Na, K, and Cl that maintain fluid balance and nerve and muscle function in horses, lost in sweat.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin A and E may need to be supplemented if the horse is not grazing.

National Research Council (NRC)

Publishes 'Nutrient Requirements of Horses,' a guide for equine nutrition.

Overgrazing

Can lead to horses overeating lush, rapidly growing pasture, causing health issues.

Energy Feeds

Include grains like corn, oats, barley, sorghum, and wheat, which are a poor source of protein and lysine.

Beet Pulp

A byproduct energy feed. It is a great source of energy and fiber for horses.

Protein Feeds

Include alfalfa hay and oilseed meals like soybean meal, cottonseed meal, and linseed meal.

Complete Feeds

Contain roughage, such as beet pulp, dehydrated alfalfa meal, and soy hulls.

Laminitis (Founder)

Can be caused by overconsumption of grain or lush grass, which leads to microbial fermentation.

Rumensin (monensin)

Extremely toxic feed additive for horses that experiences environmental degradation in approximately 24 hours.