Nutrient Requirements of Horses

What is the minimum requirement?

minimum intake to sustain life in the average healthy horse within the population; feeding below this constitutes neglect

What is the basic recommendation?

includes a “safety margin” so it meets the minimal requirement of the majority of horses

What is the optimal recommendation?

geared toward a particular individual or groups of individuals with specific needs

What is the low formula used on a horse on stall rest or is arthritic? An “easy keeper” - tend to gain weight easily?

30.3 x BW (kg)

What is the average formula used on a horse that moves around normally? A “normal keeper” - very little weight change?

33.3 x BW (kg)

What is the high formula used on a horse with caloric demands, nervous or young horses?A “hard keeper” - tend to lose weight easily?

36.3 x BW (kg)

For an evaluation of exercise you should consider the duration and intensity of exercise per day but also keeping in mind what?

owners often overestimate the amount and intensity of exercise of their horses

What should always provide the basic foundation of the equine diet?

forage (hay/grass)

What is the minimum requirement of forage horses should eat per day?

1% of body weight per day

Forage to concentrate ratio should be ______.

high

What is the basic requirement of forage horses should eat per day?

1.5-2% of body weight per day

What are the rules of feeding roughage?

should be stored to promote air circulation to protect from rain/moisture, first-in first-out, and should be fed off the ground but not higher than shoulder level to avoid getting into eyes

What are the usual cereal grains incorporated into horse diet?

corn, oats, wheat, barely, etc

What is concentrate?

mixture of grains, roughage by-products, protein by-products, mineral/vitamin supplements

Is it required to feed grains/concentrates?

used to supply additional energy and/or essential nutrients not supplied by the roughage and to provide additional calories for horses with increased damands

How do you avoid “starch overload”?

feed no more than 1 g of starch per kg of body weight per meal

Feed should be measured by ______.

weight

What should the calcium to phosphorous ratio in diet be?

1.5-2:1 NEVER <1:1

What is magnesium essential for?

cell metabolism, muscle contraction, enzyme systems and bone growth/development

What are sodium and chloride essential for?

osmotic regulation, muscle function nerve conduction, and for cellular pumps

What is potassium essential for?

osmotic regulation, muscle function (skeletal and smooth), and for bone growth and development

Where are water soluble vitamins absorbed?

dorsal colon

Where are fat soluble vitamins absorbed?

small intestine