Equine Nutrition

Why do horses need to graze (eat little and often)?

The equine stomach does not have any elastic properties so horses are limited as to how much they can eat at once. This means they must eat frequently to ensure they meet their energy requirements.

Why do horses need lots of roughage in their diet?

Fibre is required to neutralise stomach acid, lowering the risk of gastric ulcers which horses are prone to. Roughage includes hay, alfalfa, chaff, grass, haylage or silage.

Why must fat be introduced to a horse’s diet slowly?

Horses do not have gallbladders so cannot store bile. Adding fat to the diet slowly will allow bile production to adjust to the amount of fat in the diet.

What are the 6 key areas examined to determine a horse’s body condition score?

The neck, withers, loin, tail head, ribs, behind the shoulder.

How much of a horse’s diet should be protein, for maintenance?

7-8%

How can you increase the energy density of a horse’s diet?

Give concentrates, mash, pellets, grains, fruits and vegetables.

What must you be aware of when supplementing electrolytes in performance horses?

Some electrolytes can cause horses to test positive for illegal substances.

How does equine nutrition vary in pregnancy?

• Horses should be fed a normal maintenance diet for the first 8 months of pregnancy.

• In the 3rd trimester, or the last 90 days, the foal grows very rapidly and energy requirements are increased. 25% more protein required.

• In the first 3 months of lactation, energy requirements are increased even more and 60% more protein is required.

• From 3 months into lactation until weaning (4-9 months) energy requirements begin to decrease but 50% more protein is still required.W

What should foals be fed?

• Milk for the first 3 months

• Creep feed and hay offered from 3 months

• Coprophagia may be observed

• Foals must not eat too much protein as this can predispose them to orthopaedic disease.