Equine Requirements Cont.

Flashcards about Equine Nutrition

What factors influence when to increase or decrease the energy density of a horse's ration?

Environmental temperatures, life stage, and activity level.

How do forages (fiber) affect heat production during digestion?

Forages increase heat production (heat increment) significantly during breakdown.

How do grains (starches, sugars, lipids) compare to forages in terms of heat production during digestion?

Grains are more easily broken down and do not produce as much heat as forages.

What are the three main types of bacteria found in the horse's hindgut?

Cellulolytic, Amylolytic, and Proteolytic bacteria.

What do cellulolytic bacteria digest?

Complex polysaccharides (fiber, cellulose).

What do amylolytic bacteria digest?

Starches.

What do proteolytic bacteria digest?

Proteins.

Who developed the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System?

Dr. Don Henneke.

What is the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System used for?

Evaluating a horse's body condition regardless of breed, body type, sex, or age.

What areas of the horse's body are assessed in the Henneke Body Condition Scoring System?

Lumbar spinous processes, ribs, tailhead, area behind the shoulder, neck, and withers.

What is the ideal Body Condition Score (BCS) for the average Quarter Horse?

Between 5 and 6.

What does a BCS of < 4 indicate?

Energy deficit, often due to lactation or improper nutrition for activity level.

What does a BCS of > 7 indicate?

Decreased tolerance of exercise and heat, and increased risk of laminitis.

What occurs during the 'catabolic state' of starvation?

Glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and protein catabolism.

What are some electrolyte imbalances that occur during refeeding syndrome?

Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia.

What does refeeding Syndrome cause?

Edema due to salt and water retention.