equine feed tags

What information is legally required to appear on an equine feed tag?

Product name; purpose; guaranteed analysis; ingredients; feeding directions; precautions; manufacturer info; bag weight.

What is the difference between a "pet food label" and a "livestock feed tag," and why does the distinction matter?

Same rules; pet food may require human-consumption warnings; classification affects regulation.

Which organizations regulate feed labels and what role does each play?

-FDA enforces;

-AAFCO sets model standards;

-state agencies enforce locally.

What components are included in the guaranteed analysis on an equine feed tag, and why are they important?

Protein, fat, fiber, ADF/NDF, Ca, P, Cu, Zn, Se, Vit A

—shows nutrient guarantees.

What is the purpose of the ingredient statement, and what are "collective terms"?

-Lists ingredients;

-collective terms group similar ones (e.g., "grain products").

Why are ingredients on equine feed tags not required to be listed in order of percentage by weight?

Not required by regulations.

How do chelated minerals differ from sulfates and oxides in bioavailability?

-Chelated = more bioavailable;

-sulfates/oxides = less.

What information must be considered when interpreting feeding directions?

Horse weight, workload, feeding rate, forage intake.

Why must concentrates be fed by weight instead of volume?

Density varies; volume is inaccurate.

What are the consequences of feeding more than 0.5% of a horse's body weight in concentrate at one feeding?

Higher risk of colic, grain overload, GI upset.

What key nutritional concerns arise when a horse receives only a "handful" of concentrate?

-Doesn't meet nutrient requirements.

-use a ration balancer:):):):)

What important nutritional information is not provided on an equine feed label, and how does this affect feeding decisions?

Ingredient quality, bioavailability, exact amounts—makes evaluation difficult.

What are the primary nutrient and calorie requirements for maintenance, performance, broodmare, and growing horses?

-Maintenance = basic needs;

-performance = more energy;

-broodmare = increased late gestation/lactation;

-growing = high nutrients for growth.

How do late-pregnancy and lactating mares differ in nutritional needs?

Late pregnancy needs more minerals/energy; lactation has highest energy/protein needs.

What factors contribute to Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD) in growing horses?

Excess calories, high starch, mineral imbalance, rapid growth, genetics.

What are the types of commercial equine feeds and when is each appropriate?

Textured, pelleted, extruded, complete, ration balancers, supplements—used by calorie and special needs.

-she really didn't mention when needed <3

How does the Henneke Body Condition Score system work, and what score is ideal?

Scale 1-9; ideal is 4.5-6.

What nutritional adjustments are recommended for an over-conditioned (BCS 7-9) horse?

Reduce calories, reduce concentrate, increase exercise.

What nutritional adjustments are recommended for an under-conditioned (BCS 1-3) horse?

Increase calories, add fat, improve diet.

How can misinterpretation of calorie requirements lead to nutrition-related problems in horses such as obesity or metabolic disease?

-Overfeeding → obesity/ID (insulin dysregulation)

-underfeeding → poor condition.