Unit 8: Horses

 Nutrient Requirements Opinions are highly divided on many nutrient needs  Varies w/ the breed/use of the horse Energy  Depends on size and type of work  Pregnancy doesn’t increase energy requirement significantly Except during last 3 mos  Lactating mares should be supplemented

Unit 8: Horses Protein  Ignore high cost proteins and amino acids Unclear how much is needed/used  Supplemental protein is often not needed in older animals Grain and/or pasture, hay will meet needs Unless roughage is poor  1 lb CP/100 lb BW enough protein for maintenance Pregnant mare.35lb + maintenance Lactating mare.04 lb/lb milk + maintenance

Unit 8: Horses Minerals  Important for feet/leg soundness  Ca/P 1.5:1 or 2:1 ratios should be sufficient Depends on size, age, work  Salt 85g/d.5% of the total ration Both nutrient and condiment

Unit 8: Horses  TM TM salt will likely cover all needs Data is lacking to support specific needs Lost cost insurance for improved production  Vitamins Also limited information on needs Affected by size, age, workload Vit A  Pasture will supply usually  Supplement if stalling

Unit 8: Horses Vit D  Supplement when horses are kept inside a lot  Sunlight will help supply Vit E  Maybe most important mineral  Works w/ selenium  Prevents muscle degeneration, fat disease in foals  1% of Vit A supplementation Vit C  Horse can synthesize its own

Unit 8: Horses B vits  Most requirements are based on swine data  Feeds for Horses Forages  Hay or pasture at 1-2 lbs/100 lb BW Weight quality heavily in the ration  Feeding Hay Moldy/dusty hay can cause colic Poor quality hay in large amounts will reduce GI movement, cause impaction Be cautious w/ very high quality hay

Unit 8: Horses Bromegrass, orchard grass, timothy, bermuda grass mixtures are excellent for horses Legume hays should be mixed either in the field or at feeding to prevent health problems  Pastures Pasture mixes should be similar to hay No grain supplementation needed for horses if high quality pasture is available  Maybe only weanlings, yearlings, lactating mares, performance horses

Unit 8: Horses Concentrates  Oats Most widely used and most popular Use clean, high quality grain Dusty may cause colic May roll/crush for older horses  Corn Should be cracked, coarsely ground, or rolled Higher in energy than oats Most mix corn/oats

Unit 8: Horses  Protein supplements SBM  High quality  Economical Linseed meal  Provides bloom and luster for haircoat  Pelleted is best to reduce dust  May be more expensive