1. Classes of Feeds for Horses Presentation Part 6: Supplements #8895-B

2. Supplements Fed to boost nutrition value of ration Four common types are: – Protein – Vitamins – Mineral – Combination

3. Protein Horses that have higher protein requirement include: – Growing horses – Lactating horses – Horses in later stages of pregnancy – Performance horses in stressful conditions – Horses consuming poor-quality roughage

4. Protein Expensive Many rations contain more protein than actually needed Additional protein causes no harm – Converted to energy

5. Protein Must excrete excess nitrogen – Product of conversion process Excess nitrogen is expelled in the form of urea in the urine – Strong ammonia smell

6. Protein Can be derived from several sources including: -- Alfalfa-- Linseed -- Soybeans-- Cottonseed meals -- Meat-- Bone -- Blood meals-- Milk products -- Dried brewer’s yeast

7. Protein Alfalfa meal & legume pellets - excellent sources of protein Soybean meal is best for young, growing horses – Essential amino acids in balanced form – More lysine

8. Protein Lysine - needed for growth – Will limit growth if not present Dried skim milk - outstanding source for young, growing horses – High levels of lysine

9. Vitamins A horse receiving enough vitamins from its ration or synthesizing them in its body needs no vitamin supplement. No benefit from supplementation Costly Excessive vitamins may damage horse

10. Vitamins If feed requires additional vitamins for balancing and providing daily requirements, several sources available Sources of vitamin A: – Commercially synthesized vitamin A – Fish liver oils – Liver meal

11. Vitamins Carotene - needed to synthesize vitamin A Obtained from: – Alfalfa meal – Corn gluten meal – Quality hay – Fresh green forages

12. Vitamins In the gut, horses synthesize vitamins: – B12 – Thiamine, – Other B vitamins Performance horses fed high grain diets show diminished synthesis of B vitamins by microbes in intestinal tract

13. Vitamins Horses requiring more energy need vitamin B Supplements high in vitamin B include: – Dried brewer’s yeast – Animal liver meal – Wheat germ – Soybean oil meal – Dried legumes

14. Vitamins Exposure to sunlight and hay are primary sources of vitamin D – Also fish liver oil Most feeds contain vitamin E so they seldom need supplementation – Good source: Alfalfa pellets

15. Vitamins Injectable vitamins should not be used to treat diseases or deficiencies without consulting a veterinarian.

16. Minerals Commonly used when balancing rations Calcium and phosphorous are commonly deficient in rations Many sources of both exist

17. Minerals Sources of calcium include: – Ground limestone – Oyster shell flour Both calcium & phosphorous are provided by: – Steamed bone meal – Dicalcium phosphate – Monocalcium phosphate

18. Minerals Horses that exercise intensely and sweat profusely may be deficient in salt. Salt block may help

19. Minerals Trace minerals or micronutrients -commonly added to rations Only required in very small amounts Essential in balanced ration

20. Minerals Most often in natural feeds Added to feeds grown in areas where soils are deficient in minerals Trace-mineralized salt block meets these needs – Including need for salt

21. Summary Feeds can be divided into three categories: – Roughages – Concentrates – Supplements

22. Summary Roughages: High in fiber & low in energy when compared to concentrates Include: – Hay – Forage crops – Pasture grasses

23. Summary Concentrates: Low in fiber and high in energy Include: – Grains – Some grain by-products Oats, barley and corn

24. Summary If diet lacks essential nutrients, supplementation with protein, minerals, and vitamins can correct those deficiencies