Nutritional Requirements of Equine

1. Nutritional Requirements of Equine Major Nutrient Requirements

2. Source of Energy • Supplied by carbohydrates and fats in units called calories • Kilocalorie (Kcal) = 1,000 calories • Mega calorie (Mcal) = 1,000 kilocalories • Digestible Energy (DE) – gross energy of the feed minus energy lost in feces. Feed manufacturers formulate rations based on DE • Net Energy (NE) – actual energy used for production and maintenance

3. Protein • 80% of horse’s structure on a fat-free, moisture free basis • Amino Acids – building blocks of protein, major components of muscle, enzymes, hormones • Quality and digestibility of protein affects the dietary protein requirement

4. Minerals • Development / maintenance of skeletal system • Important parts of hormones, amino acids and used in regulation of body functions • Sources – roughage (pasture/hay) and grain

5. Minerals Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio - If phosphorus intake exceeds calcium intake, calcium may not be absorbed (even if the feed meets the calcium requirement) • Calcium/Phosphorus – bone structure and energy transfer reactions • Sodium/Chloride in Salt – maintenance of fluid balance, acid-base balance, flow of nerve impulses and muscular movements

6. Vitamins • Needed in small amounts as catalysts for transformations and reactions in body tissues as part of the enzyme complex • Fat-soluble vitamins – A,D,E,K Stored in fat cells and liver. Vitamin A & E may be needed as supplement. • Water-soluble vitamins – B.complex (10 vitamins) and C. Not stored in body. Ingested and synthesized daily. • Water-soluble vitamins & Vitamin K synthesized by cecal microbes.

7. Water • Regulates body temperature, Assists in softening feedstuffs for ingestion • 10-12 gallons of fresh water daily (1 gallon/100 lbs. body weight) • Restricted water intake can result in reduced feed intake

8. Nutritional Requirements of Equine Regulating Nutrient Requirements

9. Maintenance • The nutrient intake required to maintain constant body weight during normal activity of non-working horse • Digestible protein & energy requirements for maintenance increase as weight increase • Horses larger than 1,300 lbs. require less energy for maintenance, they are less active

10. Growth • Protein and energy major influence on growth of young horses • Young horse needs more protein & energy for their active growth • Restrict intake of protein & energy – Restrict growth rate

11. Reproduction • Breeding and gestation factors regulate nutrient requirements for reproduction • Breeding Requirements • Mares gaining weight twice as likely to conceive than thin mares. Energy level may need to be 10-15% above normal • Protein requirements similar to maintenance protein requirement

12. Reproduction • Gestation Requirements • Energy and protein requirement increases drastically during last three months of pregnancy • 60-65% of fetal development occurs in last trimester.

13. Lactation • Level of milk production depends on energy and protein intake.

14. Work • Require more energy and protein than for maintenance • Amount varies with work conditions • Increase maintenance requirement for energy by 10% for each hour of fieldwork.

15. Other Factors • Individuality of horse (Body composition, metabolism, temperament) • Environmental factors (temperature, humidity, parasite control) • Weight and ability of rider