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The Basics of Equine
Nutrition
Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Extension
Specialist in Equine Management
FS #038 Revised: April 2004
Digestive System Limitations
Horses are non-ruminant herbivores (hind-gut fermentors). Their small
stomach only has a capacity of 2 to 4 gallons for an average-sized
1000 lb. horse. This limits the amount of feed a horse can take in at one
time.
Odd Things that
Horses Eat
Sarah L.
Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College,
Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet #062 - Reviewed 2004
Horses
are adapted to a diet based primarily of forages. Their digestive systems
are geared toward the digestion of high roughage feeds that change slowly
(for example, sudden access to a bag of grain or lush pasture after they
have eaten only dry hay for the previous 5 months is likely to result in
colic).
Forage Substitutes
for Horses
Sarah L.
Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College,
Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet 073 - Reviewed 2004
Forages
such as long stem hay and/or pasture grasses and legumes are the traditional
cornerstones of horse rations. A good source of forage should comprise at
least 50% of a horse’s daily intake, which would be 12 to 15 lbs of dry hay
for the average adult horse.
Analysis of Feeds and Forages for Horses
Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook
College, Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet #714 - Reviewed 2004
When is Feed Analysis Necessary?
Before rations can be evaluated or
formulated it is necessary to know the nutrient content of the feeds
used. Visual evaluation cannot accurately predict the nutrient value
of a feed. Published values for feeds may be used to estimate
general nutrient content of rations (NRC, 1989).
Performance
Horse Nutrition and Notes on Conditioning
Sarah L.
Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College,
Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet #752 - Reviewed 2004
Diets which maintain optimal body condition and performance are as varied as
the type of competition expected of horses. There are however several areas
that are common to all types of performance. All horses need water, energy,
fiber, protein, and at least minimum levels of vitamins and minerals to
maintain desired condition for performance.
Care for the Older
Horse: Diet and Health
Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department
of Animal Science, Cook College, Rutgers University
Fact Sheet #759 - Reviewed 2004
When Does an Old Horse Require Special Care?
As with humans, chronological age does not always
match the aging process. In studies by the author many horses over age
20 had conditions that required special care; however, many did not.
Indeed, these horses often were still valued as riding or performance
horses or, in the case of stallions and mares, used for breeding even
past the age of thirty. Age alone should not be a criterion for
retirement or special management. If the horse is in good body
condition, healthy and active even at 20+ years, don’t change your
routine. However, if an aged horse has some of the problems in Table 1,
it may be a candidate for special care. Nutritional recommendations are
given in Table 2.
Maintenance
of the“Easy Keeper” Horse
Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D.,
dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College, Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet #799 - Reviewed 2004
Some
horses gain weight easily, even under conditions where other horses will
lose weight if not fed additional feed. These are commonly called “easy
keepers.” They are a joy to own because it takes less feed to keep them in
good condition.
Diagnosis of
Nutritional Problems in Horses
Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department
of Animal Science, Cook College, Rutgers University
Fact Sheet #894 – Reviewed 2004
Nutrition is frequently implicated as a cause of disease or poor
performance of horses. Sudden changes in feed or feeding schedules, toxins
present in feeds or forage plants, and excesses or deficiencies of nutrients
can all result in clinical problems. Diagnosis of the nutritional cause is
necessary to effect a cure. Finding the source of the problem may be as
simple as a getting a thorough history (i.e., the horse got into the grain
bin). However, in many cases a more thorough investigation may be necessary.
Feeding the
Rapidly Growing Foal
Sarah L.
Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal Science, Cook College,
Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet #895 - Reviewed 2004
Large foals that are growing
rapidly are often considered to be at increased risk of developmental
orthopedic disease (DOD). A multifactorial problem, DOD includes problems
such as osteochondrosis dessicans (defective bone and cartilage at the joint
surface), epiphysitis (enlarged, painful growth plates), flexure and angular
limb deformities, and perhaps wobblers syndrome. Genetics, nutrition and
exercise all play a role in the incidence of DOD in horses.
Feeding
Horses for Competitions:
From Racing to Dressage
Sarah L. Ralston, VMD, Ph.D., dACVN, Department of Animal
Science, Cook College, Rutgers University
Fact
Sheet #934 - Reviewed 2004
Feeding performance horses during conditioning has already been addressed in
a previous fact sheet (FS752, 1994). Emphasis should be placed on provision
of the best quality forage available free choice and feeding only as much
grain or concentrates as needed to maintain desired body condition.
Nutrient Management on Livestock Farms:
Tips for Feeding
Michael L. Westendorf and Carey A. Williams, Extension Specialists in Animal Sciences
Fact
Sheet #1064 - Published June 2004
This fact sheet provides some guidelines to help livestock producers reduce nitrogen and phosphorus
losses by monitoring and/or changing feeding and management practices. This can result in less waste
and ultimately a healthier, cleaner, and safer environment.
Antioxidants and Your Horse
Carey A. Williams, Ph.D., Equine Extension Specialist
Lesleyann E. Atherly, Rutgers University, Cook College, Animal Science Research Student
Jessica D. Hirsch, Rutgers University, Cook College, Animal Science Research Student
Fact
Sheet #1065 - Published August 2007
Oxidation is defined as one of the processes by
which nutrients are broken down and converted
into energy for normal metabolic function. In times of
stress, exercise, growth, pregnancy, or lactation, the
rate of oxidation is elevated because the body is
rapidly breaking down nutrients (like protein,
carbohydrates, and fat) to produce energy needed
during these times. During these metabolic
processes if the regulatory systems in the body are
overwhelmed, oxidative stress can occur.
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