ZOOTECHNICS 117

Equine Production

NUTRITION IN THE HORSE

DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY

Compared to ruminants, the horse has difficulty utilizing feeds with high-fiber, low protein, and low
carbohydrate, starch and fat content. To overcome this, the horse evolved as a selective forage eater grazing for
more than 16 – 17 hours per day covering considerable distances as they graze. The digestive system adapted to
suit this type of feeding behavior, the stomach and small intestines being built to handle the continuous passage
of small amounts of food. On the other hand, the hind gut evolved to maximally utilize fibrous feeds through
significant microbial fermentation much like the forestomach of ruminants. For this reason, horses have been
classified as hindgut fermenters.

Anterior Digestive Processes

The process of digestion begins with prehension in which food is grasped with the lips, tongue and teeth,
sometimes aided by the larger muscles of the head and neck to grab and pull feeds (e.g., when feeding on hay
bales). Next is mastication using the large molars which chops and macerates the food to smaller pieces. Poor
dentition can thus lead to problems as quidding (the dropping of partially chewed food from the mouth), choke
(lodging of food in the esophagus), and even impaction colic.

A horse will chew dry hay about 3,500 to 4,500 times per kilogram, taking about 40 minutes to eat each
kilogram of hay. With concentrate feeds such as oats, a kilogram will be consumed in less than 10 minutes with
about 850 chews per kilogram oats. Such reduction in feeding time is thought to cause boredom which
contributes to the occurrence of stable vices.

Saliva is also produced during the process of mastication. This helps to lubricate the feeds for passage through
the esophagus, and its’ bicarbonate content helps buffer the acid secretions in the stomach. On a dry matter
basis, horses produce twice as much saliva when horses eat hay or grass as compared to grains and other
concentrates. Thus when horses are fed a high concentrate diet, they produce less buffering activity against the
stomach acids and risk developing gastric ulcers.

The stomach produces acid on a continuous basis – a definite advantage for grazing horses or nibbling hay for
much of the day because the ingested feeds soaks up the gastric juices. However, when horses are fed just twice
a day, the long periods in between when the stomach is empty can lead to injury of the non-glandular portion of
the stomach lining resulting in gastric ulceration.

Although digestion of protein begins in the stomach due to the secretion of the enzyme pepsin, majority of
digestive and absorptive processes only begins when the ingesta reaches the small intestines which is about 20
m long. The ingesta is able to traverse the small intestines in one to three hours with concentrate feeds reaching
the cecum first resulting in a reduction in the digestion of available starch.

Bile salts, which emulsify lipids, are secreted by the liver continuously at the rate of 300 ml/hr which is
necessary as horses do not have a gall bladder. The pancreas secretes the enzymes trypsin, lipase and amylase
which digest protein, fats and carbohydrates. Bicarbonates and alkali are also found in the pancreatic juice
which is necessary for the proper functioning of these enzymes.

Simple sugars (primarily glucose) in grasses and molasses are easily digested. On the other hand, starch, which
is a complex sugar molecule, is first broken down to simple sugars until it is in an absorbable form (mono- and
di-saccharides). Various enzymes catalyze this digestive process beginning with amylase. Unfortunately,
amylase is produced in limited quantities in the horse thus giving it a limited ability to digest starch. As a
general rule, horse can handle no more than two grams starch per kilogram body weight in a single grain or
concentrate meal. Cereal grains contain high amounts of starch – oats contain about 50% starch while corn has
from 65-70%.

As an example, a horse weighing 400 Kg can only handle around 800 grams of starch. Thus, it should only be
fed 1.6 Kg of oats (50% starch) or 1.15 Kg of concentrate feeds based on corn on a single meal.

Processes in the Hind gut

The hind gut of the horse is voluminous. It begins with the cecum and terminates in the rectum. The cecum is
three to four feet long and has a capacity of up to 57 liters of fluid and ingesta. Next is the large colon, which
accounts for up to 40% of the total capacity of the digestive tract. It is here where fibrous fees are fermented by
billions of microorganisms (bacteria and protozoa) over a period of from 36-48 hours.

Cellulose and hemicellulose are the primary fibrous components of feed affected by microbial enzymes (lignin
is not digestible and is passed in the feces). Fermentation in the hindgut results in the production of carbon
dioxide, methane and volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate). The VFA’s provide about 30% to
70% of the total energy intake of the horse, while methane’s contribution is only 3%. Additionally, propionate,
a glucogenic VFA, results in significant glucose production.

Proteins that get to the large intestines are converted to microbial proteins but, unlike in cattle, cannot be
utilized by the horse. Water-soluble vitamins, while produced by microbial fermentation in the hindgut, are also
not utilized well due to limited absorbing capacity of the hind gut. The only exception is vitamin K, thus horses
rarely have vitamin K deficiency.

An often overlooked function of the large intestines is the absorption of water. The digestive process requires
the secretion of about 30 gallons (114 liters) of water for a 500 Kg horse. This is reabsorbed in the large colon
allowing the formation of semi-solid fecal material. Fecal balls are formed in the small colon where it is then
passed on to the rectum and anus for excretion.

Since there is significant microbial fermentation in the hindgut of the horse, it is important to feed not only the
horse, but also the microflora of the digestive tract. Starch getting into the hind gut is especially problematic as
its’ fermentation leads to the production of lactic acid. This lowers the pH of the cecum and colon. This
damages the lining of the large intestines, and the death of non-acid tolerant bacteria releasing endotoxins. This
can lead to cases of chronic diarrhea, colic, and/or laminitis .

Also, as the horse is adapted as a grazing animal, frequent feeding is preferred over once or twice a day
feeding. Clark et al. (1990) demonstrated that twice a day feeding of a high-energy, low-forage diet adversely
affected microbial activity and fluid content of the hindgut leading to increased incidence of digestive
disturbances.
Additionally, dietary changes should be made gradually as abrupt changes can lead to changes in the microbial
population, intestinal pH, and even death of certain types of bacteria which may lead to the release of
endotoxins. Endotoxins have been found to contribute to the severity of cases of laminitis. For optimum health
of the microbial population, it is recommended that horses be fed 0.45 Kg of dry matter per 45 Kg body weight
(1 lb DM per 100 lb body weight).

Rate of Passage

Feeds pass through the entire alimentary tract in about 30-50 hours with approximately 85% of this time in the
large intestine.

GENERAL FEEDING GUIDELINES

It is generally thought that horses have innate nutritional wisdom – that is, they tend to choose feeds that
provide nutrients deficient in their diets. Although animals have a general appetite for energy containing
nutrients and for water, only salt has been shown to cause an increase in preference when absent in the diet. In
practical terms, this means that horses cannot be expected to meet their mineral and nutrient requirements
(except for energy and water) when presented with a ‘cafeteria’ of nutrients. We must therefore give the horse
the feeds will give it the necessary nutrients.

Before we begin formulating a feed for horses, it is necessary to know the following:
1. What stage of life is the horse in (growing foal, lactating broodmare, pleasure horse or racehorse)
2. What level of activity is the horse engaged in
A. Light work a few hours a week at a slow pace (e.g., pleasure horse; childrens hunter)
B. Medium work an hour a day of trotting or cantering (e.g., dressage horse, working cow horse)
C. Intense work engaged in strenous tasks (e.g., polo, racing, three-day eventing)
3. What is the condition score of the horse
4. What feeds are available. If mixing own feeds, are the ingredients readily available? Are the
feeds/feedstuffs reasonably priced?

Amount to Feed

It is necessary to know the body weight of the horse to estimate the amount of feed it can consume in a day.
The most accurate way to do this is by using a weighing scale designed specifically for horses. Otherwise, a
rough approximation can be obtained using the heart girth and the body length (see chapter on weight
determination). The total daily feed consumption of the horse is calculated at 1.5% to 3% of its’ body weight.
Exceptions to this are for nursing foals which can only consume from 0.5% to 0.75% of their body weight in
solid food while they are nursing, and weanlings which may consume up to 3.5% of their body weight in feeds
per day.

For example, a Standardbred mare weighing 400 Kg will require from 6 to 12 Kg of feed a day. If the mare is
overweight, you should use the lower end of the scale. If she is used for high intensity competition, then her
feed requirement might be closer to 12 Kg per day.

In general, a horses total diet should be at least 50% forage by weight. Exceptions are in weanlings and
yearling in which the grain portion may be up to 60% and 70% of the diet respectively, and in two-year old
racehorses in training which might require up to 65% grain. Thus a horse should receive at least 1% of its’ body
weight in pasture, hay or other fiber sources, and up to 3% of their body weight in horses on light work.
Estimating the intake of hay is easy as it can be weighted, but it will be virtually impossible to determine the
actual daily intake of grass of a horse on pasture.

Carrying Capacity

A certain size of pasture can support only so many horses. This is termed as the stocking rate. Depending on the
quality of the pasture, stocking rates for various classes of horses are:

HORSE TYPE PASTURE REQUIREMENT PER HORSE

ACRES HECTARES
Pleasure Horse 1-2 0.4 - 0.8
Mare and Foal 1.75-2 0.7 - 0.8
Yearling 1.5-2 0.6 – 0.8
Choose the lower value for a high-quality pasture and the higher value for a low-quality pasture.

A stocking rate exceeding the carrying capacity of a grazed area will lead to over grazing, often resulting
disappearance of palatable species and the dominance of species that are not readily eaten. Overgrazing thus
leads to reduced productivity of the land. The unpalatable species at least protect the land against severe soil
erosion, which would otherwise occur.

Balancing the Ration

Among the various nutrient components of feeds, protein, calcium and phosphorus, and energy levels are the
most critical in balancing a ration. You can use the Pearson’s square method to estimate the level of intake of
these components. For example, if you are giving 70% grass hay with a protein content of 9%, and 30%
sweetfeeds with protein level of 18%, multiply 0.7 by 9 and 0.3 by 18. The products are then added to get the
total protein intake (11.7% in our example).

Perhaps more important than the amount of protein being fed is the quality of the protein in the diet. Not all
protein are created equal. Various sources have various amounts and arrangements of the 22 amino acids, and
horses may need more of some amino acids than others. The best quality protein are those which contain high
levels of the amino acid lysine. Lysine is considered as the “first limiting” amino acid in horse diets, meaning
that if there is a sufficient level of lysine, then all other amino acids are most probably also present. Soy protein
is considered to have the best “amino acid profile” among plant sources so feeds based on it are the best. Feeds
based on cottonseed and linseed meal have lower quality proteins.

With calcium and phosphorus, the ratio between the two should be 1.2:1 to 1.6:1 in adult horses. The minimum
recommended levels for calcium and phosphorus in the diet is 0.25% and 0.2% respectively.

Energy Requirements

Maintenance digestible energy (DE) requirements for horse weighing less than 600 Kg can be calculated using
the formula:

DE per day (Mcal) = 1.4 + [0.03 x body weight (Kg)], or

DE per day (MJ) = 0.55 – 0.63 MJ DE per Kg BW0.75 (Meyer, 1992)
Horses weighing more than 600 Kg (draft horses or warmbloods) have lower energy needs so the formula to
use is adjusted to the following:

DE per day (Mcal) = 1.82 + [0.0383 x body weight (Kg)] – {0.00015 x [body weight (Kg)] 2}

The amount of energy required by a horse is directly proportional to the amount of work it does. Thus for light,
medium and intense work, the DE requirement is estimated to be 1.25, 1.5 and 2.0 times the maintenance DE
requirement respectively.

The following is the recommended DE requirements for horses at various activity levels published by the
National Research Council (NRC) 1989 book Nutrient Requirement of Horses:

Activity level DE Requirement DE Proportion (%) Feed Intake as percentage

(Mcal per day) Hay Grain of body weight
Light 20 65 35 1.5-2.5
Moderate 24 50 50 1.75-2.5
Intense 32 35 65 2.00-3.00

Dietary sources of energy include starch, fats, fiber, and protein.

Carbohydrates, primarily glucose entering the portal circulation, are the primary energy source of horses.
Starch is the primary carbohydrate component of cereal grasses (like oats, corn and barley) but varies with the
feedstuff (see above).

Fiber is fermented in the hindgut producing VFA’s – principally acetic, propionic and butyric acids – that are
used directly as an energy source in the liver, or converted to fat or glucose (propionic acid). However, not all
fibers are created equal. Large amounts of lignin, a non-digestible fiber, is present in poor quality hay, while
the so called “super fibers” (e.g., beet pulp or soy hulls) are able to provide more energy. Use of these “super
fibers” can help reduce the energy requirement from grains.

Fats provide 2.25 times as much energy on a weight-for-weight basis as starches. Vegetable fats in particular
are very palatable and highly digestible. It is particularly useful for increasing the energy density of feeds for
horses that cannot or will not eat enough hay or grain. Diets containing 8% feed grade animal fat can lessen the
maintenance feed requirement of horses by up to 15%. This reduces the bulk in the colon and lessens the risk of
colic. Several studies (as cited by Burger, I, 1995) have also shown a direct relationship between muscle
glycogen levels (a stored source of energy) and the amount of fat in the diet. Horses fed a diet with 12% fat had
higher glycogen stores before exercise (Hambleton et al., 1980) while Griewe et al. (1989) found that fat
supplemented 2-year old racehorses had significantly less decrease in muscle glycogen levels after training
compared to control horses (19% vs. 65%). Supplementing fat in the diet of growing horses also apparently
stimulated early growth but were not maintained in mature horses (Scott et al., 1989). In terms of reproduction,
fat fed horses were also found to require fewer cycles per conception (1 vs. 2) and higher conception rates
(100% vs. 89%). The precise fatty acid requirement of the horse is not known but a dietary linoleic acid content
of at least 0.5% DM is recommended (NRC, 1989).

Protein is not a primary energy source however, when there is excess of what the horse needs for the synthesis
of body proteins, this is used for energy production. Horses can tolerate up to 3 times the recommended level
however, metabolism of protein causes an excessive build-up of nitrogenous waste products (i.e., ammonia and
urea) which is excreted in the urine, thus increasing the horses requirement for water. It can also affect the
health of the horse by, for example, causing irritation to the lungs leading to chronic airway disease.

Nearly all dietary proteins are absorbed in the small intestines while those synthesized in the large intestine by
bacteria are essentially not utilized unlike in ruminants.

The maintenace protein requirement of horses is 5 g digestible dietary protein per MJ digestible energy. Young
horses and broodmares – which have an elevated protein requirement are dependent on a supply of essential
amino acids (lysine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, valine, histidine and phenylalanine).

Mineral Requirements

Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and phosphorus are both necessary for the mineralization of bones as well as other important body
functions such as muscle contraction, nerve function and blood clotting. Calcium is actively absorbed with the
help of a calcium-binding protein produced by intestinal mucosal cells. There is an increased need during early
growth (first half-year of life), late gestation and lactation. The ratio between calcium and phosphorus must be
maintained at 1:1 up to 1:3. When formulating feeds for horses, note that phosphorus should not be in phytate
form which is relatively unavailable to the horse.

Magnesium

60% of magnesium in the body is found in bones. In the diet, 40% to 70% of supplemental magnesium is
absorbed. The daily requirement for magnesium is 15 mg/Kg BW. This should be increased slightly during late
pregnancy. Lactation and growth require larger amounts.

Sodium and Chloride

The daily sodium requirement is 20 mg/Kg/day while that for chloride is 80 mg/Kg/day. Prolonged exercise
and elevated temperatures dramatically increase the requirements. 50 g of sodium and 75 g of chloride are lost
in the sweat of a hard-working 500 Kg horse. A salt lick is recommended to fulfil requirements of these horses.

Potassium

The daily maintenance requirement of the horse for potassium is 50 mg/Kg. This is slightly increased in late
lactation and slightly more is required for growth and lactation. Hard working horses have nearly double the
requirement for potassium in the diet. Forages contain from 1-2% potassium whereas cereal grains only have
0.3-0.4%.
Iron

Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in the blood and a deficiency is thus especially critical in growing and
race horses. In the horse, 60% of available iron is found in hemoglobin, 20% in myoglobin, around 20% in
storage and transport forms and 0.2% in cytochromic and other enzymes. The dietary requirement for iron is 50
mg/Kg. Forage contains up to 250 mg/Kg iron thus no iron deficiency is expected when feeding forages.

Copper

Copper is an essential component of several enzymes for bone, cartilage and elastin formation, iron utilization,
and pigment formation. The dietary requirement is estimated at 5 mg/Kg except for foals and broodmares in
which the requirement is doubled. Dietary sources of copper vary widely in content from 4 mg/Kg in corn to 80
mg/Kg in cane mollases.

Zinc

Zinc is abundant in epidermal tissues and a deficiency can lead to disorders of keratinisation. The maintenance
requirement of the horse is 50 mg/Kg dry matter but common equine feedstuffs contain only form 15-40 mg/Kg
thus necessitating supplementation.

Manganese

Manganese is needed for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and cartilage formation. The dietary requirement is
40 mg/Kg while roughages contain 40-140 mg/Kg so under normal circumstances, no dietary deficiencies
should occur.

Cobalt

Cobalt is an essential component of vitamin B12. The requirement is 0.1 mg/Kg DM and is easily met by
dietary sources.

Iodine

Iodine is required for the formation and function of the thyroid hormones. Dietary requirements of the horse are
estimated at 0.1-0.6 mg/Kg DM although these values are extrapolated from other species. Forages contain
from 0-2 mg/Kg DM depending on soil content of iron.

Selenium

Selenium is part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase which is necessary for the detoxification of peroxides.
The requirement of the horse is estimated at 0.1 mg/Kg DM and disturbances are observed at 0.05 mg/Kg DM
and in excess of 2 mg/Kg DM. The selenium content of the forages varies with soil selenium content and pH so
it is necessary to test the selenium content of the soil. Avoid supplementing selenium where pastures are
selenium sufficient.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for the integrity of cellular membranes. Horses convert carotene from plants into vitamin
A. However, carotene is easily oxidized and destroyed such that up to 80% is lost in hay during harvesting and
storage for 6 months reduces this further in half. Also, the conversion of vitamin A in the horse is not totally
efficient. The NRC estimates that 1 mg of carotene is equivalent to 400 IU of vitamin A.

Foals and broodmares have an increased requirement for carotene. Suckling foals are a special consideration
since they derive all of their vitamin A from milk. Pregnant and lactating mares should thus be supplemented
with vitamin A during winter or times when available forages are sparse.

Excessive intake of vitamin A leads to toxic manifestations in the bone structure, hair and skin condition, and
muscle tone. Maximum recommended vitamin A content of feeds is 1600 IU per Kg DM (NRC). Some feeds
such as alfalfa can exceed this limit but the dynamics of conversion of carotene to vitamin A apparently limits
toxicity.

Vitamin D

Both plants and animals serve as a source of this vitamin. Vitamin D 2 (Ergocalciferol) is formed by the action
of UV light on the sterol ergosterol found in plants. However, chlorophyll seems to screen-out this part of the
spectrum so vitamin D2 is found only in cut plants and dead leaves in the lower stems of plants. Vitamin D 3
(Cholecalciferol) is formed in the skin of animals on UV irradiation of 7-dehydrocholesterol.

Both vitamin D2 and D3 are hydroxylated in the liver helping in the formation of calcium-binding protein which
aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency leads to defects in bone mineralization while
excess intake leads to calcinosis of blood vessels and other soft tissues as well as bony exostoses.

Foals and broodmares have a higher requirement than other life stages and a level of 600-800 IU/Kg DM has
been proposed. To prevent toxicity, dietary levels should not exceed 2200 IU/Kg DM.

Vitamin E

The availability of vitamin E in feeds is dependent on feed storage and processing conditions that affect its’
oxidation. A level of 50 IU/Kg DM has been proposed as the minimum but requirements seem to increase
during stress, exercise and growth. For optimum health, a safer value would probably be closer to 100 IU/Kg
DM.

Vitamin E deficiency leads to disturbances in muscle action as well as neurologic manifestations typically
manifesting as abnormalities in gait and uncoordinated limb action. No adverse effects have been reported in
the horse from excessive intake.

Vitamin K

Microbial fermentation in the hind gut is sufficient in supplying the vitamin K requirements of the horse.
Water Soluble Vitamins

B-complex

Again, microbial synthesis is sufficient in supplying the B-complex requirements of horses but supplementation
may be required in young foals, hard-working horses and horses with diarrhea. An exception is vitamin B 1
(thiamine) where only 25% of that syntesized in the cecum is absorbed. A deficiency of this vitamin may lead
to loss of appetite, weight loss, hind-limb incoordination, dilated cardiomyopathy and decreased activity of
enzymes where thiamine is a co-factor. It is thus recommended to supplement the diet with 3-5 mg/Kg
thiamine. Biotin supplementation (up to 30 mg/day) has also been shown to be beneficial for the structural
integrity of the hoof.

Vitamin C

Horses, like dogs and cats, can synthesize vitamin C from glucose thus no dietary requirement has been
established. However, vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial in certain conditions such as infections or
poor performance in high ambient temperature, or training.

Water

Horses need 2-3 L water per Kg dry diet per day but some factors like lactation, endurance rides in high
environmental temperature, increased roughage in the diet or feeding large amounts of protein-rich feeds (e.g.,
alfalfa) can increase the requirement by up to 25%.

TYPES OF FEEDS

Forages

High-quality forages (either legume or grass forages) simplifies the feeding of horses. Nutrient content and cost
are the most important considerations when choosing forages. However, one must also take into consideration
palatability and freedom from molds and toxins.

Horses on pasture choose forages based on availability and palatability. Studies have shown that perennial rye
grass was preferred to fescue. Timothy grass was intermediate in preference. The form as well as the
composition of a feed also determines preference. For example, horses prefer fresh grasses over fresh legumes
while with hay the reverse is true. Long chopped timothy hay and pelleted alfalfa is also preferred over alfalfa
in wafer form. However, on pelleted diets, horses tend to chew wood.

Legumes usually contain more protein than grasses and are thus beneficial to horses requiring a high-protein
diet such as weanlings and lactating mares. Excess protein is catabolized with the carbon chain being converted
to energy and the nitrogen excreted in the urine. Nitrogen excretion requires water thus, horses on legume hay
(such as alfalfa) excrete about a third more water than horses on grass hay (such as timothy hay).

The presence of molds and toxins in some pastures is a serious concern in the feeding of horses. Fescue
pastures infested with the endophyte Acremonium coenophialium results in prolonged gestation, thickened
placentas, agalactia, and dystocia in mares, and the birth of large weak foals. Thus mares have to be removed
from such pastures during the latter third of pregnancy. Legumes, particularly red clover, infested with
Rhizoctonia leguminicola can cause excessive slobbering and abortion. Ryegrass staggers is caused by the
endophyte Acremonium lolii on ryegrass pastures. It is characterized by muscular tremors, incoordination and
tetany.

Alsike clover has been reported to cause hepatic disease and photosensitization although research needs to be
done to confirm this association. Kleingrass can cause hepatic disease and Sudangrass-sorghum hybrids may
cause the cystitis syndrome which can lead to kidney infection and death. In tropical and sub-tropical areas, the
grasses kikuyu and setaria may contain such a high concentrations of oxalates that they may induce a calcium
deficiency. Reed canary grass contains an alkaloid, hordenin, that decreases palatability.

Alfalfa hay harvested in early spring may contain large numbers of blister beetles (Epicauta sp.) which can
cause severe irritation to tissues, heart failure and death.

Forage Alternatives

When forages are not readily available, beet pulp is the most commonly used alternative feed source. It
maintains normal activity of the microflora and has a higher digestible energy content than most hays. It is also
dust free and is thus a good feed for horses with respiratory problems. Straw, cottonseed hulls, peanut hulls,
rice mill feed and paper have also been used.

Grains

Preference
Mixed Sw eet Grain

Oats

Cracked Corn

Wole Corn

Alfalfa

Wheat

Barley

Rye

Soybean

Figure 1. Feed preferences of horses

Oats are the most common grain feed of horses since it is highly palatable and safe for horses. It has a higher
protein and fiber content and lower digestible energy than other grains. Crimping increases digestibility by only
5-7% but is of advantage when feeding foals and older horses.

Corn contains twice as much energy as an equal volume of oats so it must be fed by weight basis. Barley is
another good grain source as it is less likely to contain the mold Fusarium moniliforme than corn which
produces the toxin fumonisin. Fumonisin cause leukoencephalomalacia (a degeneration of the subcortical white
matter) which leads to ataxia, blindness, circling, hyperexcitability, and death. Sorghum grains and wheat
should be rolled, craked, or steam flaked when fed to horses to increase utilization. Rye should be limited to
20% of the grain mixture as it decreases palatability.

Ranked according to preference, sweet mixed grain come out at the top, followed (in descending order) by oats,
cracked corn, and whole corn (see Figure 1 above).

Commercial Grains

Commercial grains have the advantage of containing added vitamins and minerals in balanced amounts. There
are three main types of commercial grains available: (1) texturized, (2) pelleted, and (3) extruded.
Combinations of the types are also available such as pelleted feeds containing texturized proteins, vitamins and
minerals.

Commercial feeds formulated for other species should not be used as it may contain additives beneficial to
other animals, such as monensin, but to which the horse has only a limited tolerance. Feeding such feeds has at
times led to death of horses. Other potentially toxic feed additives include other ionophores such as
salinomycin, lasalocid, and narasin, and other antimicrobials such as lincomycin and clindamycin.
RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT ALLOWANCES FOR HORSES

Table 1. Recommended allowances of protein, fiber and total digestible nutrients (TDN)
(As-fed basis; and complete ration – hay and grain combined)
Type of Horse Minimum Maximum Minimum TDN
Crude Protein Crude Fiber (%)
(%) (%)
Most mature horses used for 12 25 53-70a
race, show or pleasure
Broodmares 13 25 50-60
Stallions 14 25 50-68b
Young equines:
Foal, 2 wks-10 mos old 21 8 68-74
Weanlings-18 mos old 14 20 60
18 mos-3 yrs old 13 25 50-60
a
The heavier the work, the more energy required
b
Increase the energy immediately before and during the breeding season

Table 2. Minimum daily nutrient requirements for mature horses1

Mature Digestible
Crude Protein Calcium Phosphorus Vit. A
body energy
Condition
weight mcal. lbs. % of grams % of grams % of I.U.’s
(lbs.) daily per day diet per day diet per day diet per day
Mature horse at rest 440 7.4 0.65 8 8 .25 6 .20 6.0
(maintenance) 880 13.4 1.18 8 16 .25 11 .20 12.0
1,100 16.4 1.45 8 20 .25 14 .20 15.0
1,980 24.1 2.13 8 36 .25 25 .20 27.0
Mature horse at 440 11.1 0.98 10 14 .30 10 .25 9.0
moderate work2 880 20.1 1.77 10 25 .30 17 .25 18.0
1,100 24.6 2.17 10 30 .30 21 .25 22.0
1,980 36.2 3.20 10 44 .30 32 .25 40.0
Mares, last 30 days 440 8.9 0.86 11 17 .50 13 .40 12.0
of pregnancy 880 16.1 1.56 11 31 .50 13 .40 24.0
1,100 19.7 1.91 11 37 .50 23 .40 30.0
1,980 29.0 2.81 11 55 .50 28 .40 54.0
Mares, peak of 440 13.7 1.52 13 27 .50 18 .35 12.0
lactation3 880 22.9 2.52 13 45 .50 29 .35 24.0
1,100 28.3 3.15 13 56 .50 36 .35 30.0
1,980 45.5 5.67 13 101 .50 65 .35 54.0
1. From Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 1989, National Research Council
2. Examples are horses used in ranch work, roping, cutting, barrel racing, jumping, etc.
3. Lactation level is assumed to be 3% of body weight/day
Table 3. Minimum daily nutrient requirements for growing horses1
Current Digestible
Expected Crude Protein Calcium Phosphorus Vit. A
Current Age body energy
daily
(months) weight mcal. lbs. % of grams % of grams % of I.U.’s
gain
(lbs.) daily per day diet per day diet per day diet per day
Growing horses2
440 lb. mature weight
4 165 0.88 7.3 0.81 16 16 .70 9 .50 3
12 308 0.44 8.7 0.86 14 12 .55 7 .40 6
18NT3 374 0.22 8.3 0.83 13 10 .45 6 .35 8
4
24NT 407 0.11 11.4 1.07 12 13 .45 7 .35 8
Growing horses
880 lb. mature weight
4 319 1.87 13.5 1.49 16 33 .70 18 .50 7
12 583 0.88 15.6 1.55 14 23 .55 13 .40 12
18NT 726 0.55 15.9 1.58 13 21 .45 12 .35 15
24NT 803 0.33 21.5 2.02 12 27 .45 15 .35 16
Growing horses
1,100 lb. mature weight
4 385 14.4 14.4 1.59 16 34 .70 19 .50 8
12 1,100 31.2 31.2 3.10 14 49 .55 27 .40 22
18NT 1,463 33.6 33.6 3.34 13 49 .45 27 .35 30
24NT 1,672 42.2 42.2 3.96 12 61 .45 34 .35 34
1. From Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 1989, National Research Council
2. Moderate rate of gain
3. Long yearling (18 months) not in training
4. Two-year-old (24 months) in training
Table 4. Minerals and Vitamins for Horse Rations1
Nutrient Adequate Levels Maximum
Maintenance Growth and Working Tolerance Levels
Broodmares
Minerals
Sodium % .10 .10 .30 3.0%
Chloride % .30 .40 .40 5.0%
Magnesium % .10 .10 .15 .5
Sulfur % .15 .15 .15 1.25%
Iron ppm 40 50 40 1,000
Zinc ppm 40 40 40 500
Manganese ppm 40 40 40 1,000
Copper ppm 10 10 10 800
Iodine ppm .1 .1 .1 5.0
Cobalt ppm .1 .1 .1 10
Selenium .1 .1 .1 2.0
Fluorine ppm – – – 50
Vitamins
Vitamin A I.U./lb. 910 1,667 910 7,273
Vitamin D I.U./lb. 135 135 365 1,000
Vitamin E I.U./lb. 25 37 37 450
Thiamin ppm 3 3 5 3,000
Riboflavin ppm 2 2 2 –
1. From Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 1989, National Research Council
2. Parts per million (ppm) = mg./Kg. = mg./2.2 lb.

Table 5. Composition of some common horse feedstuffs1

Feedstuffs2 DM% D.E. C.P. Ca P Vit. A
mcal./lb. lb./lb. g/lb. g/lb. 1,000 I.U./lb.
Hays
Alflafa: Early bloom 90.5 1.02 0.180 5.81 0.86 23.00
Full bloom 90.9 0.89 0.155 4.90 0.99 10.74
Red Clover 88.4 0.89 0.132 5.53 0.99 9.88
Orchard grass: Early bloom 89.1 0.88 0.114 1.09 1.36 6.08
Late bloom 90.6 0.78 0.076 1.09 1.22 3.29
Bromegrass: Midbloom 87.6 0.85 1.260 1.13 1.13 2.45
Timothy: Early bloom 89.1 0.83 0.096 2.04 1.13 8.51
Late bloom 88.3 0.72 0.069 1.54 0.59 7.23
Fescue: Full bloom 91.9 0.86 0.1181 0.81 1.32 8.73
Mixed: 30% legume 89.0 0.93 0.1332 0.66 1.10 11.72
Concentrates/Protein Supplements
Barley 88.6 1.94 0.117 0.23 1.54 0.37
Corn 88.0 1.54 0.091 0.23 1.27 0.98
Oats 89.2 1.30 0.118 0.36 1.54 0.02
Wheats, red 88.4 1.55 0.114 0.14 1.77 –
Wheat bran 89.1 1.33 0.154 0.59 5.13 0.48
Soybean meal 89.1 1.43 0.445 1.59 2.86 –
Linseed meal 90.2 1.25 0.346 1.77 3.63 –
Molasses (blackstrap) 74.3 1.18 0.043 3.36 0.36 –
Vegetable oil 99.8 4.08 – – – –
Mineral Supplements
Limestone, CaCO3 100 – – 178.67 0.18 –
Oystershell 99 – – 170.64 0.31 –
Bone meal, steamed 97 – – 135.12 56.58 –
Rock phosphate, defl. 100 – – 145.15 81.65 –
Dicalcium phosphate 97 – – 96.81 83.73 –
Sodium triphosphate 96 – – – 108.86 –
1. From Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 1989, National Research Council
2. All values on an as fed basis

(BCH-5070: Feed and forage

sampling and analysis; )
(BCH-5070: Feed and forage
sampling and analysis; )
References:

Briggs, K. 1999. Ration balancing made easy. The Horse (July 1999). Vol. 16 No. 7. pp. 71-80

Briggs, K. 1999. Feeding Racehorses. The Horse (August 1999). Vol. 16 No. 8. pp. 61-74

Tiegs, W.E. and I. Burger. 1995. Nutrition of Horses. In Burger, I, ed. The Waltham Book of Companion
Animal Nutrition. Oxford: Elsevier Science, Ltd. pp. 97 – 117.

Ensminger, M.E. and C.G. Olentine. 1978. Feeds and Nutrition, 1st edition. Chapter 25: Feeding Horses.
California: Ensminger Publishing Co. pp. 919-948

Geor, R.J. 2001. High-energy feeds. The Horse (June 2001). Vol. 18 No. 7. pp. 71-77

Geor, R.J. 2001. From start to finish. The Horse (July 2001). Vol. 18 No. 8. pp. 71-77

Hintz, H.F. 1995. Horses. In Pond, W.G., D.C. Church, and K.P. Pond. Basic Animal Nutrition and Feeding.
New York. John Wiley & Sons. Pp. 517-528

Hintz, H.F. 1985. Recent advances in equine nutrition. Equine Practice. Vol. 7 No. 6. Pp. 11-21

Houpt, K.A. 1983. Taste preferences in horses. Equine Practice. Vol. 5 No. 4. Pp. 22-26

Parker, R. 1998. Equine Science. New York: Delmar Publishers.

Strickland, C. 2001. Preserve productive pasture. The Horse (July 2001). Vol. 18 No. 7. pp. 97-104

Prepared by:

Jovencio H.A. Abalos, DVM, MS

Assistant Professor in Equine Medicine
9 March, 2011