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HORSE HEALTH & NUTRITION
The nutritional requirements of a horse are determined by its body weight, age, activity level, reproductive state, environmental conditions, growth rate, etc. Mature horses have relatively low protein requirements and generally require feed that is high in energy. Younger horses need feed that is high in protein to support growth.

Forage, in the form of hay and/or pasture, is a basic requirement for maintaining functionality of a horse's digestive system.

Unlike ruminants, horses have one stomach. Feed passes through the stomach and small intestine relatively quick and any un-digested feed is passed on to the hind gut where it is broken down through a fermentation process. Since the rate at which feed passes through the small intestine directly affects feed efficiency (nutrient absorption), it is important that quality, bio-availability and balance of feed be optimized.

Many of the nutrients horses require are produced in their hind gut. Beneficial microorganisms in the large intestine break down and convert feed into organic acids, protein, B-complex vitamins and gases. In addition, the large intestine breaks down fiber which the horse is incapable of digesting. This fermented fiber is the main source of organic acids which the horse needs as an energy source. The efficiency of the fermentation process is determined by the type and balance of beneficial microorganisms in the hind gut.

Beneficial microorganisms reduce the buildup of gases and acids in the hind gut and help reduce incidents of colic.

If energy in the horse's diet is low, protein can also be converted to energy.

Developmental orthopedic diseases including physitis, OCD, and contacted tendons are problems associated with fast growing foals. These problems can be minimized by decreasing energy intake.

Horses require protein for growth, muscle development, skin and hair development, reproduction, lactation and repair of body tissues. The quality of the protein (the content of essential amino acids) as well as the total amount of protein fed is important. When feeding foals, close attention should be paid to protein quality, protein intake and activity level.

A regular feeding schedule promotes feed efficiency.

The lysine (an indispensable amino acid) requirement for weanlings is 0.6 to 0.7% of the diet and for yearlings 0.5% of the diet.

Generally, a balanced diet of good hay and/or forage together with quality gains can provide the balance of amino acids for most horses.

The most serious nutritionally related problems in mature horses are colic and laminitis (founder). Generally, colic results from sudden changes in diet. Laminitis is a hoof disease that can cause lameness. Generally Laminitis is a result from over consumption of high energy feed.

Horses require a balanced diet formulated to size, age, activity level, gestation, etc. Horse rations should be formulated by weight as opposed to volume.

Supplements, vitamins and minerals should be fed only when required. Excessive use of supplements, vitamins and minerals should be avoided.

Commercial feeds containing urea (a non-protein nitrogen source) should NOT be fed to horses.

Contrary to popular belief, excessive protein will NOT promote muscle development in horses. Excess protein is broken down into calories (energy) and urea, which is excreted in the urine.

Depending on environmental conditions and activity level, a horse requires one half to one gallon of fresh water per 100 lbs. of body weight per day.

Trace minerals & salt should be fed free choice.

Horses require around 2.5 to 3.0 pounds of feed per 100 pounds of body weight per day. This includes at least 2.0 pounds of forage or good hay. Avoid feeding dusty, damp or moldy hay and grain - it can result in indigestion and respiratory problems.

When required, feed grain twice daily.

Whenever possible horses should be fed individually. This can prevent more aggressive horses from over-eating and less aggressive horses from under-eating.

NEVER feed horses rations containing Rumensin. Rumensin is a growth stimulant used in formulating feed for ruminants. Rumensin can cause mortality in horses.

Avoid working or exercising a horse immediately after feeding. Allow one to two hours for a horse to digest it feed.

Horse's teeth should be floated and checked on a regular basis.

Worming horses on a regular basis can prevent circulation and digestive problems.

Sudden changes in feed type and feed intake should be avoided.

 
"Serious problems cannot be dealt with at the level of thinking that created them."
 Albert Einstein
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