Adding oil into a horse’s diet too aggressively or giving them too much can lead to loose stools, bloating, gas, and can prevent their digestive system from fully absorbing the nutrients in their feed. How much oil can you feed a horse? As little as 30-50mls per day may be Read more…
GRASS HAYS Although grass hay is generally lower in protein and energy and higher in fiber than legume hay, this is, in part, what makes it a good choice for many adult horses. It can satisfy the horse’s appetite and provide necessary roughage without excess calories and protein. What kind Read more…
During the takeoff the horse uses Newton’s Second Law of motion to push itself off the ground. After takeoff the horse only has potential energy. This can be shown by PE=mgh. At maximum height the potential energy is at its maximum while the kinetic energy is zero, which means that Read more…
Digestible energy (DE) refers to the amount of energy in the diet that is absorbed by the horse. Digestible energy requirements are calculated based on the horse’s maintenance DE requirement plus the additional energy expended during exercise. Why is digestible energy used for horses? Digestible Energy provides an estimate of Read more…
Horses need energy for day to day maintenance, digestion of food, performance, reproduction and growth. Horses utilize different feed components for energy that can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Thus they can get fat! Dietary carbohydrates, fats, and even proteins can all be used for energy. Read more…
Horses can utilise 85 to 90% of the energy in fat compared to around 60% from carbohydrate sources such as grain. Protein is the third major energy source. During strenuous exercise muscle protein is broken down to amino acids which in combination with those derived from feed, can be used Read more…
Electrolytes should be added to either the water or the feed. Adding electrolytes to water to form an isotonic solution (a solution that contain the same electrolyte concentrations as that of the body fluids) will ensure that both fluid and electrolyte losses are replenished and the horse becomes quickly rehydrated. Read more…
Fibre and oil provide slow release energy whereas sugars and starch provide quick release energy. For lazy horses where more sparkle is required, cereal grains are usually fed as they provide lots of starch and therefore quick release energy. What can you give a lethargic horse? Does he need electrolytes? Read more…
Feeding concentrates Horses in hard work, such as racehorses need high energy feed, such as concentrates. The total concentrate ration should be divided into as many small meals as possible to avoid overloading the digestive system. What do you feed horses at work? Provide plenty of roughage If hay isn’t Read more…
For top-dressing oils, an easy-to-follow recommendation would be to feed no more than 3.5 oz per 220 lb (100 ml per 100 kg) of body weight. A 1,200-lb (550-kg) horse would receive about 19 oz or just over 2 cups (550 ml) per day, split into two or three feedings. Read more…