Equine Nutrition & Feeding

Equine Nutrition & Feeding

Time-Budgets Feral Horses Select highest fiber, lowest protein content
70% of its day foraging Stabled Horses 10% of their day feeding Meal fed

Mastication Jaw sweeps 60,000 times/day when grazing
Saliva contains little, if any amylase

Left Side of Horse Right Side of Horse

Digestion is organ specific
8% Amino acids and fat digested and absorbed in small intestine Vitamins/minerals absorbed in small intestine Starch digestion occurs in the stomach and small intestines (Stomach: 15 min. Small intestine: min.) 30% Fiber digestion occurs in the cecum/colon (48-72 hours) 62% How much can a horse safely eat in one meal? 4%, 2% of high starch meal

Stomach 9-15 liters Trickle feeders Transit time <2 hr
Cardiac sphincter does not relax to allow regurgitation Horse ingests food thru mouth, goes down esophogus to stomach. Horse has no olfactory response. Horses can not regurgitate. Stomach – 2 gallons, SI – 10 gallons/ feet, Cecum – 7 gallons/ 4 ft, Large colon- 14 gallon, 12 feet, small colon – 5 gallon, 10 ft. Vitamins K&B produced in the cecum. Stomach and SI function like a pig using enzymes to digest starch, fat, protein, and carbohydrates while the hindgut functions like the rumen of a cow utilizing microbes or good bugs to digest fiber, structural carbohydrates and certain vitamins. Stomach and SI function like a pig using enzymes to digest starch, fat, protein, and carbohydrates while the hindgut functions like the rumen of a cow utilizing microbes or good bugs to digest fiber, structural carbohydrates and certain vitamins

Small Intestine α-Amylase – low & varies widely between horses
30% of GIT, ~70 ft. long ~contains 24 gallons 3 Segments Duodenum Jejunum Ileum Starch digestion occurs in the stomach and small intestines Amino acids and fat digested and absorbed in small intestine Many Vitamins/minerals absorbed in small intestine 3 sections – duodenum, jejunum and ileum Entry of chyme into SI stimulates pancreatic secretions. Bile secreted directly into duodenum. Pancreatic juice secreted continuously. Will increase within 2-3 min of eating. Most of available nutrients removed by time digesta reaches terminal ileum and enters cecum Digestion of starch by SI is not very efficient as the horse produces only 8-10% as much amylase as the pig α-Amylase – low & varies widely between horses

Large Intestine Fiber digesters most active pH of 6.2-6.8
Hindgut – 60% of digestive tract capacity Cecum – 25-35 liters Large muscular mixing vat Initiates fermentation Begins protein degradation & B vitamin synthesis Large Colon 50-60 liters Continuation & completion of microbial digestion, absorption of VFA, B vitamins Conservation of electrolytes (Na, Cl, K), absorption of P Small Colon 18-19 liters Primary function is to conserve water Fiber digesters most active pH of Starch digesters prefer pH 5.2 – 6.0

Microbial Fermentation
Metabolized For Energy Volatile Fatty Acids B-vitamins & Vit. K Gas Microbe Wasted Energy Protein and Amino Acids? Fibrous & Non-Fibrous Carbohydrate

Aspects of The Foal GI Tract
Small digestive tract The small intestine does not increase in length from 4 wks of age Cecum not fully functional until mo of age The large intestine increases with age even up to 20 yrs

Carbohydrates

How Hindgut Acidosis Can Occur In Hindgut And How It Can Be Attenuated
High Grain or High Fructans Minimal decrease in pH Significant decrease In pH Increase in VFA& Lactic Acid of Hindgut Time Released Buffer Optimal VFA absorption Optimal Energy for Working & Breeding Horses Decrease in fiber fermenting Organisms Increase in lactate producing organisms Very low pH Bacterial lyses Subclinical Acidosis Irritation & damage To intestinal mucosa Inhibition of fiber fermenting Organisms & lactate Utilizing organisms Off Feed Decreased fiber digestibility Colic Symptoms Stereotypic Behaviors Release of endotoxins Laminitis Pagan, J Feedstuffs

Postprandial Cecal pH Change

Same DE in each sample, take a look at the amount of starch though!
Corn 4.3# 2.71# Oats 5.0# 1.82# All have the same DE as 5# oats, but look how much more starch they all contain than Safe Choice

Starch Comparisons (what’s low, what’s high)
Ingredient NSC Sugar Starch Pectins Beta-Glucans % DM % of NSC Alfalfa hay 23.0 0.0 40.9 33.0 Grass hay 17.2 35.4 15.2 49.4 Barley 61.8 9.1 81.7 9.2 Corn 71.4 20.0 80.0 Oats 42.4 4.4 95.6 Wheat 73.8 8.9 80.2 10.9 Distillers 10.3 100.0 Corn gluten feed 24.7 3.7 71.2 25.1 Corn gluten meal 17.3 69.4 30.6 Soyhulls 14.1 18.8 62.4 Soybean meal, 44% 34.4 25.0 50.0 Wheat midds 31.2 10.0 90.0

Starch Digestion Critical capacity for hydrolysable carbohydrate overload ~0.4% of BW Maximizing starch digestion in small intestine Properties of the starch granule Grain processing Plant cell walls Transit time through the small intestine Availability & concentration of enzymes Grain processing – maximize starch digestion by changing the physical & chemical structure of grains. Mechanical grain processing methods aim to change the macrostructure of the grain, breaking the seed coat to allow starch digesting enzymes access to the starchy endosperm and increasing the surface area for enzymatic attack. Cuddeford, D. 1999; Harris et al. 1999

Comparison of Small Intestinal Starch Digestibility of Processed Corn
Whole corn Crushed corn Ground corn Popped corn Starch intake (g/kg BW/meal) Morning:evening 1.9:1.0 1.9:1.1 2.1:2.0 1.3:1.5 Preileal starch digestibility (%) 28.9 29.9 45.6 90.1 Processing affects the site of starch digestion.

REMEMBER! “The number one cause of deaths from colic is from starch overload due to feeding mismanagement.” Dr. John Reagor, PhD Chief of Toxicology Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Building a Horse Ration
Start with horse needs Maximize forage Add energy if needed Add protein & minerals if needed Consider adding vitamins & supplements Consistency is key to good feeding practices Feed concentrate that makes-up the difference between nutrients needed & nutrients in roughage

1. Know What & How Much Your Horse is Eating
Grain Hay Supplement Pasture Bring up the worksheet and work through an example.

2. Know Your Horse & Provide Feed Based on:
Class Weight Body Condition Score Stage of production Age Activity level Growth

Nutrient Requirement Varies With Class of Horse
Lactation 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th mo Growing 4, 6, 12 mo 18 mo Light exercise Moderate exercise 24 mo Heavy exercise Very heavy exercise Adult (no work) Working Light exercise Moderate exercise Heavy exercise Very heavy exercise Stallions Pregnant Mares < 5 mo 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th mo

3. Feed According to Body Wt.
Feed intake usually expressed as % of Body Weight Lbs feed/100 lbs body weight Free Choice Forages Provide fiber & energy At least 1% of body weight (dm basis) Concentrates Provide energy Supplements Provide protein, minerals and vitamins Forages prevent cribbing, eating feces, chewing on manes and tails, & colic.

How Much Hay & Grain Should an 800 lb. Yearling Foal Receive?
Total Intake: Forage Intake: Concentrate Intake: Provide Expected Feed Consumption by Horses (% BW) table. Work through for an average foal (normal body condition).

How Much Hay & Grain (800 lb. Yearling)?
Total Intake: 20 pounds 800 x .02 = 16 pounds 800 x .03 = 24 pounds Forage Intake: 10 pounds 800 x .01 = 8 pounds 800 x .015 = 12 pounds Concentrate: 10 pounds (20 total–10 forage) Total intake at .02 might be a fleshy foal. At .03 might be a thinner foal. Avg. is normal. Determine forage intake next. Like to see at least 1% of BW as a minimum. Take total intake minus forage to determine concentrate intake. Need to work a horse up on concentrate and if 5 lbs or more, split into two feedings.

4. Know Your Forage Forage quality depends on: Pasture vs hay
Legume vs grass Cool vs warm season species Plant maturity Growing conditions Harvest conditions Look at energy for pasture (early vegetative vs mature) and versus hay Look at energy for legume versus grass Look at maturity – early bloom versus mature

Forages are the Foundation Pasture, Hay
Grass Bromegrass Orchardgrass Tall Fescue Timothy Grain Hay Oat Hay Wheat hay Straw Legume Alfalfa Birds Foot trefoil Clovers Lespedeza

5. Maximize Pasture Production
Fertilize grasses Overseed Frostseed Interseed Rotationally graze Control weeds Avoid overgrazing Correct stocking density Average no. acres to graze = 2-4 acres per horse. This is higher than cattle (2.5 acres), but horses are more selective in their grazing.

6. Evaluate Hay Quality Visually Stage of Harvest Leafiness Color Odor
Softness Penalties

7. Match Hay Quality to the Horse
Average full-bloom alfalfa hay has a RFV of 100. Protein is not used in calculating RFV. Peggy Miller comments: Grass Hay is Alfalfa Hay can be 150 Average horses need is in the 90’s.

8. Evaluate Hay Substitutes
Handout: Hay Substitutes Note: Fed as sole part of diet? Advantages and disadvantages Special comments Compare on cost per pound of Digestible Energy (DE)

Hay Substitutes Hay cubes Haylage Beet pulp Rice bran Wheat barn
By-products from grain harvest Straw Complete Feed with >15%

9. Control Loss by Method of Storing Hay
Square Bales Barn or some kind of permanent structure Tarp with hay stacked off the ground Round Bales Barn Tarp Sleeves or bonnets Plastic wrap Net wrap Twine wrapped, outside

Round Bale, Hay Storage Losses
Storage Conditions Approximate Dry Matter Losses, % Outside, on ground, without cover Outside, on ground, plastic or tarp cover 8-9 Outside, on drained surface, without cover 7-8 Outside, on ground, net wrapped 6-7 Outside, on ground, full plastic ‘sleeve’ 5-6 Outside, drained surface, plastic or tarp cover 5-6 Inside bale storage 5 If you can keep outside stored hay off the ground and under some kind of cover, storage losses are not much greater than with inside storage. If un-managed, outside stored hay can lose as much as 1/3 of its value.

10. Control Hay Loss in Feeding
Method of Feeding % Loss Unprotected round bales fed free choice on the ground 25 Protected round bales fed in a feeder 5 Square bales fed on the ground Square bales fed in a feeder

Control Hay Loss in Feeding
Use a container for hay Hay feeder Feed bunk Hay net Limit the amount of time to access round bales Feeders should be no higher than shoulder level

11. Feed by Weight NOT Volume
Weights vary by: Feed type Processing method So, the amount of energy provided varies Weights vary by type of grain – (grain and forage type) Weights vary by method of processing (whole vs ground)

Calculating Nutrients
3-lb coffee can full of 32 lb/bushel oats = 2 1/2 lbs 34 lb/bushel oats = 4 lbs corn or pellets = 5 lbs Oats = 1.46 Mcal/lb Corn = 1.76 Mcal/lb 2.5 * 1.46 = 3.65 Mcal 5 * 1.76 = 8.8 Mcal Hay Bale lbs 10 flakes/bale Avg 4” flake alfalfa 5 lbs Avg 4” flake grass 3 lbs Alfalfa = 1.10 Mcal/lb Grass = .99 Mcal/lb 5 lbs * 1.10 = 5.5 Mcal 3 lbs * .99 = 2.97 Mcal

Forage Isn’t Everything
Most do not have all the minerals &/or vitamins a horse requires. Four ways to add these. Add 1 to 4 oz mineral or mineral/vitamin supplement per day or Add 1 to 2 lbs ration balancer (mineral plus protein) per day or Feed 5 to 7 lbs fortified grain per day or Feed 12 – 14 lbs complete feed (forage & grain)

12. Evaluate Your Mixed Feed
Relative quality of the ingredients Amount of crude fiber & energy Price – Cost/pound Cost/pound of nutrient Grain Intake Comparison

Energy Sources - Grains
Oats variable crimped vs. whole Corn cracked, steam rolled Barley Sorghum & wheat less than 30% rolled, cracked, flaked,

Fat/Fatty Acids No gall bladder
Horses can be safely fed up to 20% fat in the total diet Energy from fat is 90% utilizable Often used to supplement calories for hard-working horses and hard keepers Reduction in DM intake & bowel weight Calmer temperament

Protein Muscle & bone growth, milk production, fetal growth, normal metabolism Requirements can be met with good quality hay or pasture forage Low requirements for maintenance Quality = amino acid balance Very important for young horses Lysine, methionine, tryptophan most limiting for growth & milk production

Minerals Trace Minerals Content in the diet Macro-minerals
Determined by soil & water Quality of feed & proportion of grain to hay Macro-minerals Ca & P - quality forages usually provide adequate amount This ratio is very important: 1.5:1 to 2:1 Grains are rich in P and low in Ca NaCl (Salt) Salt block will meet many horse’s needs If horses sweat a lot - need salt in the ration Trace Minerals Look for iron, zinc, copper, selenium

Minerals Macro-minerals
Ca & P - quality forages usually provide adequate amount This ratio is very important: 1.5:1 to 2:1 Grains are rich in P and low in Ca NaCl (Salt) Salt block will meet many horse’s needs If horses sweat a lot - need salt in the ration Trace Minerals Look for iron, zinc, copper, selenium

A guide to the recommended concentrations of trace elements in the diet, mg/kg dry matter. (Modified from the NRC 2007). These will need to be adjusted to suit individual circumstances, growth rate and appetite etc.

Vitamins Fat soluble: Water soluble: stored in body - A, D, E, K
Toxicity’s can occur if fed in excess Water soluble: must be continuously supplied B-complex; niacin, thiamin, riboflavin High quality fresh forages = maintenance for mature horses Hay is poor in Vit A, supplement Vit A in the ration Exposure to sunlight provides Vit D Supplement Vitamin E Good balance of green hay, grain & sunlight provides adequate amounts of vitamins High quality fresh forages = maintenance for mature horses Hay is poor in Vit A Supplement Vit A in the ration Exposure to sunlight provides Vit D Vit B is synthesized in the horse’s cecum

Guide to recommended levels of Fat-soluble vitamins (need to be adjusted according to individual circumstances).

13. Control Waste in Feeding Grains & Mixes
Use a storage container Buy a monthly supply Feed in a container Trough Pan Bucket Store so birds, coons, and mice cannot get into the feed. Buying in quantity may be cheaper, but you have to keep feed fresh. Use a container versus feeding on the ground.

14. Do the “Little Things” Feed smaller amounts more often
Feed individually if possible De-worm regularly Float the teeth Provide shelter and bedding Always have fresh, clean water Feeding smaller amounts will help avoid waste, especially hay. Also, feeding grain in smaller amounts helps avoid founder and colic. If giving 5 pounds of feed or more daily split into at least two feedings. Feeding individually avoids the boss horse overconsuming. Work with your vet on a de-worming program. Floating teeth prevents feed dropped from the mouth. Providing shelter (clean, dry, draft free) will reduce maintenance requirements. Ideal temperature is 55 degrees with a range of Horses with a heavy winter haircoat have a LCT of 30 degrees. This horse would consume 15 pounds hay daily. With no windbreak (10-15 mph wind), hay would be pounds. If no windbreak and rain, hay could be pounds. A horse acclimated to a cold, dry draft-free environment can withstand a temperature as low as 15 degrees. Fresh, clean water is a must!

15. Formulate the Total Ration
REINS Work with a consulting nutritionist

Water Essential for all body functions Temperature regulation
Feed digestion Amount of water intake Level of exercise Ambient temperature Quality of feeds in ration Proportion of diet that is forage Minimum 1 gallon/100 lbs BW/day

Maintenance Dry matter intake: 1.5-2.0% of the BW Feed selection
Good quality grass hay → Mcal DE/lb Alfalfa → Mcal DE/lb Traditional concentrates (3-3.5% fat) → 1.25 Mcal DE/lb Fat added (6% Fat) → 1.45 Mcal DE/lb

Maintenance Physiological Maintenance 2007 NRC Low Maintenance
DE req. = 30.3 kcal/kg * BW (kg) CP req. = 1.08 * BW Average Maintenance DE req. = 33.3 kcal/kg * BW (kg) CP req. = 1.26 * BW High Maintenance DE req. = 36.3 kcal/kg * BW (kg) CP req. = 1.44 * BW

Recommended Daily Feed Intakes as % of Body Weights
Class Forage Concentrate Total Example 1,000 lb horse Mature (Idle) 15-20 lb Geriatric 0.8 – 2.0 0.5 – 2.0 1.5 – 3.0 15-30 lb

Geriatric Horses Nutrient Considerations Reduced salivation
CF digestibility ↓ Total fiber < 30% CP digestibility ↓ 12-14% CP Energy: Increase soluble carbohydrates, fats, & oils Caloric Restrictions Supplement minerals & vitamins including vitamin C Highly palatable Easy to chew & swallow Clean & dust free Contain enough high quality fiber to aid digestion Highly digestible pellets or extruded feeds

Typical Nutrient Content of some Senior-type Feeds
Crude Protein 12-14% Crude fat Not less than 5% Crude fiber Not less than 16% Lysine % Ca % P % Mg % S Cu 26-55 ppm Zn ppm Vit A IU/lb Vit E 40-80 IU/lb Biotin mg/lb Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) mg/lb Vitamin C 5-10 g/day

SELECTION OF FEED FOR THE GERIATRIC HORSE
Hay cubes, ground hay, wet down hay Soft Multiform feed Moderate fat level - 5% fat Highly digestible fiber sources Guaranteed amino acid levels- rebuild muscles Direct fed microbials & Yeast Cultures Stabilized high fat rice bran, ground flaxseed, beet pulp Organic trace mineral complexes – avoid stress from excess mineral intake

Feeding The Athlete

Levels of Performance/Work
Light – Recreational riding, beginning of training programs, Show horses (occasional) Moderate – School horses, Recreational riding, Show horses (frequent), Polo, Ranch Heavy– Ranch, Polo, Show horses (frequent, strenuous events), Low-medium eventing, Race training (middle stages) Very Heavy – Racing, Elite 3-day event Light – Recreational riding, beginning of training programs, Show horses (occasional) Moderate – School horses, Recreational riding, Show horses (frequent), Polo, Ranch Heavy– Ranch, Polo, Show horses (frequent, strenuous events), Low-medium eventing, Race training (middle stages) Very Heavy – Racing, Elite 3-day event

Aerobic and Anaerobic Metabolism
During exercise, ATP is generated from breakdown of: Glucose Fatty acids Amino acids ATP low in muscles; essentially no storage Continuous ATP production vital for athletes

Simplified Energy for Muscle Contraction
Blood Glucose Free Fatty Acids Lipolysis Muscle Glycogen Oxidative Metabolism Pyruvate Lactate Blood glucose- simple sugar broken down from CHO’s - the most accessible type of fuel Glycogen- two unit stored form of glucose stored in muscles or liver As exercise increases and glucose decreases, glycogen is used ) Creatine Phosphate ATP CO2and Water O2

Energy Predict substrate used based on type of exercise performed
Endurance Long term exercise utilizes fatty acids as primary energy source Needs muscle glycogen as well Racehorse Predominately uses muscle glycogen stores

Work ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY
Electrolytes & water  muscle function and fluid balance Forage is not enough for 1+ hour/d moderate work. Starch is necessary for replacing glycogen stores.

Required Energy Activity DE (Mcal/d) Maintenance 16 Light 20.0
Moderate 23.3 Heavy 26.6 Very Heavy 34.5 Non-Structural CHO’s Sugars & starches ↓ intestinal pH &  risk of colic Fiber Beet pulp or soy hulls ↓ glycogen usage Fat Protein (minimal usage) Non-Structural Carbohydrates (starch and sugar) may be the least expensive, but may create the greatest risk! Fat (oil) is the most dense energy source (calm energy) Fiber is the safest source of energy Protein is the least efficient source

Feeding Guidelines for Performance Horses
Starch is necessary for replacing glycogen stores. Hay Feed at least 50% of total ration as forage (pasture &/or hay) Preferably high quality grass hay or alfalfa/grass mix Exercising horses do not need high levels of protein More important – quality of protein Horses should be fed to meet their immediate needs Cut grain on rest days

Feeding Guidelines for Performance Horses
Hay requirement Feed at least 50% of total ration as forage (pasture &/or hay) Preferably high quality grass hay or alfalfa/grass mix Exercising horses do not need high levels of protein More important – quality of protein Horses should be fed to meet their immediate needs Cut grain on rest days

FAT SUPPLEMENTATION No gall bladder Max ~20% in total diet
Energy from fat is 90% utilizable Reduction in DM intake & bowel weight ↓ metabolic heat production Improvement of acidemia during high-intensity exercise Calmer temperament

FAT SUPPLEMENTATION Enhanced stamina
 capacity for uptake & oxidation of fatty acids in muscle Dose dependent  in activity of lipoprotein lipase & skeletal muscle citrate synthase & β-hydroxy acyl-coA dehydrogenase Concomitant decrease in use of endogenous carbohydrate stores - Muscle glycogen sparing Min. 3 weeks for response Add 6-10 weeks before performance

Breeding Animals Open Mare Gestating mare Lactating mare Stallion
Maiden mare Barren mare Gestating mare Lactating mare Stallion

Open & Barren Mares Flushing- Increasing energy intake 20-25% ~3 wks prior to breeding. Maintain optimum body condition

Late Pregnancy Last 3 months - Unborn foal growth averages 1 lb/day
During the 10th month, the largest amount of mineral retention occurs in the unborn foal “In the last trimester of pregnancy, the mare should be on a ‘growth- type’ feed formula,” A balanced feed will decrease severity of orthopedic problems in foals

Feed Consumption (% BW)
Mare status Forage Concentrate Total Early pregnancy 0-0.5 Late pregnancy Adding concentrate to late pregnancy mares accounts for limited energy & acclimates microbes Allow 1 wk to 10 d for mares to adjust to intake changes

Lactating Mare

Lactating Mare Mares produce average of 24 lbs (3 gallons) milk/day
High producing mares give as much as 32 lbs (4 gallons) milk/day Low producing mares often produce 21 lbs (2.5 gallons) Y = a x (d0.0953)x c( d) Y= daily milk yield in kg; a= x mature wt in kg & d = day of lactation

Feed Consumption (% BW)
Mare status Forage Concentrate Total Early lactation Late lactation Heavy milkers may require as much as % ( lbs for a 1000 lb mare) of BW in concentrate feed/day

Approximate Amounts of Grain (lb) Needed with Hay for Broodmares
1100 lb mare 1300 lb mare DE Req (per lb of feed) Mcal Avg Hay lb Good Hay lb Lb Good Hay Barren Mare & 1st 2/3 of pregnancy (maintenance) 1.00 3.0 - 4.0 Pregnancy (last 90 days) 1.10 7.0 5.0 8.0 Lactation (1st 3 months) 1.20 14.0 12.0 16.0 Lactation (3 months to weaning) 9.0 6.0 10.0 Nutrition of the Broodmare. KY Cooperative Extension

Body Condition Score Reason: Standardized scale for estimating and comparing body fat Developed in 1983 by Dr. Don Henneke System for assessing subcutaneous fat Nine levels of body condition Six body areas of fat storage Uses Research Feed management Health management

Body Condition Scoring
1-3 Poor-Thin 4 Can see ribs, vertebra ridge evident 5 Back flat, can’t see ribs, but can feel them 6 Crease down back, fat deposits 7-9 Fleshy - Extremely fat

Time & Additional Grain Required To Improve BCS by 1 level
Improving 1 Condition Score Days Needed Daily Gain Additional Grain Needed 60 0.75 lbs/day 4.5 lbs/day 90 0.50 lbs/day 3.0 lbs/day 120 0.40 lbs/day 2.3 lbs/day

Economic Optimum Mares with scores of 5.5-7.5
Spend fewer days at the breeding farm Less time open

Body Condition Affects Reproductive Performance
Mare managers should monitor body condition on a regular basis Mares should be optimum condition for breeding

Body Condition Score Reproductive performance of mares in varying body condition Body Condition Cycles per Conception Conception Rate (%) <4.5 2.8 71 1.4 93 >7.0 96 From Nutrition & Feeding Management of Broodmares

Body Condition Score Condition score of 5 or less in milking mares - do not have enough stored fat to support efficient reproductive performance Mares with BCS of 5 or less More likely to skip a breeding season Incidence of embryo loss increase

Body Condition Score Weight loss by pregnant mares does not affect foal’s birth weight, but may decrease mare’s colostrum and milk production.

Body Condition Score Maximize Reproductive Efficiency
Moderately fleshy to fat mares can be expected to Cycle earlier in the year Have fewer cycles per conception Have a higher pregnancy rate Maintain pregnancy more easily Mare prior to breeding should have a BCS of 6 or greater and fed to maintain weight. BCS of 5.0 is marginal especially for lactating mare.

Lactating Mares Early lactation weight loss in mares that foal in thin condition lengthen rebreeding time lower conception rates threaten the subsequent pregnancy

Body Condition Score Excess obesity (BCS 8 or <) doesn’t appear to affect pregnancy, foaling ease, foal’s birth weight, or reproductive efficiency. May decrease milk production

Feeding The Growing Horse
Goals Maximize genetic potential for growth Sound musculoskeletal system Nutrient Balance is important Requires higher quality feeds Growth rate & age determines requirements Growing till reach 30 months

Average Daily Gain Avg. Daily Gain, lbs/d Month of Age

Nutritional Strategies Aimed at Minimizing DOD
Rations should be balanced to promote a consistent growth curve Requires periodic updating of the ration

Size Matters at the Sales

Amount of Feed Recommended for Growing Horses
Lb grain mix/day/mo of age Horse Age (mo) Grain mix % in total diet Lb Grain Mix/100 lbs body wt/d Ponies Others Nursing foals 0-4 100 .25 1.0 Weanlings 4-12 70 0.5 1.5 Yearlings 12-18 60 For all age horses feed grain only up to a max. of 0.9 lb/100 lb of anticipated mature wt/day Long Yearlings 18-24 50 Two-year olds 24-36

Nutritional Strategies Aimed at Minimizing DOD
Feed selection High quality forage is a must Grain mix concentrates formulated specifically for growing horses Improper use of supplements Feed amounts Forage Minimum of 1 lb / 100 lb BW / d Fed to appetite is best Concentrate ~ 1 lb / 100 lb BW / d Max. 8 to 10 lbs /d

Monitor The Growth Process
Daily Intakes Body Weight Average daily gain Signs of Skeletal Abnormalities Physitis Joint effusion Lameness

Feeding Guidelines & Strategies To Minimize Risk Of Hind Gut Dysfunction
Consider.. Body condition Stage of production Quality of feeds available

Check for Refusals Change type & amount of feed gradually d period Provide Salt

Control amount of NSC (sugar, starch & fructan) the horse consumes. Minimize the flow of fermentable polysaccharide to the large intestine Feed starch sources little and often i.e., less than 5g oats/(2g starch)/kg body weight/meal Pre-feed forages

Minimize the flow of fermentable polysaccharide to the large intestine Limit rate of concentrate intake through physical obstruction Maximize substrate (glucose) availability to the performance horse Ensure good occlusion of teeth through regular dentistry

Group Feeding Should Account for Dominance Hierarchies Recognize Feeding-Related Behavior Problems

Equine Nutrition & Feeding

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