Horse Nutrition Basics
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Transcript of Horse Nutrition Basics
Horse Nutrition BasicsBy Mike Macartney BVSc
Digestive System Of A HorseLarge Caecum and intestine, small stomach.
Designed for a high fibre diet, low in soluble carbohydrate and no sudden changes in diet.
EvolutionEvolved on prairie/rangeland
10-20 km travel per day
Diet: high fibre, high in minerals, low protein. Energy mainly from volatile fatty acids not glucose.
Is Modern Pasture OK For Modern Horses?NO! Modern pasture is designed for ruminants(cows).
Thoroughbreds are more adapted to glucose, but the average horse is not modern.
Lower fibre,high soluble carbs are good for cows, meat and milk production, not for horses
So whats wrong with high soluble carbs/low fibre?
Digestive disturbances, rapid fermentation
Metabolic disorders, behavioural problems
Acidosis, increased risk of laminitis and colic
Can Pasture be a sole diet?It can be too good!
It can provide enough energy and protein
But what about vitamins and minerals?
MineralsSpring pasture low in Magnesium
Kikuyu has low Ca:P (do not feed only Kikuyu)
NZ low in Copper, Selenium, and Cobalt
VitaminsFat Soluble Vitamins high in fresh forage
Vitamin B & K synthesised by hindgut deficiencies may occur with low fibre pasture.
Vitamin D – need the sun– its good to take the cover off on sunny days
How much work is your horse doing?Feeding should be tailored to requirements
No work = No carb supplements, just high fibre and minerals
Working out every day = carbs + protein + minerals + fibre
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