The specific protein needs of an active horse depend on factors like its weight, workload, and stage of life. While exact requirements are complex, a balanced diet of pasture, harvested roughages, and concentrates generally meets their needs. Supplementation might be necessary based on the quality of forage available during different seasons or the intensity of the horse’s activity.
How Much Protein Does an Active Horse Need?
The precise nutrient requirements for horses are not fully understood. However, a combination of pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates can usually supply these needs economically. Good quality grass-legume pastures, along with iodized or trace-mineralized salt, provide sufficient nutrients for an adult horse doing light work or for pregnant mares.
What Factors Influence a Horse’s Protein Requirements?
Several factors influence a horse’s protein needs:
- Workload: Horses performing medium to heavy work, such as plowing, need more energy and protein than those at light work.
- Life Stage: Growing horses and lactating mares have higher protein requirements.
- Forage Quality: Pasture quality varies seasonally. Lush spring pastures are high in water and protein but may require additional energy sources. Late fall and winter pastures are low in protein and may need supplementation.
- Individual Variation: Horses vary in weight, temperament, and previous nutrition, affecting their specific needs.
What Are Good Sources of Protein for Horses?
- Legume Hays: High-quality legume hays like early bloom alfalfa are excellent protein sources, especially for growing or lactating horses.
- Grass Hays: Grass hays like timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass are suitable but may require protein supplementation.
- Grains: Oats are a preferred grain for horses, but corn (maize), barley, wheat, and milo can also be used.
How Should I Adjust My Horse’s Diet Throughout the Year?
Adjusting your horse’s diet based on the season is crucial:
- Spring: Lush, early spring pasture is high in water and protein, potentially requiring a high-energy supplement like grain for horses doing medium to heavy work.
- Fall/Winter: Late fall and winter pasture forage is low in water and protein, necessitating protein and vitamin A supplementation.
What Feeds Should I Avoid Giving My Horse?
Avoid moldy or dusty feeds, as horses are susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications. Silages of all sorts should also be avoided because horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
How Much Should I Feed a Young Horse?
Weanling foals need about three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. As they mature, this requirement decreases to one pound of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. Horses typically reach mature weight before four years of age, with 80 percent of their mature weight attained before two years of age.
Understanding your horse’s specific needs and adjusting their diet accordingly will help maintain their health and performance.
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