The best feeding practices for a young, active horse involve a balanced diet of pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates. Good quality grass-legume pastures with salt provide adequate nutrients for light work or pregnancy. Horses need fresh water, especially when shedding their winter coat, but should not be watered when overheated after working.
What are the specific nutrient requirements for young, active horses?
The specific nutrient requirements of horses are not fully understood, but can usually be supplied economically from pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates. Lush, early spring pasture is very high in water and protein contents and may need to be supplemented with a high-energy source, such as grain, to meet the needs of horses performing medium to heavy work (such as plowing). Conversely, late fall- and winter-pasture forage is low in water and protein and may require protein and vitamin A supplementation.
What type of hay is best for horses?
High-quality legume hays, such as early bloom alfalfa, are preferred for horses, especially those that are growing or lactating. Grass hays, such as timothy, prairie grass, orchard grass, and bluegrass, were preferred by early horsemen, especially for race horses, because they were usually free from mold and dust and tended to slow down the rate of passage through the intestinal tract. These hays are low in digestible energy and protein, however, and must be adequately supplemented. Moldy or dusty feeds should be avoided because horses are extremely susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications.
What grains are suitable for horses?
Oats are the preferred grain for horses because of their bulk. Corn (maize), barley, wheat, and milo can be used, however, whenever they are less expensive. Weanling foals require three pounds of feed per hundred pounds of live weight per day; as they approach maturity, this requirement drops to one pound of feed per hundred pounds of live weight daily. Horses normally reach mature weight at less than four years of age and 80 percent of their mature weight at less than two years of age.
How often should horses be fed?
The animal should not be fed immediately before or after work, to avoid digestive problems. Fresh water is important, especially when the horse is shedding its winter coat, but the animal should never be watered when it is overheated after working.
Are there any foods that should be avoided?
Silages of all sorts should be avoided since horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
How do I know if my horse is getting enough nutrition?
Monitor your horse’s weight, energy levels, and overall health. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to assess your horse’s diet and make adjustments as needed.
What are complete horse rations?
A large and ever-growing number of horses stabled in cities and suburbs where sufficient roughages cannot be grown provide a large market for complete horse rations, including roughage, which are tailored to the total needs of specific animals according to their particular function at a given time, such as growth, pregnancy, lactation, or maintenance.
How early can foals start eating solid food?
Foals will eat some pasture grass, forage, or hay when they are three days old and grain when they are three weeks old.
Feeding a young, active horse requires a balanced approach, considering the horse’s age, activity level, and individual needs. Providing the right combination of forage, grains, and supplements will help ensure your horse stays healthy and performs at its best.
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