The nutritional requirements of an active horse involve a balanced diet of forage, roughages, and concentrates. Good quality grass-legume pastures along with salt can maintain an adult horse at light work or mares during pregnancy. Horses may need supplementation depending on the intensity of their work and the season.
What are the Key Nutritional Needs for Active Horses?
Active horses require a diet that provides sufficient energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support their activity level. The specific and exact nutrient requirements of horses are poorly understood. These needs can usually be met with pasture forage, harvested roughages, and concentrates.
Energy Requirements
The energy needs of an active horse vary depending on the intensity and duration of its work. Horses performing medium to heavy work, such as plowing, may require a high-energy source like grain, especially if the pasture is lush and high in water content. Conversely, during late fall and winter, when pasture forage is low in water and protein, supplementation with protein and vitamin A may be necessary.
Protein Requirements
Protein is essential for muscle development and repair in active horses. High-quality legume hays, such as early bloom alfalfa, are excellent sources of protein, particularly for growing or lactating horses. When pasture or hay is insufficient, protein supplements may be added to the diet.
Vitamin and Mineral Requirements
Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including energy metabolism, bone health, and immune function. A trace-mineralized salt block can provide essential minerals. Vitamin A supplementation may be necessary during periods when pasture quality is poor.
How to Properly Feed Active Horses?
Proper feeding practices are crucial for maintaining the health and performance of active horses. Moldy or dusty feeds should be avoided because horses are extremely susceptible to forage poisoning and respiratory complications. Silages of all sorts should be avoided since horses and mules are extremely susceptible to botulism and digestive upsets.
Types of Feed
- Forage: Good quality grass-legume pastures can supply adequate nutrients to maintain an adult horse at light work or mares during pregnancy.
- Roughages: High-quality legume hays, such as early bloom alfalfa, are preferred for horses, especially those that are growing or lactating.
- Concentrates: 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.
Feeding Schedule
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.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
How much should an active horse eat per day?
The amount an active horse should eat per day depends on its weight, activity level, and the type of feed. 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.
What are the best supplements for active horses?
The best supplements for active horses include protein supplements when pasture or hay is insufficient, and Vitamin A during periods when pasture quality is poor.
What grains are best 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.
Understanding and meeting the nutritional requirements of active horses is essential for their health, performance, and overall well-being. By providing a balanced diet of forage, roughages, and concentrates, and adjusting the diet based on activity level and individual needs, horse owners can ensure their animals thrive.
Want to discover more about horse breeds?