There are two greatly different feeding strategies for horses depending on their intended
use. What are typical uses for horses being fed with a traditional feeding strategy vs. a
modern, progressive strategy? – Traditional feeding strategies are for slow steady pace
horses, NOT for performance or race horses. Modern, progressive strategies are for
rapid growth and performance/race horses.
What are the expected % of mature weight at yearling and 2 year olds for the two
feeding strategies for horses? – Traditional: yearlings are 50% of their mature weight
and 2 year olds are 75% of their mature weight–mature weight is reached at 3-4 years
of age (Traditional takes longer to reach mature weight but is safe).
Modern: yearlings are 75% of their mature weight and 2 year olds are 100% of their
mature weight–mature weight is reached at 2 years of age (Modern requires more
intensive management and has a risk of developmental issues).
What is a nutrient:calorie ratio and how is it used in the feeding strategy of performance
horses? – Nutrient:calorie ratio is under the modern, progressive feeding strategy of
horses–maximizes growth by balancing all nutrient requirements.
It provides individualized requirements such as the ratio of lysine, protein, calcium, or
phosphorous to digestible energy (DE).
What is the energy measure used in the formulation of diets for horses? – Mcal DE
(mega calories of digestible energy).
Determining the energy content of a grain ration for horses is very important. Assuming
that a ration is 75% TDN, what is the Digestible Energy content of the ration in terms of
Mcal per lb.? – .75 x 2 = 1.5 Mcal DE
It is recommended practice in the proper feeding of mares, to utilize a body condition
score. What is the proper BCS of the foaling mare to optimize reproductive
performance? – 7.
During late gestation the DE requirement of the mare increases substantially. How
much of a percentage (%) increase in DE requirement above maintenance is associated
with the 9th, 10th, and 11th months of gestation? – 9th: 11% increase over
maintenance for DE
10th: 13% increase over maintenance for DE
11th: 20% increase over maintenance for DE
How much milk does a mare produce during early lactation? – 3% of her body weight.
In comparison to maintenance, how much of a percentage increase in DE requirement
is associated with the mare’s early lactation? – 100% increase over maintenance for
DE.
Energy expenditure is a function of mass over distance regardless of speed. the level of
work is characterized as light, medium, and intense. provide an example of each form of
work. How much of an increase in DE requirement above maintenance is associate with
each of the categories? – Light: trail riding: 25% increase over maintenance for DE.
Moderate: ranch work: 50% increase over maintenance for DE.
Intense: race training: 100% increase over maintenance for DE.
Considering the nutrient requirements for exercising horses, what is the difference
between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism and which generates more energy? –
Aerobic (with O2 or in the presence of O2).
Anaerobic (lack of O2 or O2 intake is inadequate to support demands).
Aerobic generates more energy.
Aerobic metabolism is best for what type of exercise (short duration/high intensity or
long duration/low intensity)? – Long duration/low intensity.
Anaerobic metabolism is best for what type of exercise (short duration/high intensity or
long duration/low intensity)? – Short duration/high intensity.
Is fat a useful energy source for a performance horse? – Fat needs O2 to metabolize
(areobic metabolism), performance horses use anaerobic metabolism (without O2) so
fat is not needed in the diet.
Is fat metabolized aerobically or anaerobically? Is this importance in diets for race
horses? Explain. – Aerobically.
It is important because it spares muscle glycogen in aerobic performing horses.
Horse diets typically have a high percentage of fat and/or oil (8-12%) in the composition
of the diet. Why? – To increase energy (decrease the amount of feed to supply the
given quantity of DE).
To decrease colic.
Horse diets typically have a high percentage of molasses (6-8%) in the composition of
the diet. Why? Do these high levels of molasses cause problems? Explain. – To
increase palability and control dust.
Yes, potential clumping as feed dries in the sack can occur