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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