British Breeder Magazine May 2020

Feature - FEEDING ARTICLE
Supplements containing individual
amino acids or a combination of amino
acids are increasingly available but,
as with so many supplements, should
not be necessary if the base diet is fully
balanced to supply optimum levels
of quality nutrients, including protein.
Choosing a good quality compound
feed or balancer and feeding it at
recommended levels for bodyweight and
workload will supply a range of nutrients
in the correct ratios and at optimum
levels, whilst supplementing, often with
single nutrients, can upset the balance
and even have negative effects.
The protein level in mare’s milk declines over the course
of lactation. Creep feeds may contain milk proteins to
help the youngster’s transition to plant-based sources
How much?
Apart from lysine, individual amino acid
requirements are not known for the horse
so a balanced diet has to be formulated
using protein and lysine levels. The
“crude protein” level is the only
indication required by law to declare on
feed labels but, as this doesn’t provide
an indication of protein quality, owners
should look for ingredients which provide
a good amino acid profile and which
also have to be declared in descending
order of inclusion. The presence of soya
bean meal, or any other ingredients
mentioned above, gives an indication
that the feed should provide adequate
quality of protein.
With regard to the right levels of
protein for the equine diet, this may
vary depending on factors such as, the
horse’s age, reproductive status and
work level. Protein plays a key role in
muscle, connective tissue and metabolic
functions (enzymes, hormones), all of
which may be increased for growing
youngstock, breeding stock, and those
in work. Protein levels within feed
are typically based on the National
Research Councils (NRC) Nutrient
Requirements of Horses (2007), which
provide guidelines on minimum levels to
aim for in the ration.
As an example, an adult horse at
maintenance would require a minimum
of 630g of crude protein per day,
which would equate to 6.3% total,
based on a dry matter intake of 10kg
(2% of bodyweight) per day. Since
nutrient availability and digestibility can
vary, reputable feed manufacturers will
formulate to supply in the region of 8%
protein in a ration, in order to ensure the
horse receives optimum levels. Protein
cannot be stored by the body, however,
so feeding excessively above required
levels, particularly if the quality is poor,
offers no advantage to the horse as it
has to be excreted through a process
that uses energy.
Protein Digestion
Feeding the Right Amount
As all feed companies are working to
the same requirements (those of the
horse!), a good first step is to ensure that
your current feed is suited to your horse
and his/her requirements. For example,
if he is in light work, ensure the feed is
designed for this - as some nutritional
requirements increase with workload,
most feeds will state the intended
workload. Likewise, if you have a
growing youngster, a stud specific feed
will generally be more appropriate.
Secondly ensure that he/she is receiving
the recommended amount for their
size and workload - if you are feeding
significantly less, it may be worth
considering moving down a step to a
lower calorie/energy feed. If you are
feeding a suitable feed at the correct
rates and feeding average forage
(grass/hay/haylage), it is likely that you
will be meeting minimum protein and
lysine requirements.
Soya is the richest plant source of protein,
and lysine, available in the UK.
In addition to this using a muscle
assessment, similar to Body Condition
Scoring, is another way to get an idea
of whether you are meeting quality
protein requirements, however, muscle
development is not only a reflection of
providing the correct building blocks in
the diet but also of appropriate training
and exercise. If you have any concerns,
you should contact your feed company
who would be happy to advise.
www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
info@baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk
01371 850247
BRITISH BREEDER| 55