FEEDING YOUR HORSE

Percentage of protein and digestible energy (calories per lb.) is the most exact method of determining how much feed and what type a horse requires. In order to calculate proper feed consumption, first study the charts below.

 

Percent of Body Weight A Horse Should Eat Per Day
(dependent on age and condition)

Mature horse at rest   1.50% - 2.0%
First 8 months of pregnancy   1.50% - 2.0%
Last 3 months of pregnancy   1.50% - 2.25%
Lactation   2.25% - 2.75%
Weanling   2.50% - 3.0%
12 to 18 months   2.25% - 2.50%
18 to 24 months   2.00% - 2.25%
Two-year-old to maturity   1.75% - 2.25%

The above chart was compiled by Ginger A. Rich, Associate Professor, Department of Animal Sciences, Equine Sciences Facility at Colorado State University. Feeding and Caring of the Underweight Horse, lecture presented at the National Horse Abuse Investigators School, Denver, CO.

 

 

Calories And Percentage of Protein Per Day

(dependent on age and condition)


AGE / CONDITIONCALORIESPROTEIN
Mature- at rest 13,860 10.0%
Mature-light work18,360 10.0%
Mature-med. work 23,800 10.0%
Mares, last 90 days of Pregnancy14,880 11.5%
Mares, peak of lactation 24,390 13.3%
3 months old 10,440 19.5%
6 months old 12,410 14.2%
12 months 13,86012.1%
18 months14,100 11.2%
42 months 13,86010.0%

 

Nutrient Requirements of Horses, National Academy of Sciences. 1973


 

Compostition of Hays

(This data is based on hay which is sun cured. Some fields may produce hay which is higher in digestible energy or protein.)

TYPE CALORIES/
POUND		 PROTEIN
ALFALFA
early bloom 1057 12.3
mid-bloom 1021 11.0
full bloom 953 9.9
mature 880 7.7
BERMUDAGRASS
(Overall average)
Coastal 880 12.5
BROOME, SMOOTH
(Overall average) 866 6.2
CLOVER, ALSIKE
(Overall average) 1002 8.7
CLOVER, CRIMSON
(Overall average) 989 10.9
CLOVER, RED
(Overall average) 980 8.3
FESCUE, MEADOW
(Overall average) 889 5.3
OAT
(Overall average) 889 4.3
TIMOTHY
pre-bloom 1061 6.6
mid-bloom 880 3.6
late bloom 862 3.6
WHEAT
(Overall average) 866 3.4

 

Data derived from Nutrient Requirments of Horses, National Research Council, 1973

When you are calculating your horses diet remember these things which you learned from the above charts:

  • A horse or burro should not be fed more than 3% of its body weight. (See Chart I)
  • Qualitative nutrient requirements of adult, growing, aged, pregnant, lactating, and/or working horses vary. (See Chart II)
  • The quality, nutrient and protein content of hay varies depending on the type or variety of hay, as well as the time it is cut and how it is cured. (See Chart III)

 

APPLICATION:

To illustrate this I will use both a 900 pound horse and a foal as examples.

To put Charts I-III to work let us start with a 6 month old foal who now weighs approx. 400 pounds (who will mature to be a 900 pound horse) and who is being fed Oat hay. This animal will need 12,410 calories per day. Good quality Oat hay will average 889 calories per pound of feed. The foal should be fed 2 pounds of hay per 100 pounds of body weight. This is 8 pounds of hay. Multiply the 889 calories per pound for oat hay x 8 pounds of Oat hay being feed. This equals 7,112 calories from the Oat hay consumed by the foal. The foal is 5,298 calories short each day! Even if the foal consumed the maximum 3% of body weight or 12 pounds of Oat hay, the total calorie intake would only be 10,668. Additionally, this foal, should have a 14.2% protein diet. The Oat hay is providing only 4.3. The difference in the calorie intake and deficient protein factor must be made up by the addition of grain, supplements etc. to the diet.

As a second example we will use a mature 900 pound horse (which has been on a proper worming program, without teeth problems and free from disease or injury) not being used and/or on a maintenance diet being fed Oat hay. his animal will need 13,860 calories per day. The horse should be fed 2 pounds of hay per 100 pounds of body weight. This is 18 pounds of hay. Multiply the 889 calories per pound for oat hay x 18 pounds of Oat hay being feed. This equals 16,002 calories from the Oat hay consumed by the horse. In this instance the horse must begin an exercise program or reduce the amount of hay consumed to maintain its current weight.

If we take the same mature 900 pound horse and ride it at a walk for two hours it will need 18,360 calories per day to maintain its weight. The same diet will be 2,358 calories deficient.

If the same horse was nursing a foal it would need 24,390 calories. The same diet will be 8,388 calories deficient. Additionally, this horse, should be fed 13.3% protein diet. The Oat hay is providing only 4.3. The difference in the calorie intake and deficient protein factor must be made up by the addition of grain, supplements etc. to the diet.

 

As with all care questions, you should check with your veterinarian for specific dietary questions regarding your horse.