Equine Science Classes of Feeds Classes of Feeds

Equine Science Classes of Feeds

Classes of Feeds n Roughages n Concentrates n Supplements

Roughages n High in Fiber n Low in Energy n Pasture n Hay n Forage n Silage Crops

Hay n Most common form of roughage n Many variables affect hay quality – Plant Species – Rainfall – Stage of plant growth – Harvesting Procedures

Coastal Bermudagrass Hay n Can be cut 4 -5 times per year n Value can be increased by mixing in legumes

Sudangrass Hay n Cut in early bloom stages for maximum nutrient quality n May be toxic if harvested early – Prussic Acid n Similar to Johnsongrass

Alfalfa Hay n Highly Palatable (acceptability of taste) n High in Protein (18%-19%) n Good Source of Vitamins A and B n Higher Priced (Bale = $7 -$10) Cubes n 5 -8 cuttings (not all are clean)

Clover Hays n Nutritious n Similar to alfalfa n Difficult to cure n 14%-16% protein n Mostly raised for pasture, not hay

Pasture n Native is most common n Grasses, legumes, and forbs n Generally, pasture should be a mixture of 1 -2 grasses with 1 -2 legumes. n A mature horse requires a minimum of 2 acres

Review – Hays and Pasture n What is the most common form of roughage? n What can you do to improve the value of bermudagrass hay? n Name 1 advantage to alfalfa hay? n Disadvantage? n What is the main disadvantage of clover hays?

Concentrates n Low in fiber and high in energy n Grains n Grain by-products

Concentrates n The concentrate part of the ration contains the grains – Higher in energy – Lower in fiber n Most Common – Oats – Barley – Corn Than Roughages

Oats n Most Popular grain fed to horses n High fiber content (13%) – More bulk per nutrient content – Must eat more to satisfy nutrient content – Less likely to founder or colic n Cleanliness is a must – Dust feeds can lead to respiratory problems n Whole or processed

Barley n Comparable to oats – Lower in fiber n Weighs more per unit volume than oats Barley Oats

Corn n Very “energy-dense” – Large amounts of carbohydrates n Excellent energy for horses that require a lot of – Working horses – Race Horses n Low in protein n High weight per unit volume

Molasses n. A popular component of mixed concentrates n Palatable n Cheap source of energy n Can reduce the quantity of dust in feed n 5% of the ration - recommended

Review - Concentrates n What are three most common types of concentrates? n What is one advantage to a high fiber content? n What is the most notable thing that corn adds to a diet? n What is one way to reduce the dust in my feed while also making it more palatable for my horse?

Supplements n Can help correct deficiencies in protein, minerals, and vitamins. n Increases nutritive value n 4 common types – Protein – Vitamin – Mineral – Combination of all three

Protein n Higher requirement for horses that are: – Growing – Lactating – In later pregnancy stages – Eating poor quality roughage – Performance animals (high stress) n Converted to energy by the horse

Protein n Examples of protein supplements include: n Alfalfa n Linseed n Soybean n Cottonseed Meal

Vitamins n Horses derive no benefits from “extra” vitamins. n Supplements for Vitamin A: – Fish liver oils – Liver meal n Supplements for Vitamin B: – Dried brewer’s yeast – Dried legumes

Vitamins n Supplements for Vitamin D: – Suncured hay – Exposure to sunlight n Supplements necessary): for Vitamin E (usually not – Alfalfa pellets

Minerals n Frequently needed to balance the mineral content of rations. n Most common deficient minerals are: – Calcium – Phosphorus – Sodium chloride

Minerals n Supplements for Calcium and Phosphorus: – Steamed Bone Meal – Dicalcium Phosphate n Supplements – Salt block for sodium chloride:

Review - Supplements n Name two situations where a horse might need protein supplements. n T/F – Vitamins supplements are always a must for horses. n What is a good supplement for vitamin D? n T/F – Alfalfa pellets are a good supplement for vitamin E. n What is a good supplement for a sodium chloride deficiency?

Group Activity n Divide into groups n Discuss scenarios

Scenario 1 n. I have a horse that I am feeding coastal hay to. I want to add some value to next year’s hay – what can I plant with my coastal Bermuda?

Scenario 2 n. I am looking to buy a place to put my horses. I want them to graze on pasture grass. Approximately how many acres do I need to buy to support 23 horses?

Scenario 3 n I just bought a race horse who has a deficiency in vitamin B. 1. What can I feed him to increase his energy level? 2. What can I give him to supplement for Vitamin B?

n. Any Questions?

References n IMS, Equine Science 8895 -B n Pictures – www. google. com/images