All Horse Care
  • Home
  • General Horse Care
    • Blanketing
    • Grooming
    • Nutrition
    • Under Wraps
    • Saddle Fit
  • Stable Management
    • Turnout Areas
    • Shelter
    • Feeding
    • Water
  • Equine Health 101
    • Hoof Care
    • First Aid Kit/Taking Vitals
    • Vaccines and Most Common Health Problems
  • Additional Resources

Macro Nutrients (needed in larger quantities than the micro nutrients listed below)

A balanced diet is essential in order to provide the horse with all nutrients needed for healthy growth, provide energy for daily activity, keep the horse warm, satisfy appetite as well as their psychological need to chew, and to overall sustain life and maintain health. It is important to understand a horse's nutrition requirements in order to provide them in the correct and necessary balance. Carbohydrates are the horse's main energy source and can be easily converted to and stored as fat when energy intake exceeds requirements. They are made of up carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and needed for all bodily functions such as breathing, growing, eating, etc. These chemical substances are found in plant cells, which use photosynthesis to harness and store energy from the sun and are stored as both soluble (sugars and fructan) and insoluble (starch and cellulose) carbohydrates. Sugars and starch are broken down by chemical enzymes in the small intestine, while fructans and cellulose are fermented in the large intestine. 
Sugars: Main building blocks of complex carbohydrates. Absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion and either transported to cells for immediate use or stored in the liver or muscles.

Starch: The storage carbohydrate found in plants (cereal starch can range from 40% in oats to 70% in corn).

Cellulose: Structural carbohydrates which strengthen plant cell walls. They are fermented by micro-organisms in the large intestine, resulting in the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA's). Common VFA's (such as acetic, proprionic, and butyric acid) are necessary in a horse's diet to maintain normal digestion and to provide energy bulk/roughage.
Lipids are stored within the body in the form of triglycerides (compounds of glycerol and fatty acids) and are primarily stored as subcutaneous fat. Essential fatty acids are ones that need to be provided in the diet and can result in symptomatic deficiencies otherwise. For example, deficiencies in linoleic acid can impair growth, cause skin lesions and lead to both reproductive system and kidney failure. Lipids in the form of oils yield twice as much energy as carbohydrates and have therefore become a common addition to both endurance and performance horses' diets. Dietary fat from corn or oil is easily digested and lessens blood glucose decline post exercise, therefore delaying the onset of fatigue and accelerating recovery. It can also be helpful in reducing a horse's dependence on sugar and starch, such as for azoturia or laminitis.

Proteins are complex organic compounds made up of amino acids. The seven main body proteins include: structural (eg. hair-keratin), contractile (related to muscle contraction), storage (eg. ovalbumin- supplies amino acids to the developing embryo), defense (antibodies), signals (eg. hormones), transport (eg. hemoglobin), and exymes (which promote and regulate most chemical reactions in the body). There are twenty three types of amino acids identified, thirteen of which can be synthesized. The remaining ten are essential and therefore need to be provided in the diet. The quality of a protein is determines by its digestability and split into two categories: those which have a high level of amino acids and therefore a high biological value (such as those found in milk, eggs and soy), and those that don't (cerials are considered to have a low biological value). Since a horse's ability to utilize proteins depends on the available levels of the amino acid lysine, which is  provided in inadequate levels in most cereals, it is important to supplement the horses diet according (such as with soya bean meal). 

Micro Nutrients

(required in minute quantities, just enough to ensure correct physiological function)

Picture
Vitamin A (retinol)

Functions:
  • boosts immune system
  • may promote fertility
  • improves night vision
  • healthy thyroid gland
  • metabolism of carbohydrates/lipids

Sources:
  • green leaves
  • carrots
  • hay
  • cod liver oil

Deficiency Signs:
  • suppressed appetite
  • poor growth/condition
  • infertility
  • skin disorders
  • diarrhea
  • susceptibility to respiratory diseases
Vitamin D (calciferol)


Functions:
  • regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, by affecting the absorption in the gut, excretion by the kidneys, and resorption from bone.  

Sources:
  • sunlight
  • cod liver oil
  • sun dried forages
  • colostrum (rich source for the foal)

Deficiency Signs:
  • swollen joints
  • skeletal defects
  • lameness


* excessive quantities can lead to ossification of soft tissue and hight blood calcium levels. 

Vitamin E (tocopherols) 

Functions:
  • antioxidant
  • muscular development and function
  • may help with azoturia

Sources:
  • grain
  • alfalfa
  • linseed

Deficiency Signs:
  • red blood cell defects
  • degeneration of muscle tissue
  • weak immunity
  • poor performance


* horses with a higher oil intake, require more vitamin E
* if deficient in both vitamin E and selenium, liver damage may occur
Vitamin H (biotin)

Functions:
  • hoof wall structure
  • skin condition
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and glucose
  • nervous system function

Sources:
  • corn
  • yeast
  • soya
  • supplement

Deficiency Signs:
  • poor hoof condition
  • skin changes


* cereal biotin is often unavailable to the horse (unable to utilize it)
Vitamin BI (thiamine)

Functions:
  • energy production
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and glucose
  • nervous system function

Sources:
  • synthesized by bacteria in the larger intestine
  • vegetables

Deficiency Signs:
  • impaired growth
  • incoordination
  • reduced appetite
  • nervousness
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Functions:
  • growth 
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

Sources:
  • synthesized by bacteria in the larger intestine
  • dried yeast

Deficiency Signs:
  • poor growth
  • loss of condition
  • diminished energy
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Functions:
  • production of hemoglobin
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and glucose
  • affects enzymes

Sources:
  • grass

Deficiency Signs:
  • poor growth
  • skin and blood changes
Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Functions:
  • skin/coat health
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and glucose
  • enzyme systems

Sources:
  • synthesized by bacteria in the larger intestine
  • cereals

Deficiency Signs:
  • dermatitis
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)


Functions:
  • improves appetite
  • formation of red blood cells
  • promotes growth
  • aids reproduction
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and glucose

Sources:
  • synthesized by bacteria in the larger intestine

Deficiency Signs:
  • poor growth
  • anemia
  • infertility
  • rough coat
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Functions:
  • formation of bone and cartilage
  • antioxidant
  • improves skin problems

Sources:
  • synthesized by glucose in the kidneys

Deficiency Signs:
  • weak immune system
  • nose bleeds


* deficiency is rare but may be seen after an operation or in youngsters. 
Folic acid 

Functions:
  • production of red blood cells

Sources:
  • grass
  • synthesized by bacteria in the larger intestine

Deficiency Signs:
  • poor growth
  • anemia
  • poor performance
Pantothenic

Functions:
  • formation of antibodies 
  • metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and glucose

Sources:
  • must be supplied

Deficiency Signs:
  • impaired growth
  • poor condition

Macro Minerals

Picture
Calcium (Ca)

Functions:
  • healthy bone growth
  • nerve and muscle function
  • lactation
  • blood coagulation

Sources:
  • limestone flour
  • alfalfa
  • grass
  • good quality hay
  • sugar beet
  • clover

Deficiency Signs:
  • azoturia (a.k.a. "tying up")
  • skeletal defects
  • increased blood clotting time
  • weakened/decalcified bone = more fractures
Phosphorus (P)

Functions:
  • healthy bone growth
  • energy production (ATP)
  • protein synthesis

Sources:
  • good quality hay
  • grass
  • cereals (especially bran)

Deficiency Signs:
  • skeletal defects
  • poor growth in youngsters







Magnesium (Mg)

 Functions:
  • regulation of Ca:P ratio
  • formation of bone and teeth
  • energy production
  • nerve and muscle function
  • cell metabolism
  • activates over 300 enzymes

Sources:
  • linseed
  • good hay or alfalfa
  • turnips and carrots
  • soya beans

Deficiency Signs:
  • nervous tension
  • muscle spasms


* be mindful of with lactating mares
* The Ca:P ratio should be increased during the last term of pregnancy to ensure healthy fetal growth and prevent these minerals from being taken from the mare's skeleton. 

* A study done in the Netherlands, examining the influence of calcium intake on phosphorus levels in ponies, found that medium to high Ca levels decreased P digestibility and retention as well as renal excretion (Doorn et. al, 2004).

*  These two minerals can only be utilized when they are present in a ratio of 2:1, so it is incredibly important to balance their intake appropriately!


Sodium (Na)

Functions:
  • controls fluid balance in the body
  • involved in transfer of nerve impulses
  • needed for absorption of glucose/amino acids
  • aids in muscle function

Sources:
  • salt and mineral blocks

Deficiency Signs:
  • fatigue
  • weight loss
  • weakness
  • dehydration
  • reduced feed/water consumption

*lost in sweat
Chloride (Cl)

 Functions:
  • necessary for the digestion of protein
  • regulation of body fluid
  • control of acid/base balance (homeostasis)
  • aids in muscle function

Sources:
  • common salt
  • found in supplements/compound feeds

Deficiency Signs:
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • poor performance


*unlikely deficiency
Potassium (K)

Functions:
  • osmotic regulation of body fluids
  • control of acid/base balance (homeostasis)
  • nerve and muscle function
  • metabolic uptake of carbohydrates

Sources:
  • hay
  • all green plants

Deficiency Signs:
  • decreased growth rate
  • suppressed appetite

* lost in sweat
* too high levels interfere with the absorption of magnesium


Trace Minerals

Picture
Iron (Fe)

Functions:
  • production of red blood cells
  • formation of hemoglobin
  • central nervous system
  • activated enzymes

Sources:
  • mineral blocks
  • most supplements
  • comfrey

Deficiency Signs:
  • anemia
  • fatigue
  • reduced growth

Manganese (Mn)

Functions:
  • development of bone, hair, skin and hooves
  • cartilage formation 

Sources:
  • hay
  • cereals
  • supplements
  • mineral blocks

Deficiency Signs:
  • bone abnormalities
  • reproductive system problems
  • incoordination in youngsters
Zinc (Zn)

Functions:
  • carbohydrate/lipid metabolism
  • antioxidant enzymes 

Sources:
  • hay
  • cereals
  • supplements
  • mineral blocks

Deficiency Signs:
  • reduced growth
  • skin problems
  • suppressed appetite
Iodine (I)

Functions:
  • formation of thyroxin, which controls metabolic rate
  • promotes growth
  • aids reproductive process

Sources:
  • grass
  • seaweed
  • mineral blocks

Deficiency Signs:
  • hypothyroidism
  • infertility
  • poor condition
  • suppressed growth
* Deficiencies in these minerals are rare, as most feeds provide an adequate amount, but can increase a horse's chance of developmental orthopedic disease (DOD).
Copper (Cu)

Functions:
  • formation of bone, cartilage, hair and elastin
  • promotes utilization of iron
  • synthesis of hemoglobin
  • melanin synthesis (coat color)

Sources:
  • linseed
  • grown in copper rich soil

Deficiency Signs:
  • de-pigmentation of coat
  • reduced growth 
  • diarrhea
  • poor performance
Cobalt (Co)

Functions:
  • prevent anemia
  • promotes healthy bacterial activity, necessary for B12 synthesis

Sources:
  • most feeds
  • mineral blocks

Deficiency Signs:
  • anemia
  • rough coat
  • poor appetite
Selenium (Se)

Functions:
  • anti-oxidant
  • prevent cell damage (especially when fed with vitamin E)

Sources:
  • linseed
  • supplements

Deficiency Signs:
  • weak foals
  • anemia
  • join abnormalities

* toxic in high doses.
Molybdenum (MO)

Functions:
  • enzyme reactor

Sources:
  • hay
  • grass

Deficiency Signs:
  • not seen

* high levels reduce availability of Cu
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.