Finer details of feeding need to be considered once the work load intensifies. In order to sustain the maximum performance levels, it becomes more necessary to consider the losses that the horse is subject to due to the increase in workload. As stated previous it is still necessary to determine the goals that you wish to achieve from your feeding programme and aim to ensure the horses requirements are met as efficiently as possible.
Up to 75% of an adult horse's body mass is water. If this is jeopardised it can pose a serious threat to the performance of the horse and a drop of just 2% can reduce performance, (Marlin and Nankervis 2002.) Water is lost at an increased rate in horses due to the permeability of their skin and performance horses will increase this loss during exercise by up to 80%. The amount of water that the horse will require in its diet can be estimated by calculating the moisture content of other dietary substances, the amount of protein and salt in the diet and the energy output of the horse, which can be done with the help of spreadsheet ration formulation.
Digestible energy is the Gross energy, (of any feed consumed) minus the energy content of any faecal matter. Competition horses must gain as much of the nutritive value of this feed being consumed, with as little additional side effects, e.g. weight gain, as possible. The horse, on average, has a feed intake of 2-2.5% of its body weight. It is important for body function, to gain the correct ratio of roughage to concentrates in order to fulfil requirements. Carbohydrates are vitally important as they are most apt at providing the horse with energy, 9MJ DE/kg DM, (Megajoules of digestible energy per kilogram of dry matter.) It is important to remember that despite the bulk that forage adds to the diet, making utilisation of energy poorer from this than from a more concentrated feed, fibrous feeds are a crucial ingredient to the correct functioning of the gut.
Concentrates provide the horse with a more concentrated energy source, 12-16MJ DE/kg DM. Each concentrate varies in other nutritive content, e.g. starch, fibre, so before weights can be determined, the most suitable feed for the purpose should be decided. The dietician can then establish the most suitable feeds and quantities for the best utilisation of all nutrient and energy contents. All this can be done by inputting the different values of the feeds into the spreadsheet package.
Protein vitamin and mineral components of a competition horse's diet often increase as workload increases the energy needs. This makes it important for the construction of a well balanced ration. By using the spreadsheet package, the values of these can be known, and as the workload varies, concentrations of feeds rich or poor in these can be changed to suit.
Using spreadsheets to formulate rations for competition horses is probably the most cost efficient method due to vast amounts of money being spent in other areas of their schedule. This would be a big deciding factor for managers and owners when considering whether or not to use it.
Energy values of desired feeds can be identified from the bags or by contacting the supplier. Using these values and knowing the average energy needs of the horse, construction of a feed ration can be achieved.
Tammy is a passionate horse rider who wishes to advertise the correct ways to be looking after horses. Tammy works part time for a company who specialise in http://www.anythingequine.co.uk/Jack-Murphy Jack Murphy Equestrian Coats as well as equestrian riding boots and equine clearance horse wear in the UK.
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