PG . 46
FEATURE ~ NUTRITION
Protein are amino acid building blocks for tissues blood and bone . Natural sources of fibre will also contain protein therefore a horse resting or in low to moderate work can usually be sustained on pasture or hay without adding additional protein to the diet . Australian pastures are usually quite high in protein .
Natural ingredients high in protein are Lucerne hay , full fat soy ( human grade no hulls ), whole linseeds , brewer ’ s yeast .
Fat is as concentrated source of energy . Required for the utilization of fat-soluble vitamins . It works as an anti-inflammatory and is aids in skin , nerve , and muscle health . There is reduced heat produced when digesting fat as an energy source compared to grain . Good sources of fat for horses are Cold pressed Flax seed oil . Hemp seed and soy . Up to 95 % of fat is digestible in oils compared to approx . 55 % digestibility in forages . Hay and pasture typically only contain 1 % -3 % fat .
Vitamins and Minerals These are available in pasture and hay but the quality and quantity are extremely unreliable . They also change with the seasons . Vitamins and minerals are required for metabolic function , tissue health , skin health , blood formation , immune response and nervous system support .
B Group Vitamins can be synthesized in the horse by hind gut fermentation , Vitamin D is produced by sunlight on skin , Vitamin C is produced in the liver and Vitamin K is synthesized by microorganisms of the cecum and colon .
All nutrients contain some vitamins and minerals but not necessarily enough to provide a fully balanced diet to your horse .
To counteract any deficiency in your natural diet , a vitamin and mineral supplement should be provided daily .
Look for a supplement that recommends a low daily rate . This means that the ingredients are well absorbed by the horse . If you have to feed out more than 30g – 50 g ( per 500kg horse ) then it is likely that you are feeding fillers or poorly absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals .
All of our horses have the same basic requirements . We can modify the simple diet when factors such as ill health , obesity , poor condition , breeding , young growing horses or workload come into play . A qualified nutritionist can support you through the slight adjustment required to suit your horses individuality .
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - www . aqha . com . au