Title: Demonstrate how to balance a feed ration.
Course: Equine Science, Advanced (18104-II) > Section: Managing Horse Nutrition

Demonstration should include

- weighing the horse
- calculating the total daily requirements (forage and concentrate) (i.e., body weight/100x2.5=total daily ration)
- determining the weight goal
  - maintenance diet (e.g., if the horse’s ideal weight is 300kg, and the horse weighs 300kg, feed 2.5% of 300kg)
  - reduction diet (e.g., if the horse’s ideal weight is 300kg, and the horse weighs 400kg, feed 2.5% of 300kg, not 2.5% of 400kg)
  - increase diet (e.g., if the horse’s ideal weight is 400kg, and the horse weighs 300kg, feed 2.5% of 400kg, not 2.5% of 300kg)
- controlling the energy level in forage (e.g., grass, haylage, hay, oat straw) and the type of grass (e.g., rye, timothy, cocksfoot or orchard grass) have varying amounts of digestible energy (DE)
- choosing the type of energy to suit your horse (e.g., slow-release energy [fiber and oil] vs. fast-release energy [starch in oats and barley])
- adjusting food intake as needed (making adjustments gradually)
- scheduling feedings at the appropriate times
- consulting a veterinarian if needed.

Demonstration should also include taking into consideration class, health, digestive system, parasite control, dental condition, percentage of dietary crude protein needs, and the DE needs of the horse to determine the type and amount of

- carbohydrates
- protein
- fats
- vitamins
- minerals
- chlorine
- beta carotene
- amino acids (e.g., lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine)

and always giving a horse access to plenty of fresh and clean water.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to ensure the ration is balanced specifically for the horse being fed?
- Why is it important to feed a horse plenty of roughage and grain in small amounts?
- Why is it important to change feed and feed schedules gradually?
- How many gallons of water does a horse need per day? Why is it important for a horse to have access to plenty of clean, fresh water?