Title: Explain how to formulate a balanced ration for an individual horse.
Course: Equine Science (18104-I) > Section: Understanding Horse Nutrition

Explanation should include

- a horse’s daily nutritional requirements
  - carbohydrates
  - protein
  - fats
  - vitamins
  - minerals
  - water
  - chlorine
  - beta carotene
  - amino acids (e.g., lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine)
- critical considerations when balancing an equine ration
  - class of the horse
  - health of the horse
    - digestive system
    - parasite control
    - teeth
  - percentage of dietary protein needs (forage and grain)
  - energy needs (carbohydrates)
  - types of grain feed
  - roughage
    - pasture hay
    - lucerne hay
    - oaten hay
    - wheaten hay
  - quantity of feed, based on
    - body weight
    - body condition
    - work requirements
    - temperament
  - calcium and phosphorus
    - mature horse
    - young horse
  - weight of the horse
  - mineral and vitamin supplements.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does the health of a horse affect its nutritional needs?
- What adjustments to a horse's ration might be necessary, depending on the condition of the teeth?

Teacher Resource: Wood, Craig H.; Jackson, Stephen; and Baker, John P., "Formulating Rations for Horses" (1988). Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications. (https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=anr_reports)