What Should I Feed My Horse? Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which level of activity is characterized by strenuous/athletic exercise?

Intense (correct)

Moderate

Heavy

Light

What is the function of the cecum in horses?

Produce enzymes for protein breakdown

Absorb vitamins and minerals

Digest cellulose to VFAs (correct)

Absorb water

Why is the quality of forages important in a horse's diet?

To prevent colic (correct)

To reduce pregnancy rate

To induce laminitis

To regulate body temperature

What is recommended for feeding orphan foals?

Cow's milk (2%) Signup and view all the answers

What body condition score is associated with cycling earlier and maintaining pregnancy more easily in broodmares?

6 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of feeds should be the main diet component for horses according to the text?

Forage Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of their body weight can horses consume daily?

2-2.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which ratio of Calcium to Phosphorus (Ca:P) is recommended for horse diets?

2:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dry matter intake for horses as a percentage of their body weight?

1.5-2.0% Signup and view all the answers

What is the feeding rule regarding cutting balanced rations?

It should be avoided. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended when switching feed type or quantity for horses?

Slowly introduce changes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding the nutritional needs of the breeding stallion during gestation?

Providing nutrients for fetal growth and development Signup and view all the answers

What should the feeders for foals be like in terms of accessibility?

Easily accessible to all foals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the symptoms associated with pituitary/thyroid troubles in horses during the gestation period?

Jaundice and weight loss Signup and view all the answers

For geriatric horses, what is the primary concern when selecting feed?

Maintaining body condition Signup and view all the answers

Which pasture source do horses prefer according to a Pennsylvania study?

Alfalfa over clovers Signup and view all the answers

What does fat supplementation provide to horses according to the text?

Decreased heat of fermentation Signup and view all the answers

In pasture sources of fat, what is the general behavior of horses compared to cattle?

Horses are less destructive to pasture than cattle Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended height for a good fence attribute in horsekeeping facilities?

~54-60 inches above ground level Signup and view all the answers

When planning fencing, what should be done to prevent flipping over by horses?

~12-inch bottom rail to prevent flipping over Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the disadvantages associated with wood fences according to the text?

Smooth on horse side to prevent injury Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Feeding Weanlings

Minimize stress and post-weanling slump by feeding 1.5-2.5lbs of grain and 0.7-1.0lb of hay per 100lbs of body weight
Monitor feed and water intake, and ensure Ca>P ratio

Feeding Yearlings

For sales and show, feed high-quality concentrate at 0.075lb/100lb body weight
For growth, feed 1.0-2.0lb/100lb body weight
Turn out for 1-3 months, and then provide forage and concentrate in a 1:1 ratio

Nutrition for Lactating Mares

Milk production requires 3% of body weight in energy and 2% in protein
Increase energy and protein requirements by 90% and 50% respectively
Provide a minimum of 1.3% protein and 1.2Mcal/lb of digestible energy from forage
Ensure Ca:P ratio of 2:1

Nutrition for Breeding Stallions

Primary concern is providing nutrients for fetal growth and development
Feed 0.5% concentrate and 1.75-2.0% hay of body weight
Provide vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent decreased kidney and liver function

Geriatric Horses

Maintenance energy requirements are met with 70% of horses over 20 years old
Feed 1.75-2.0% of body weight in forage and 0.5-0.75% in concentrate
Provide vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent pituitary and thyroid tumors
Ensure 11% CP, 1.0Mcal/lb of digestible energy, and 0.45% Ca and 0.34% P

Fat Supplementation

Provide highly palatable and easy-to-chew fat sources
Increase energy from fat, which is 90% utilizable
Ensure fat sources are clean and dust-free

Horse and Pasture

A grass-legume pasture can meet the maintenance requirements of most adult horses
Horses prefer grasses over legumes and tend to be destructive to pasture

Selection of Feed for Geriatric Horses

Choose feeds with high digestible energy, protein, and fiber
Increase iron, vitamins A, D, and E
Ensure fat sources are highly digestible and aid in digestion

Horsekeeping Facilities

Design facilities to prevent dominant horses from trapping subordinates
Use round-off corners and tilt tensioned wire fences to resist inward forces
Ensure fences are highly visible, withstand impacts, and have no openings that can trap head or foot

Planning Fencing

Allow easy access to pastures and do not limit performance of stable chores
Ensure gates are easy to open with one hand and allow easy movement of groups of horses
Use double fencing for stallions and valuable stock to eliminate social and antisocial activity

Life-Stage Feeding

Feed according to life stage, level of activity, and individual digestive and metabolic efficiency
Ensure dry matter intake is 1.5-2.0% of body weight, and most horses meet energy requirements with forage alone

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Test your knowledge on different life stages of horses, their levels of activity, digestive system, and feeding requirements. Learn about the varying levels of performance and work for horses based on their activity levels.

Horse Life Stages and Feeding Quiz

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