Equine Nutrition

Abstract

Throughout this subject students will explore the basic principles and application of feeding horses with an emphasis on optimal health, welfare and body condition score. The feeding of all horse classes will be studied, including the identification of nutritional and/or health problems that may arise because of a horse’s diet. From this, feeding management strategies will be developed which can be applied to a range of contexts depending on horse type and use. The role of nutritional supplements and the use of commercial feedstuffs will be explored and analysed. Least cost rations will be formulated for a range of horses. The grazing management of pastures for horses will be investigated with the use of pasture growth measurements to calculate a yearly feed budget to ensure optimal management of pasture. On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to formulate rations tailored to individual equids and the conditions (natural or artificial) in which they are kept.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Horse feeding behaviours and basic horse feeding principles;Evaluation of feedstuff quality, commercial feedstuffs and nutritional supplements;Feeding costs and least cost rations;Feeding of all classes of horse according to NRC (2007) guidelines;Feeding sick, old or neglected horses;Pasture management for horses;Nutrition-related health issues and their … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Horse feeding behaviours and basic horse feeding principles;
Evaluation of feedstuff quality, commercial feedstuffs and nutritional supplements;
Feeding costs and least cost rations;
Feeding of all classes of horse according to NRC (2007) guidelines;
Feeding sick, old or neglected horses;
Pasture management for horses;
Nutrition-related health issues and their management; and
Tackling equine obesity.

Assessment items

1. Commercial Ration Evaluation Scenarios

2. Case Study - Pasture Management and Feed Budgeting for Horses

3. Case study – Rations to Maintain Health and Welfare

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

Utilise the National Research Council Nutrient requirements for horses (2007) to formulate least cost rations for all classes of horse;

Compare the quality and nutritive value of feedstuffs and discuss the effects of processing of commercially available products on their nutritive value;

Examine a range of feeding practices and interpret their impact on equine health and welfare;

Discuss feeding strategies that enhance equine welfare for all classes of horse; and

Measure pasture growth to implement pasture-based feed budgets to make informed decisions about managing horses at pasture.

Enrolment restrictions

This subject is primarily for students in the Bachelor of Equine Science and Bachelor of Equine Science (Business Management) courses. Students studying other animal based courses may be admitted with the permission of the Subject Coordinator and appropriate Course Director.

Incompatible

Pre-requisite

Learning activities

Intensive School

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.

Handbook

EQS250 - Equine Nutrition