Nutrient Requirements of the Nursing and Breeding Mare
Nutrients are needed when analyzing and balancing a horse’s diet. The nutrient demands are based on the horses’ different life stages.
Breeding mares require feed to supply energy, protein, minerals and vitamins for maintenance, production, growth and performance. Recommended nutrient requirements are expressed as absolute amounts per day. These recommendations are considered averages because breeding mares of similar body weights and production status will vary slightly in their individual nutrient needs. The amounts of nutrients needed will of course depend on the breeding mares weight, life stage, activity and growth.
These recommendations are developed by years of research at universities around the world and are compiled by the National Research Council Subcommittee on Horse Nutrition.
Nutrient Needs of the Nursing Mare
Nutrient Demands for Foaling to Three Months for Lactation
- Digestible energy (DE) 1.20 Mcal/lb
- Crude protein 13.2%
- Lysine .46%
- Calcium .52%
- Phosphorus .34%
- Magnesium .10%
- Potassium .42%
- Vitamin A 1250 IU/lb
- Expected total feed eaten (lbs/100lbs body weight) 2.5% - 3%
- Hay to grain ratio of total feed daily 50% hay & 50% grain
Nutrient Demands for Three Months to Weanling
- Digestible energy (DE) 1.15 Mcal/lb
- Crude protein 11%
- Lysine .37%
- Calcium .36%
- Phosphorus .22%
- Magnesium .09%
- Potassium .33%
- Vitamin A 1370 IU/lb
- Expected total feed eaten (lbs/100lbs body weight) 2% - 2.5%
- Hay to grain ratio of total feed daily 65% hay & 35% grain
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