Feeding Guide - CRF Horse Nutrition Guide
Feeding Guide
| CRF Horse Nutrition Guide |
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| CRF Equine Research Trials |
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1. Establish a feeding program for the horse based on sound nutrition. Do not over-supplement. Too much supplement is wasteful, and some “tonics” may be harmful. Your cooperative’s horse feeds contain adequate vitamins and minerals when fed as directed.
2. The feeding of horses requires good judgment. Each horse should be fed according to its individual needs and responses. Adjust the amount of grain fed for work, performance and body condition.
3. Regularity of feeding time is very important. Establish a routine for feeding the horse, preferably equal amounts of feed at least two times daily and at the same times each day. Feeding two or three times a day avoids overtaxing the horse’s digestive system.
4. The total amount of ration fed each day should not fluctuate drastically. A rule of thumb is not to increase the horse’s grain feeding by more than one pound per day.
5. A change in ration should always be gradual to avoid digestive disturbances. During the transition, integrate some of the new grain or hay into some of the present ration being fed, replacing 25 percent of the old with new for the first two to three days, 50 percent for the next two to three days, 75 percent for another two to three days, so that by a week to 10 days, you have effected a total change in the feeding program.
6. Feed only top-quality feeds. Hay should be free of dust and molds.
7. Provide free access to clean, fresh water and salt at all times. Horses drink the most water when it is kept at temperatures between 45 and 65º F.
8. Feed boxes, hay racks and watering equipment should always be kept clean and sanitary. Unconsumed feed should be removed from the feed box before the next feeding.
9. Observe the horse’s eating habits; most horses usually consume all of their grain portion within 30 minutes. If the horse does not readily begin eating, it should be watched closely for signs of problems. Spending a small amount of time each day observing your horse will help you detect problems early.
10. Some horses have the habit of eating their feed too rapidly which can lead to choking. This can be controlled by using large feed troughs, spreading the feed over the entire trough, lowering the height of the feed trough or placing a few large smooth rocks or salt bricks in the feed trough so that the horse is required to eat around them.
11. Before working your horse allow feed to be digested. If a horse is to be worked soon after feeding reduce the grain portion by one-half.
12. Do not feed grain to a heated horse nor allow uncontrolled water consumption until the horse is properly “cooled out”. It is fine to offer the horse hay.
13. Be sure your horse’s teeth have no sharp edges that may injure the inside of the mouth. Drooling, slobbering of grain or quidding of hay of feed are tell-tale signs. Consult your veterinarian.
14. To help save feed, improve body condition and reduce colic problems, consult with your veterinarian for a parasite control program.
15. If horses are group fed, separate timid ones from the group and give them special encouragement to eat.