ABSTRACT
Horsemen are becoming more aware of alternate feed sources for horses--and that feeds such as oats, corn, grain sorghum, timothy hay, alfalfa hay, and soybean meal, are simply sources of basic nutrients for the horse. Feedstuffs are divided into three categories: roughages--pasture and hay, energy concentrates—grains, and protein concentrates or supplement premixes—feeds such as soybean meal. Horsemen need to be aware of the nutrient content of the feedstuffs to develop good feeding programs. In addition to the feedstuffs, one can consider commercial vitamin and mineral premixes that may be added to rations when sufficient stress or increased production warrants a need. Many good horsemen feed some commercially mixed concentrate feed. Tags on these feeds specify protein, fiber, and fat content as well as a list of ingredients. The value of a protein supplement not only depends on its protein content but also its protein quality.
