February 2010

Large/Small Nutrient Needs

NRC dosages are not adequate for all breeds and sizes of horses.

The National Research Council (NRC) sets nutrient requirements for horses and other animals and does an excellent job estimating the correct calorie, protein and mineral intakes for "average" horses. However, for the very large or

Feeding half of the recommended dosages on supplements to this pony may not give him what he needs.

very small animal, you may need to make adjustments.

Feeding guidelines are based on studies typically done using horses that weigh 900 to 1,100 lbs. Does that mean you feed your 500-lb. pony half of what you feed your 1,000-lb. Thoroughbred, and then you double it for a 2,000-lb. draft? Not necessarily. The smaller or larger animal can have different metabolism, different muscling and bone mass. …