Study on the energy and protein metabolism in horses.

This study investigated the energy and protein benefits of different diets in pregnant and lactating mares and their offspring. The study was also designed to ascertain the energy and protein requirements of these horses.

Research Objective

This research was undertaken with the objective to understand how equine constitutions, particularly pregnant and lactating mares, as well as suckling and weaning foals, metabolize energy and protein based on their physiological conditions, age, and the type of diet. The study further seeks to determine the feed availability and energy and protein requirements for these equines.

Methodology and Feed Composition

• The horses were fed a diet comprised of a balanced mix of alfalfa hay, oats, and compound feeds, all of which have distinctive energy and protein availabilities.
• The study then compared the metabolization rates of these feeds based on the different physiological conditions of the animals and their age.

Findings Considered

The researchers noted several key findings:

• Pregnant mares metabolized the diets to derive an average proportion of 64.5% of metabolizable energy (ME) and 54.6% of digestible crude protein (DCP).
• In lactating mares, the metabolization rates were lower, with values at 60.1% for ME and 50.1% for DCP.
• However, the energy and protein necessary for maintenance was similar in both pregnant and lactating mares, rounded to approximately 531 kJ, ME/kg0.75, 529 KJ, ME/kg0.75, and 3 g DCP/kg0.75 respectively.
• Suckling colts showed a daily average gain in weight between 1405 and 891 grams.
• Young horses, after being weaned and up to the age of 2 years, showed weight gain between 773 and 447 grams
• The efficiency of net ME and DCP for growth in the suckling colts was 40.6% and 46.1% respectively, and for young horses post weaning, it was 40.3% for ME and 44.4% for DCP.
• The maintenance requirement of energy and protein for the weaned young horses proved different and were 506 kJ, ME/kg0.75 and 4.51 g DCP/kg0.75 respectively, and it increased to 587 kJ, ME/kg0.75 and the decreased to 3.51 g DCP/kg0.75, respectively.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the physiological condition and age of the horse affect the value of energy and protein derived from the feed. It also pointed out that different life stages of horses require varying amounts of energy and protein for their maintenance and growth. These valuable insights can assist in developing targeted feeding strategies for horses at different stages of their lives, leading to improved health and growth outcomes.