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Comparing Traditional and Modern Horse Feed Labels

 

In the past, before added-fat horse rations became universally accepted, traditional horse-feed concentrates were selected for low fiber content in order to provide the highest possible amount of digestible energy (DE) in the total ration.  These low-fiber feeds also contained large amounts of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) such as starch, sugar and pectin compared to forages (hay and pasture).  Traditional horse feeds contained 10 – 16% protein, less than 3% fat and less than 8% fiber (Table 1).  Modern horse feeds contain digestible fiber and less starch and sugar, in order to reduce digestive disorders in horses.  They still contain 10 – 16% protein, but now contain 4 – 8% fat and 13 – 20% fiber, hopefully from sources digestible by horses. 

When comparing feeds for starch and fiber content, look for these high-quality, easily digestible (low starch) fiber sources:  soybean hulls, beet pulp and dehydrated alfalfa.  Wheat middlings are a low-starch feed (about 19% starch).  However, they are also relatively low in crude fiber at 9%.  High-starch feeds include: corn, milo, barley, other cereal grains and the collective term ‘grain products.’  If ingredients are listed in order of inclusion, fiber (roughage) products will be listed before grain products in low-starch feeds.  Feed companies are not required to list ingredients in order of inclusion in horse feeds, but it is common practice to do so. 

Many feed companies use a least-cost method to formulate horse feeds.  With this method, ingredient amounts change with every batch of feed.  Since horses digest ingredients differently, least-cost formulations can result in digestive disorders in horses and are not recommended by the nutritionists at ADM Alliance Nutrition®.  Horse feeds with fixed formulas are more consistent in fiber and starch content, digestibility and palatability. 

It is also preferable to buy a horse feed with ingredients listed on the tag rather than just the collective terms.  With collective terms, you don’t know which grain products, by-products or protein products are in each batch of feed.  Contact your feed company for information about formulation and ingredients in horse feeds.  For assistance in horse ration formulation, be sure to take advantage of the free Equine Nutrition HELPLINE at: 1-800-680-8254. 

 Table 1. Comparison of Traditional (collective terms) and Modern Horse Feed Labels

Nutrient

Traditional grain pellet

GROSTRONG̉ Ultra-Fiber Horse Feed

Protein, % min

12

13

Fat, % min

2.5

6

Crude Fiber, % max

6

17.5

Estimated NSC, %

60.3

23.1

Calcium, % min-max

0.4-0.8

0.7-1.2

Phosphorus, % min

0.8

0.45

Copper, ppm

55

35

Zinc, ppm

220

150

Selenium, ppm

0.06

0.63

Vitamin A, IU/lb

3,000

5,000

Ingredients*

Processed Grain By-products, Grain Products, Forage Products, Molasses products, Plant Protein Products, Calcium Lignin Sufonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Roughage Products, Salt, Lysine, Sodium Propionate (a preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Anis, Fenugreek Flavor, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Ferrous Carbonate, Niacin Supplement, dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite.

Soybean Hulls, Wheat Middlings, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Ground Corn, Cane Molasses, Corn Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles, Corn Germ Meal, Vegetable Oil Refinery Lipid, Sodium Bentonite, Corn Gluten Feed, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Lignin Sulfonate, Vegetable Oil, Brewers Dried Yeast, Linseed Meal, Dehulled Soybean Meal, Feeding Oat Meal, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Propionate (Preservative), Natural and Artificial Flavors, d-alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Monocalcium Phosphate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Defluorinated Phosphate, Ferrous Sulfate, Mineral Oil, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Cholecalciferol (Source of Vitamin D3), Cobalt Carbonate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Menadione Dimethylpyrimidinol Bisulfite (Source of Vitamin K Activity).

 

 

For More Information e-mail at AN_EquineHelp@admworld.com

or call toll free
EQUINE NUTRITION HELPLINE
1-800-680-8254
7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Central Time

ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc. 1000 North 30th Street P.O. Box C1 Quincy, IL USA 62305-3155