Protein. We should never underestimate the importance of this vital nutrient. It’s essential for muscle, skin, bones, internal organs, blood – just about any part of you or your horse needs protein!
How much protein do horse's need? Mature horses at rest or in light work need around 8 – 10% of their total intake as protein. Horse owners have been suspicious of protein, believing it to be “heating”. Historically, we gave horses bean meal as a source of protein when needs were higher, such as when horses were hunting, or when heavy horses were ploughing. Beans are indeed a reasonable source of protein, but they are also starchy and it was likely the starch that was causing the issues, not the protein. Hence the saying, full of beans!
Which plants should we feed to supply protein? If we source good quality protein from forages rather than pulses, we can supply vital nutrition without the side effects of delivering unwanted starch. This is also the form of protein the horse evolved to ingest and is easily digested, well assimilated and gives brilliant support to the gut microbes.
Grass, lucerne, sainfoin as well as most other plants, will have higher levels of protein when they are immature and these gradually decline as the plants age, with fibre levels increasing. Depending on the crop involved and the timing of harvest, suitable levels of protein and fibre can be achieved to meet the needs of all horses.
At Simple System, we monitor, analyse and test all our forages to do the hard work for you and ensure your horse is fed exactly what is needed. Lucie Nuts, made from nothing but lucerne, are one of our most recommended feeds. They supply quality protein and valuable nutrients, yet are naturally low in sugar and starch.
When may horses require more protein? Protein requirements are higher when in work, to support muscle development and repair; in young horses to support growth; in broodmares to support foetal development and lactation, and in veteran horses whose digestion may be less efficient than when they were younger. Horses may also need more protein when recovering from disease or serious injury.
If you'd like to discuss ways to top-up your horse's protein in the feed bowl, contact the Simple System Feed Line on 01728 604 008, or request a free Feed Plan here.