Arenas
 A-M 
 Arenas
 M-Z 
 Associations 
 Articles 
 Fun 
 Links 
 Shows 
 Submit 
 Web Design
 Webrings 
HOME
Up
Body Score
Feeding Foals
After Foaling
Feed Tags
Feed Tags pt2
Feed Tags pt3
Feed Tags pt4
Feed Tags pt5
Feed Tags pt6
Feed Tags pt7
Feed Tags pt8

Show Horse Promotions
The Show Planner

Mary Murray
Certified Internet Webmaster
i-Net+ Certified
A+ Certified

 

 

The Way of Horses
By Eleanor Richards

Learn how to feed horses. Information you need about forage, supplements, treats and grain. Learn how to read a feed tag, know what dewormer to use, how to feed a foal, adult or senior horse. 

Meet Eleanor Richards

Proper nutrition and management practices can prevent many problems associated with caring for horses. You can learn how to provide your horse with a better life-style by taking the online course "How to Feed for Maximum Performance" taught by Eleanor Richards. Go to www.horsecoursesonline.com  for more information. Contact Eleanor at elrichards@thewayofhorses.com  or (602) 616-8414. Be sure to visit Eleanor's web site at www.thewayofhorses.com 

INTERPRETING FEED TAGS (part 5)
By Eleanor Richards
Copyright © 2004
Minerals

My horse eats dirt!

There are many reasons horses will eat dirt. Boredom and lack of forage are two examples. But, the main reason most horses eat dirt is for the minerals.

Minerals are not manufactured in the body or in the plants horses eat. Yes, there are minerals in bodies and plants, but they are not produced within the system. Minerals come from the soil.

Plants absorb minerals from the soil. Your horse then eats those plants (forage and grain)... or your horse cuts out the middleman and just eats the dirt. 

The problem is the soil varies in mineral content. Different geographical regions have different minerals in the soil. Some regions have too much or too little. 

Another problem is many of our horses are kept confined in a stall. These horses never have a chance to obtain minerals the natural way (by eating dirt or visiting the local natural salt lick). 

Our horses depend on us to provide the needed minerals. We do this by providing a good quality concentrate, offering free choice loose salt and - in some extreme cases - feeding a mineral supplement. 

Minerals interact with other minerals. One mineral may interfere with the absorption of other minerals. Extreme caution must be observed when supplementing with minerals. Imbalances and toxic levels are very possible.

Look at your feed tag. There should be four minerals listed: calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc. There might be others, but these four are required by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

The calcium and phosphorus levels must be in the correct ratio. 1 to 1 ½ parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus is the ratio desired. Formulas for mature horses should contain about 0.70% calcium and 0.45% phosphorus. Feeds for growing horses and pregnant broodmares can be as high as 1% calcium and 0.65% phosphorus.

Copper and zinc are stated in parts per million (ppm). They are needed in very small amounts. 

The copper amount could be as low as 35 ppm or as high as 55 ppm. Premium feeds designed for pregnant broodmares should have the higher amounts. Copper is very important to the developing fetus.

Zinc amounts will vary also. Some feeds might contain 140 ppm or have as much as 220 ppm.

Selenium is a very important mineral. It is deficient in many parts of the country. But, it is not required to be stated on the feed tag - though most companies do include it. The amount will vary from product to product. The average amount supplied will be approximately 0.3 ppm to 0.6 ppm. Once again, the formulas for pregnant broodmares should contain the higher amount. 

I cannot stress enough the care that must be taken when offering mineral supplements. Unless you are working under the supervision of a veterinarian it is recommended to feed plenty of good quality forage, a commercial feed designed to compliment that forage and is designed for the age and work level of your horse. Also, make sure your horse has access to free choice loose white salt and fresh clean water. 

 

© 2000 - 2010 Show Horse Promotions
All Rights Reserved
Privacy Statement

 

The Show Horse Promotions web site is an informational web site, this information is subject to change without notice. Any use of, or actions taken based upon any of the information contained on this web site is done entirely at your own risk.

Show Horse Promotions expressly prohibit you from republishing or redistributing this content without first receiving our written consent. By using this site, you agree not to hold us liable for any errors or delays in this content, or for any actions that you take in reliance thereon. This site contains links to other Internet sites. These links are not endorsements by us of any products or services in those sites, and we have not endorsed or approved any information in those sites.