Since the first edition of Equine Nutrition and Feeding was published in 1986, it has become the standard work on the subject, covering every aspect of the nutrition of breeding, growing and working horses, and describing the basis upon which scientifically derived conclusions for nutrition and dietry requirements are reached.

The book has been extensively updated, revised and rewritten with a full bibliography and reference list. It has been made more practical by setting out the implications of new research for feeding programmes and it includes a full account of toxicology, and metabolic and other diseases, related to diet. Their causes and control are discussed, and comprehensive lists of definitions of terms and the abbreviations used are given.

Table of Contents:

Introduction to the Third Edition

Acknowledgements

List of Abbreviations

1 - The Digestive System
The mouth
The stomach and small intestine
The large intestine
Study questions
Further reading

2 - Utilization of the Products of Dietary Energy and Protein
Carbohydrate, fat and protein as sources of energy, and the hormonal regulation of energy
Energy metabolism
Dietary protein
Protein requirements for maintenance
Amino acids
Non-protein nitrogen
Laminitis and energy intake
Study questions
Further reading

3 - The Roles of Major Minerals and Trace Elements
Major minerals
Trace elements
Study questions
Further reading

4 - Vitamin and Water Requirements
Vitamin requirements
Water requirements and fluid losses
Study questions
Further reading

5 - Ingredients of Horse Feeds
Roughage
‘Processed’ feeds
Functions of hay and use of other bulky feeds
Compounded nuts
Coarse mixes
Cereals
Other lesser ingredients and by-products
Fat supplements
Protein concentrates
Pre- and pro-biotics
Dietary vitamin and mineral supplements
Feed storage
Natural and contaminant toxicants in feeds
Feed additives
Prohibited substances
Study questions
Further reading

6 - Estimating Nutrient Requirements
Relationship of capacity for feed to body weight
Concentrates and roughages
Feed energy
Digestible energy, protein and mineral requirements based on NRC (2007) recommendations
Ration formulation using the DE and NE systems
Energy and protein requirements based on INRA feed units
Energy, protein, mineral and micronutrient feed values as determined by the INRA system
Simple ration formulation
Feed type, rate of intake, appetite, frequency and processing
Shelf-life of feeds, feed contaminants and government regulations
Study questions
Further reading

7 - Feeding the Breeding Mare, Foal and Stallion
The oestrous cycle and fertility
Gestation
Parturition
Lactation
Weaning procedure
Feeding the orphan foal
The stallion
Study questions
Further reading

8 - Growth
Ideal conformation
Birth weight and early growth
Later growth and conformational changes
Effects of dietary composition
Developmental orthopaedic disease
Study questions
Further reading

9 - Feeding for Performance and the Metabolism of Nutrients During Exercise
Work and energy expenditure
Energy substrates and their expenditure
Training methods
Muscle energy reserves and feeding before exercise
The endocrine system
The vascular and respiratory systems
Results of exercise
Blood acid–base balance
Dietary base excess and ‘fixed’ dietary cation–anion balance
Dietary protein requirements and exercise
Feeding methods
Study questions
Further reading

10 - Grassland and Pasture Management
Grassland types
Pasture as an exercise area
Nutritional productivity of pasture
Nutrients required for pasture growth and development
Sward height
Intensity of stocking with horses and ruminants
Grazing behaviour
Supplements on pasture
Safety of grazing areas
Water supplies
Silage and haylage and their safety
Grassland improvement
Tropical grassland and forages
Poisonous plants
Homeopathy
Study questions
Further reading

11 - Pests and Ailments Related to Grazing Area, Diet and Housing
Arthropod parasites
Worm infestations
Protozoan parasites
Ailments related to diet
Pasture ailments
Liver disease
Chronic weight loss
The mature sick or geriatric horse
Muscle ailments
Housing
Study questions.
Further reading

12 - Laboratory Methods for Assessing Nutritional Status and Some Dietary Options
Metabolic tests
Diets for liver disease
Diets for kidney disease
Bone metabolism
Other tests
Procedures for determining causes of suspected nutritional problems
Study questions
Further reading

Appendix A - Example Calculation of Dietary Composition Required for a 400 kg Mare in the Fourth Month of Lactation

Appendix B - Common Dietary Errors in Studs and Racing Stables

Appendix C - Chemical Composition of Feedstuffs Used for Horses

Appendix D - Estimates of Base Excess of a Diet and of Blood Plasma

Glossary

References and Bibliography

Conclusion

Index