Title: Demonstrate how to balance a feed ration.
Course: Equine Science, Advanced (18104-II) > Section: Managing Horse Nutrition

Demonstration should include

- weighing the horse or estimating the weight
- calculating the total daily requirements (forage and concentrate) (i.e., 2% of body weight)
- determining the weight goal
  - maintenance
  - reduction diet
  - increase diet
- controlling the energy level in forage (e.g., grass, haylage, hay, oat straw) and the type of grass (e.g., rye, timothy, orchard grass, fescue) noting that these have varying amounts of DE
- choosing the type of energy to suit your horse (e.g., slow-release energy [e.g., fiber and oil] vs. fast-release energy [e.g., starch in oats and barley])
- adjusting food intake as needed (adjusting gradually)
- scheduling feedings
- consulting a veterinarian if needed.

Demonstration should also include taking into consideration, BCS, age, class, health, digestive system, parasite control, dental condition, percentage of dietary crude protein needs, and the DE needs of the horse to determine the type and amount of

- carbohydrates
- protein
- fats
- vitamins
- micro and macro minerals

and always giving a horse access to plenty of fresh and clean water.

Teacher Resource:

- A Practical Guide to Horse Pasture Management in Virginia, Augusta County, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it important to ensure the ration is balanced specifically for the horse being fed?
- Why is it important to feed a horse plenty of roughage and grain in small amounts throughout the day?
- Why is it important to change feed and feed schedules gradually?
- How many gallons of water does a horse need per day? Why is it important for a horse to have access to plenty of clean, fresh water?