Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Monika R Parmar, Harish H Savsani, Mulraj D Odedra, Vijay K Karangiya and Nilay K Ribadiya

Abstract:
Presently equines, such as horse, ponies, donkeys and mules are in multifarious uses in the society. Nutrition is a key component of equine health and performance. Horses are non-ruminant herbivores of a type known as a "hindgut fermenter." Ruminants like cattle are foregut fermenters, and digest fibre in plant matter by use of a multi-chambered stomach, whereas horses use microbial fermentation in a part of the digestive system known as the cecum (or caecum) to break down the cellulose. Horse’s nutrition and digestive health has the ability to impact everything like Gut health, Overall health, Behaviour, Physical ability, Performance. Like all animals, equines require five main classes of nutrients to survive: water, energy (primarily in the form of fats and carbohydrates), proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Race horses receive the protein, energy, vitamin and other nutrient needed to develop the body of well-trained athletes. The ration should provide 18% CP, 0.95% Ca and 0.85% P. Horses on pasture spend about 60-70% of whole day grazing and in stables also slowly nibble hay if available freely. In stables most horses will eat hourly during day and every 2-3 hours during night regardless of type of feed available from loose hay to blocks/cubes.