Finer details of feeding need to be regarded once the work load intensifies. In order to survive the maximum performance levels, it becomes more necessary to look at the losses that the horse is subject to due to the increase in workload. It is still necessary to determine the goals that you wish to accomplish from your feeding programme and aim to see to it the horses requirements are met as expeditiously as possible.

Up to 75% of an adult horse’s body mass is water. Whether or not this is jeopardised it may pose a serious threat to the performance of the horse and a drop of just 2% may reduce performance, (marlin and nankervis 2002. ) water is lost at an high rate in horses due to the permeability of their skin and performance horses will increase this loss for the duration of practice by up to 80%. The amount of water that the horse will need in its diet may be approximated by calculating the moisture content of other dietary substances, the amount of protein and salt in the diet and the energy output of the horse, which may be exercised with the assistance of spreadsheet ration formulation.

Digestible energy is the gross energy, (of any food consumed) minus the energy content of any faecal matter. Contest horses will have to gain as much of the nutritious value of this food being consumed, with as small additional side effects, e. G. Weight gain, as possible. The horse, on average, has a food intake of 2-2. 5% of its body weight. It is crucial for body function, to gain the right proportion of roughage to concentrates in order to fulfil requirements.

Carbohydrates are vitally crucial as they are most apt at providing the horse with energy, 9mj de/kg dm, (megajoules of digestible energy per kilogram of arid matter. ) it is crucial to bear in mind that in spite of the bulk that forage adds to the diet, making utilisation of energy poorer from this than from a more concentrated food, fibrous feeds are a crucial ingredient to the right functioning of the gut.

Concentrates provide the horse with a ample concentrated energy source, 12-16mj de/kg dm. Each concentrate varies in other nutritious content, e. G. Starch, fibre, so before weights may be determined, the most suitable food for the aim should be decided. The dietician may then establish the most suitable feeds and quantities for the best utilisation of all nutrient and energy contents. All this may be exercised by inputting the different values of the feeds into the spreadsheet package.

Protein vitamin and mineral parts of a contest horse’s diet ofttimes increase as workload increases the energy needs. This makes it crucial for the construction of a well balanced ration. By using the spreadsheet package, the values of these may be known, and as the workload varies, concentrations of feeds rich or poor in these may be changed to suit.

Using spreadsheets to invent rations for contest horses is more than likely the most cost effective method due to tremendous amounts of cash being spent in other areas of their schedule. This would be a prominent settling factor for directors and owners when giving careful consideration to whether or not to employ it.

Energy values of desired feeds may be identified from the bags or by contacting the provider. Implementing these values and knowing the average energy needs of the horse, construction of a food ration may be achieved.

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