Proper formulation of diets for horses depends on adequate knowledge of their nutrient requirements. These requirements depend on the breed and age of the horse and whether it is exercising, pregnant, or lactating. A great deal of new information has been accumulated since the publication 17 years ago of the last edition of Nutrient Requirements of Horses. This new edition features a detailed review of scientific literature, summarizing all the latest information, and provides a new set of requirements based on revised data. Also included is updated information on the composition of feeds, feed additives, and other compounds routinely fed to horses. The effects of physiological factors, such as exercise, and environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, are covered, as well. Nutrient Requirements of Horses also contains information on several nutritional and metabolic diseases that horses often have. Designed primarily as a reference, both practical and technical, Nutrient Requirements of Horses is intended to ensure that the diets of horses and other equids contain adequate amounts of nutrients and that the intakes of certain nutrients are not so excessive that they inhibit performance or impair health. This book is primarily intended for animal nutritionists, veterinarians, and other scientists; however, individual horse owners and managers will also find some of this material useful. Professors who teach graduate courses in animal nutrition will find Nutrient Requirements of Horses beneficial as a textbook.

Summary 1 Energy 3 Carbohydrates 34 Fats and Fatty Acids 44 Proteins and Amino Acids 54 Minerals 69 Vitamins 109 Water and Water Quality 128 Feeds and Feed Processing 141 Feed Additives 183 Feed Analysis 203 Feeding Behavior and General Considerations for Feeding Management 211 Unique Aspects of Equine Nutrition 235 Donkeys and Other Equids 268 Ration Formulation and Evaluation 280 Computer Model to Estimate Requirements 285 Tables 293 Nutrient Requirement Tables 294 Feed Composition Tables 304 Composition of Mare's Milk Tables 311 Table of Conversions 315 Appendixes Committee Statement of Task 317 Abbreviations and Acronyms 319 Committee Member Biographies 323 Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications 325 Index 327