Keys of nutrition in growing horses

Nutrition is of paramount importance during the growth phase of horses, as it directly influences their development, skeletal integrity, and overall health. The critical factors that underpin the nutritional needs of growing horses include energy requirements, protein quality, mineral balance, and dietary management. Understanding these keys to nutrition ensures that young horses achieve their full potential in terms of structure and performance. The growth phase is a critical period in a horse’s life, determining its future soundness, performance, and longevity. Proper nutrition during this stage is pivotal, as it provides the building blocks necessary for the development of strong bones, robust muscles, and a healthy immune system. Energy is the cornerstone of growth, as it fuels cellular processes and supports anabolic activities. Young horses require a consistent supply of energy to sustain growth, maintain bodily functions, and support their increasing activity levels. The energy requirements are influenced by factors such as age, breed, size, and activity level. Providing access to a high-quality forage is important for growing horses as it provides a valuable source of energy from carbohydrates and fiber, along with providing other crucial nutrients such as protein and the amino acids from which protein is comprised. High quality protein is essential for the development of tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and organs. Growing horses have increased protein requirements to support the rapid growth of these structures. The quality of protein, as determined by its amino acid composition, is crucial. Essential amino acids like lysine, methionine, and threonine are particularly important during growth. Ensuring that young horses receive a diet with balanced and digestible protein sources promotes optimal muscle and skeletal development. Minerals are pivotal for the formation and maintenance of bones, which are the foundation of a horse’s structural integrity. Calcium and phosphorus are the primary minerals required for skeletal development. Great care should be taken to ensure readily available dietary calcium exceeds phosphorus to avoid skeletal issues such as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Imbalances or deficiencies of these and other minerals can lead to skeletal abnormalities such as developmental orthopedic diseases. While growth is a natural process, rapid growth rates can lead to developmental issues, particularly if deficiencies or imbalances of nutrients are present in the diet. Overfeeding, especially in terms of energy, can result in excessive weight gain and stress on developing joints. This is particularly relevant in large-breed horses prone to orthopedic problems. Careful dietary management, including monitoring body condition, adjusting energy intake, and ensuring balanced nutrition, helps mitigate these risks. Regular monitoring of a growing horse’s body condition, growth rate, and overall health is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of its nutrition plan. Adjustments may be necessary based on factors such as growth rate, activity level, and health status. Consulting with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian trained in equine nutrition can provide valuable insights into refining the diet as the young horse develops. The nutrition of growing horses is a multifaceted undertaking that requires particular attention to energy, protein, minerals, and proper dietary management. Providing a balanced diet that supports optimal growth and prevents developmental issues is key. By adhering to these nutritional principles, horse owners can contribute to the healthy development and future success of their growing equine companions.

Biographical Sketch for Dr. Brian D. Nielsen

Dr. Nielsen completed his undergraduate degree in Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and received both his M.S. and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. He currently is a professor of Equine Exercise Physiology in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University where he has a teaching and research appointment. Nielsen has authored 83 peer-reviewed papers and 241 book chapters, conference papers, and abstracts, as well as 67 popular press articles. He has given 65 invited international talks in countries such as Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Norway, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates and has given 145 invited talks at national meetings and within the state of Michigan. He has secured $2.8 million in research funding. He is an active member of the American Society of Animal Science, the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, and served as the President of the Equine Science Society – an organization that presented him with the “American Feed Industry Association Award in Equine Nutrition Research” in 2017 and the “Outstanding Young Equine Professional Award” in 2001. Additionally, he was awarded the “Outstanding Teacher Award” at the Midwest Section of the American Society of Animal Science and the American Dairy Science Association in 2005 and the “Equine Science Award” by the American Society of Animal Science and Equine Science Society in 2010. Besides having served on the editorial board for the Journal of Animal Science, the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, The Professional Animal Scientist, and the international journals Comparative Exercise Physiology and the Journal of Istanbul Veterinary Sciences, he is a Diplomat in the American College of Animal Nutritionists and served on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Horses. Throughout his academic career, he has maintained involvement in the industry by breaking and galloping racing Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds for nearly 35 years and became a licensed racehorse trainer in 1997