Following from the other threads about feed/pasture, I thought I'd post links to a publication I've found quite interesting. Be warned, it's rather big.
Feeding horses in Australiahttp://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/HOR/99-49.pdfIntroduction
The need for sound, easy to understand guidelines on feeding horses under Australian conditions
was highlighted as one of the major findings of a broad survey carried out in 1996 within the horse
industry, under the direction of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
(RIRDC). Over the past 20 years, both Australian and overseas research has increased the
scientific knowledge of the nutritional requirements of all classes of horses and provided more
comprehensive technical information on common feeds and their nutrient values. This research
has enabled a greater accuracy in balancing the nutrient content, selected from a wider choice of
feeds, when formulating rations. However, much of this information has not filtered down in a form
that can be applied by the average horse trainer, owner and breeder.
The increasing popularity of horses for a wide range of sporting and leisure activities has
attracted many new horse owners and breeders who have not grown up with horses, or
who do not have a rural background or horse keeping experience. Many more horses are
now kept on small areas and hobby farms in the urban fringe of cities and towns by
owners seeking a semi-rural lifestyle. The volume of grain, hay and prepared feeds
destined for horses has doubled in the past 10 years, reflecting the more intensive
management and reduced reliance on pasture as the basis of horse feeding.
This book has been commissioned by RIRDC in recognition of the importance of a sound, viable
and competitive horse industry to the Australian economy. It provides a review of common horse
feeding practices and nutritional management relative to Australian conditions.
The text is presented in a format and style that provides simple, easy to understand
guidelines on the nutritional needs of all classes of horses, including ration examples for
pastured and hand fed horses.
Although it is not an exhaustive review of horse nutrition and feeding, it aims to provide a
summary of the important principles of horse nutrition and feeding, especially for those
new to keeping horses. Those intending to purchase their first horse, students of horse
management and others involved in the supply of feeds and services to the horse industry
should also find the information on feeds and guidelines on feeding specific types of
horses of practical interest.
