Last month in our previous blog we wrote about the importance of training, protein in the diet and adequate energy if we want to stimulate muscle growth in horses. Today, we like to take a closer look at the different energy sources we can use in horse nutrition and which energy source is most appropriate for your horse.

Broadly speaking, we can distinguish the 3 main energy sources in the diet of horses: starch and sugars, fiber-rich energy sources and fats (or oils).

• Starch and sugars from cereals (flaked corn, barley, oats,…). These energy sources provide glucose, the main energy supplier for all cells. Glucose is not only good for stimulating muscle growth but is also the main source of energy for short, explosive efforts. In addition, glucose contributes to faster recovery after exercise. However, some horses can also suffer disadvantages from too much grain; for example, too much grain can cause digestive problems (such as stomach ulcers) or lead to muscle acidosis. For such horses, it is better to look at fat and fiber as sources of energy. In summary, starches and sugars are the most appropriate sources of energy for horses that need short explosive efforts and for recovery after strenuous efforts. However, horses that have digestive problems or muscle problems benefit more from other energy sources.
• High-cellular energy sources are a good alternative for horses prone to problems such as gastric ulcers. In particular, (soaked) beet pulp and soy hulls contain relatively high energy compared to other cellulosic feeds (such as alfalfa) and are the most appropriate cellulosic feeds for horses that need to gain mass. Beet pulp and soy hulls are rich in fiber that is fermented in the large intestine, in the process releasing energy and having a beneficial effect on intestinal flora.
• Fats and oils. Fats and oils are the most concentrated energy sources. These energy sources are absorbed more slowly and energy is released more slowly compared to starchy energy sources. It is important to slowly build up the amount of fat in the ration to allow the horse’s metabolism to adapt to it. Studies show that horses fed a high-fat ration for an extended period of time start to burn less glucose and less lactic acid is formed in the muscles. Fats are therefore the preferred source of energy for horses that have to perform prolonged efforts such as in endurance. Omega-3 rich fat sources (such as linseed oil and rapeseed oil, among others) are preferred, these have a positive effect on health and immunity.

If you have questions about your horse’s nutrition and would like personalized advice, please do not hesitate to contact us!

F. c Equnews/Libby Law