How do a horse’s nutritional needs change as he progresses through his life, from foal to veteran? Dr Helen Warren, Alltech’s European technical manager, has the lowdown.
![Life Cycle](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/8259/245203/59d4ce79397c8/Life-Cycle.jpg)
The horse, like any other animal, has differing nutrient requirements based on a number of factors, not least his age.
Requirements for most nutrients in mature horses is mainly based on bodyweight. However, younger animals tend to require more energy and protein per unit of bodyweight compared with adult animals.
As horses age, there are some changes to how they digest nutrients and this can be compounded by issues that affect older equines, such as poor dentition.
Here are the considerations you need to take with regards to feeding and diet, as a horse or pony progresses through his life...
The foal
After a successful birth, a healthy foal will be standing up by 30 minutes and suckling within one hour.
Early suckling is critical to the foal’s survival and thrift. There is no placental transfer of immunoglobulins in the horse, so the foal is reliant on antibodies coming from the mare’s colostrum.
Colostrum is the first milk the mare produces and is a yellowy substance that contains a large number of immunoglobulins, as well as protein and some fat.
Energy and protein requirements for growing foals are based on age, growth rate and bodyweight.
Despite this, there are no definitive needs for animals younger than four months of age. As most nutrient requirements are partly based on bodyweight, it makes sense that requirements for all major nutrients increases as the horse grows.
However, if considered in terms of energy and protein required per kilo of bodyweight, then four-month-old foals have greater requirements than a mature horse doing very heavy exercise!
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Horse Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Horse Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Take To One Side](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/253344/5a253c75c60f1/crp_Take-To-One-Side.jpg)
Take To One Side
Our latest Equilibrium Products Rising Star is Robyn Caterall, who has a passionate for the art of riding side-saddle.
![A New Year spectacular](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/253344/5a253df8cfe44/crp_A-New-Year-spectacular.jpg)
A New Year spectacular
Make the New Year a special occasion for the whole family this year, with a trip to the Liverpool International Horse Show. Here’s what’s on offer
![Mongolian Adventure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5edb1979c1f/crp_Mongolian-Adventure.jpg)
Mongolian Adventure
Intrepid traveller Josie Stanford takes an unforgettable trip by horseback into a remote region of Mongolia
![Building On The Basics](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5ee4b9e5d0c/crp_Building-On-The-Basics.jpg)
Building On The Basics
Train your horse sympathetically and get those all-important basic building blocks in place, with the help of top dressage rider Zoe Sleigh
![10 Steps To Jumping Confidence](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5ee761122b9/crp_10-Steps-To-Jumping-Confidence.jpg)
10 Steps To Jumping Confidence
Increase your chances of going clear on the cross-country course with top tips from event rider Austin O’Connor
![10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5eed1feb1d0/crp_10-Essential-Winter-Feeding-Tips.jpg)
10 Essential Winter Feeding Tips
Keep your horse happy, healthy and in good condition with these useful tips from Castle Horse Feed nutritionist Lisa Elliott MSc
![3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/258133/5a5ef4384077c/crp_3-Of-The-BestWays-To-Build-A-Bond.jpg)
3 Of The Best...Ways To Build A Bond
Strengthen the relationship you have with your horse, with top advice from equine behaviourist and chartered physiotherapist Sue Palmer
![Secure A Sponsor](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/212594/58bfb75e974a7/crp_Secure-A-Sponsor.jpg)
Secure A Sponsor
Get help to achieve your riding and competition goals, and cover some of the costs, by securing sponsorship. Here are some useful tips to get you started...
![Achieve Your Goals](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/203696/589970c91a962/crp_Achieve-Your-Goals.jpg)
Achieve Your Goals
Don’t fall at the first hurdle and fail to meet your goals in 2017. Confidence coach Jenni Winter has some smart advice to keep you on track and increase your chance of success.
![Power To The Paces](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/8259/208357/58aac04fbc256/crp_Power-To-The-Paces.jpg)
Power To The Paces
Add expression to your horse’s paces by including some medium steps. Not only will this set you up for the higher levels of dressage, but it can help your jumping, too.