PROTEIN

Proteins constitute the parent material in all body tissues. The chemical composition of these proteins may vary through different combinations of compounds called amino acids. Some amino acids are absolutely essential for the functioning of the body and need to be added on a daily basis. These are generally referred to as essential (as in essential to life) amino acids. Lysine and methionine belong to this group of amino acids. The need for protein is at its highest when the horse is growing, carries a developing fetus or is lactating. ‘Maintaining and repairing’ the body tissue of an adult horse requires a considerably smaller amount of protein. Older horses, however, often have a reduced ability to absorb and utilise protein and may need a protein supplement.

Careful consideration ought to be given to the protein content of the concentrate feed compared with that of the forage feed. Forage that is harvested early usually has a high content of protein. A dry spring usually means an early harvest of fresh spring grass and, as expected, a forage feed with a very high protein content. Consequently, there is good reason to have your forage feed analysed before taking the protein content of your concentrate feed into careful consideration. Forage feeds with an extremely high content of protein are unsuitable for the horse as not only are they low in fibre but they are also too rich in protein.

Excess protein can lead to gastric problems and deterioration of the general health and performance of the horse. Overfeeding of large quantities of highly digestible protein may, in severe cases, lead to diarrhoea and life-threatening disturbances in the large intestine caused by the growth of a specific bacteria called (Clostridium Perfringens).

What about the quality of the protein?
In this context, we would also like to stress the importance of the protein quality. The feed you give your horse should include protein with a composition of amino acids suitable for horses. The protein that is not used is excreted from the body, a process which in itself requires energy. Many horses are deprived of the protein they need to develop muscles as a result of not being able to utilise the protein provided in their feeds.

Different feeds contain different qualities of feed. The protein found in normal oats is of moderate quality while for example maize, owing to its composition of amino acids, is a relatively poor source of protein for horses.

KRAFFT’s range of products contains only high-quality protein for efficient digestion and utilisation by the horse.

Protein deficiency
The most common signs of protein deficiency in horses that are not pregnant or lactating include the loss of muscle mass and difficulty gaining muscle mass. Poor muscle definition in a horse is often caused by the horse not getting enough protein or the wrong type of protein in its diet. In some cases, it is a question of the horse not being provided with the right amount of energy. The horse then ends up ‘stealing’ protein as an alternative source of energy. As a result, there is not enough protein to build up muscle mass. A poor muscle definition should always prompt a thorough examination of the feed given. When examining the feed rations of your horse, it is important that you have an idea of’ the nutritional value of the forage feed – and the only way of getting this is to have it analysed.