Equine Nutrition
INRA nutrient requirements, recommended allowances and feed tables

Equine nutrition gives insight in updated feed evaluation systems based on net energy, global amount of amino acids, and feed intake. These systems allow accurate comparison of the nutritive value of feeds, the formulation of well-balanced rations to achieve production or utilisation goals, and the prediction of equine performance based on the quantity and quality of the ration.

Equine nutrition provides an update of the nutrient requirements for all categories of equine. Tables of recommended allowances based on long term feeding trials carried out at INRA are proposed. These recommendations and the simple approach to formulation of rations based on the use of a maximum amount of forage have been successfully tested in the fields. The importance of grass intake during summer for the different categories of equines is evaluated and grazing management is described. Feed allowances and feeding practices are proposed in respect of health and behaviour of the equine and of the preservation of environment. The feed tables list 169 roughages and 71 concentrates feeds. Data have been derived from digestion trials on horses, carried out at INRA and measurements of voluntary intake for most of the forages.

This book also deals with several distinct pedagogic tools dedicated to end-users: 'equineration', a guide to 'body condition scoring in horse' and 'Equine Rami' for horse grazing and farming management. This book is an essential source for scientists, teachers and their students, advisers and professionals.