Energy requirements (growing horses)

Both maintenance requirements and requirements for weight gain must be included when calculating the requirements for growing horses.

Scientists in the Netherlands have developed a physiologically based system for calculation of energy requirements for young growing horses, where breed and blood types may be included as parameters in the equations. In the PC-Horse programme we have defined two levels of energy requirements for young horses in order to cater for differences in the rate of gain which is advocated for different types of horses. Rapid growth rate gives a 20% higher energy allowance than moderate growth rate, and is recommended for horses that are being put into training at an early age, and for horses which are raised in groups and have access to lots of exercise. Further increases in the energy intensity may be provided for by checking for moderate exercise option within the programme. Irrespective of the norm that is selected, it is important to monitor the body condition of the horse and adjust feeding levels accordingly. The programme presents a standard growth curve which can be used to monitor the development of young horses. The following table may also aid in monitoring the development of young horses.

Table 2. Growth of young horses as percentage of adult body weight

Age (months)	0	3	6	9	12	15	18	21	24	27	30	33	36
% of adult body weight	10	30	47	58	67	75	82	86	89	92	94	96	97