Equine nutrition and feeding

This curricular unit will use knowledges learned at External anatomy and anatomy of the horse and Equine management curricular units.

Theoretical-practical classes, in which theory exposition is followed by practical application, both laboratorial (analytical determination of the main parameters of the chemical-bromatological composition of equine feeds or foodstuffs), or at calculating the energy value of feeds and at solving simple ration formulation exercises.

• Knows the horse’s feeding behaviour. 
• Knows the digestive system of the horse. 
• Knows the equine feeding rules. 
• Understand the difference between nutritional needs for maintenance and production. 
• Understands information of tables of feed composition and horse requirements. 
• Solve basic feeding problems

1. Equine feeding behaviour.
2. Equine digestion.
3. Assessment of equine nutritional requirements.
4. Equine feeding disorders.
5. Equine feeds.
6. Introduction to ration formulation.
7. Equine feeding:
    a. Stud stallion and mares
    b. Foals
    c. Competition horses
    d. Malnourished, stressed or elderly equines.

NAO

• Ferreira, L.M.M., Santos, A.S. (2015). Alimentar cavalos em Portugal, uma abordagem prática. Minerva, Vila Real.
• Martin-Rosset, W. (1993). La alimentación de los caballos. 1ª Edição. Editorial AEDOS. Barcelona.
• NRC (1989). Nutrient requirements of horse. 5ª edição. National Academy Press. Washington.
• Pilliner, S. (1992). Horse nutrition and feeding. 1ª Edição. Blackwell Science.
• Silva, Ana Teresa (2009). Hipologia – Guia para o estudo do cavalo. Lidel- edições técnicas, Lisboa.
• Tisserand, J. L. (1986). Alimentation du cheval. 3ª Edição. CEREOPA, França
• Wolter, R. (2000). Alimentation du cheval. 1ª Edição. Éditions France Agricole. França.