Proteins By : Jessie Colombrito

And Rebecca Smith

What is the the Makeup of Proteins? Proteins are compounds made up of

substances called amino acids that contain:carbon hydrogen oxygenNitrogen Iron Phosphorous sulfur .

How is Protein digested and excreted?

Protein to be absorbed and used well with minimal waste, you need a combination of essential amino acids so that all the protein in the feed ration is utilized by the horse’s body.

Protein the main muscle building material in the horse’s diet. Without protein horse’s will not have proper muscle , bone, tendon, hoof and ligament development.

What are amino acids and their functions? Amino acids make up the structure for a

protein.Depending on the protein , there is a

different amount of amino acid in each. Protein is only useful when there is a correct

combination and amount of amino acids. Amino acids most important to protein is

Lysine and Methionine.

What are daily protein requirements or horses? Protein is required for 8 to 14 percent of a horse’s

daily diet. For the most part, it depends on many factors of the horses daily workload , weight, age.

Young growing horses need the most amount of protein in order to grow correctly.

Mares that are in their last three months of pregnancy need an immense amount of protein in order to finish developing the fetus and prepare to lactate.

Stallions at stud need low energy feeds. They need mostly roughage and a good amount of protein to prevent hoof and bone issues.

How will horses react to a protein deficiency?Deficiency of protein is bad for a horse’s

growth rate, development ,and lactation . Signs of a protein deficiency:

Lack of Appetite Stunted GrowthWeight LossLack of staminaPoor condition (coat , hooves, ect.)

How will horses react to an excess of protein in their diet?18% or more of protein in a horses diet is

considered unhealthy and will result in numerous health issues.

Horses will react in the following ways: They will appear overweight.This will result in poor hoof circulationPoor Growth ( an overload of protein that is not

in proper ratio to energy creates growth development issues with horses. )

Examples of protein in a horse’s diet. Alfalfa is high in protein.Some supplements have high amounts of

protein in them ( they can go up to 38%) Protein concentrated feeds

Sources http://cc.bingj.com/cache.aspx?q=can+a+hor

se+have+too+much+protein++&d=4997971962431598&mkt=en-US&setlang=en-US&w=e0b91b4d,a2d973d7

http://www.ranvet.com.au/protein_builds_horses.htm

http://www.ranvet.com.au/protein_as_part_of_a_horses_diet.htm