Common feeds fed to horses are classified into three categories:
Roughages
- Roughages are high in fiber and low in energy.
- Roughages include pasture, hay, and silage.
Concentrates
- Concentrates are low in fiber and high in energy.
- Concentrates include grains and grain by-products.
Supplements
- Supplements are used to balance rations to make up for deficiencies in protein, minerals, and vitamins.
- Protein supplements are of plant or animal origin, whereas minerals are organic or inorganic. Most vitamins can be synthesized by the horse and can be supplied from natural sources.
For more information, see the article: Nutrients and Common Feed Sources for Horses.
Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky
