Energy is not a nutrient. It is the capacity to do work. Feedstuffs are measured based on their ability to provide energy to an animal for daily functions. Active horses often have energy requirements that result in the need to feed diets high in concentrates. This can sometimes result in gastrointestinal problems such as colic.
As athletic ability continues to improve through genetics and training, nutritional needs must also keep pace with these improvements. Studies over that past few years have indicated that rations higher in fat content can help improve performance and reduce incidences caused by high concentrate diets. This fat in the diet produces a glycogen sparing effect that increases glycogen stored in the muscle.
This glycogen can then be readily converted to energy under anaerobic conditions such as occurs in race and cutting horses.
However, adding fat today won’t create a derby winner tomorrow, but it may help maintain body condition on hard working horses. There are several factors that should be considered when adding fat to a diet. First, there is typically a three-week adaptation period needed before the horse begins to fully utilize added fat. Second, daily feed intake must be decreased if the work level and body condition are to remain the same. Thirdly, as feed intake is reduced diets must be reformulated to insure that all of the required nutrients are being met.
