Someone mentioned that a diet should not consist of more than 12% fat. I
went to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Convention this year. At
the equine nutrition lecture, the woman specifically stated that for low
weight and hard working horses, up to 20% fat (I said 30% last time -
oops)in the diet did not adversely effect the horse and provided extra
needed energy. This fat also helps horses gain weight. I specifically
asked her (Lynn Taylor, MS, PhD) about her findings and she said that
research in endurance horses has shown positive benefits from a high fat
diet in horses needed lots of available energy.
Fats provide 2.25 times the energy that carbohydrates and proteins do, so
they are a valuable source of energy, especially when a horse cannot or
will not eat enough "regular" feed to keep up with their energy output.
According to "Feeding and Care of the Horse" by Lon Lewis, supplemental
fats are well used by the horse, especially plant and vegetable oils. Fats
dicrease the amount of feed intake required for the same level of activity.
He also says that one cup of vegetable oil will replace 1.5 quarts of oats
or 1 quart of corn. He agrees that horses can utilize 20% of added fat to
the total diet and 30% in the grain mix (must be where I got my 30% last
time).
If anyone is interested, he gives all kinds of information about adding fat
to the diet and balancing it with the rest of the ration. I can copy the
pertinent section of the chapter for you.
Shannon Loomis and Quail Meadow Star