The Role of Macronutrients in Equine Nutrition

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• orses can make their own fats from excess carbohydrates or amino acids.

• They provide about 2.25 times as much energy as carbohydrates.

• Protein plays many roles in the body. Muscle development and growth are likely the first activities that come to mind.

• Carbohydrates are the main source of energy and calories for herbivores.

• Certain classes of horses, such as lactating or late gestation mares or horses performing hard work, need more energy. Carbohydrates can be used to help meet the energy needs of the animal.

• These essential fatty acids are contained in pasture and grains that horses ingest.

• Some grains, such as flaxseed (Figure 3) or linseed, are exceptionally high in oils and can increase the energy density of equine diets

• Ensuring that added dietary fat does not provide unused, excess energy to the horse is critical because obesity has many negative health implications.

• Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are special classes of fatty acids that contribute to a horse’s overall well-being.

• The word “omega” simply refers to the structure of the unsaturated fatty acid, or where the double bond is placed within the carbon chain.