Nutrition Comparison
The Nutritional Content Comparison table provides select macro and micro nutrient content for representative types of forages, roughages, and a grain product for comparison. The macro and micro-nutrients selected are those that AAFCO model bill identified for horse feed labels with two exceptions.
(1) The database used for this data (Equi-Analytical Interactive Common Feed Profile) doesn’t include measures of Selenium or Vitamin A.
(2) The database does include Starch and Simple Sugars.
It should also be noted, and emphasized, that this data is calculated on a, “dry matter” basis. The Guaranteed Analysis on feed packaging is on an, “as fed” basis. That means the two are not directly comparable because the, “as fed” includes the water content. The purpose of the following table is to provide a general comparison of representative ingredients.
Comments on Table:
As compared to a grain product, Wheat Mids, the Forage and Roughage category derives energy more from fermentable fibers.Beet pulp is notable in this regard as it has a Digestible Energy (DE) similar to Alfalfa, but with a lower protein and fat content.The fiber content of beet pulp is more fermentable than other examples in the class.Wheat Mids have a significantly higher level of starch, which is a more readily available source of energy that fermentable fibers.This highlights why grains and grain products are often used in high-energy content feeds.
The roughages selected for this table, and indeed nearly all the ingredients listed under the AAFCO’s “Roughage Products” category are by-products of other food processes.
The NRC’s, “Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 6th edition”, notes that the calcium to phosphorus ratio is an important consideration.Phosphorus competes with calcium for binding sites, and a high level of phosphorus an impede calcium absorption.A ratio of 1:1 can result in clinical signs of calcium deficiency.Alfalfa and beet pulp have very high levels of calcium to phosphorus, which is in contrast to Wheat Mids having a much higher phosphorus content relative to calcium.