The importance of protein in a horse's ration

Proteins consist of individual building blocks called amino acids and are crucial for all kinds of body processes. Protein digestion starts in the stomach and then continues in the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. The ileum is the main place for the conversion of proteins into amino acids.



There are two types of amino acids; essential and non-essential amino acids. A non-essential amino acid is an amino acid that can be formed by the body itself and does not need to be obtained from food. This is why essential amino acids are indispensable in the daily diet. Essential amino acids are also formed by the body, but at too low a level or not at all. A certain amount of essential amino acids must therefore be present in the feed to meet horses' needs.



Proteins are important for the immune system, coat and hoof growth, and proteins enable cell renewal. In addition, proteins are essential for muscle development and regulating hormonal functions.



Proteins are also important in breeding; for proper foal growth and milk production in mares.



Sufficient protein in the ration is therefore important for muscles, coat, hooves, growth and milk production. In short, sufficient proteins are essential for a healthy horse!