Question 10
Your horse's energy needs fluctuate with his age, environment and occupation. Excess energy intake is stored as fat, while energy shortage leads to weight loss and lethargy. Good-quality pasture or hay provides enough energy for most pleasure mounts, but at times a horse's needs can't be met by roughage alone. In particular, lactating mares, growing youngsters and older horses in cold climates may need supplemental energy in their diets.
Which of the following feed items contains the most energy per pound?
1. Corn
2. Sweetfeed
3. Alfalfa hay
4. Vegetable oil
5. Oats
Answer 10
#4 (vegetable oil). Vegetable oil is the most energy-dense of the five feeds, delivering a whopping 4.08 megacalories per pound. The next-richest energy source is corn, which provides 1.54 megacalories per pound. Adding a cup (eight ounces) of vegetable oil to your horse's grain is a simple, inexpensive way to boost his energy intake with minimum risk.
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