Protein is the most expensive ingredient in a diet. Equine nutritionists are trained with the same mindset as nutritionists working with other livestock; cost is a consideration, as well return for the investment. This often results in recommendations being the minimum you can get away with rather than what is ideal for health and performance.

Providing protein for horse health

When a horse absorbs protein, it is broken down into amino acids then reassembled into proteins inside the horse's body.

For example, recommendations for broodmares are focused on getting a live foal on the ground, but there is convincing research that points to the current guidelines needing adjustment. With exercising horses, the prevailing wisdom is often that higher protein intakes may actually be harmful, but there is solid data to the contrary.(Studies cited below)

When the horse absorbs protein, it is first broken down into amino acids which are then reassembled into proteins inside the body. In addition to building muscle, protein and amino acids are needed for the framework of bone, tendons, ligaments, enzymes and hormones.

Creatine, which stores high energy in muscles, is a protein. Carnitine is needed to carry fats into the mitochondria to be burned and its metabolite, acetyl-L-carnitine, is a critical regulator of energy generation.  Carnitine synthesis requires lysine and methionine. Glutathione, the major antioxidant in muscle, is a protein. The list goes on.

How do current diets measure up to the higher, probably more ideal, protein intake?

• A 500 kg (1100 lb) horse eating 10 kg (22 lb) of an 11.25% protein hay would meet the higher protein intake for heavy work
• However, since you would need to feed considerably more hay on a hay-only diet (close to 30 lb), the hay would only have to be about 8% protein.  Any good hay would likely meet this crude protein requirement. 
• Ironically, if you feed grain and less hay, your deficit is probably larger because a lb of grain contains 2 to 3 times the calories, but not 2 to 3 times the protein.

The only way to know precisely how your horse's diet measures up would be a formal diet analysis.  However, there are ways to close the gap. 

• As a rule of thumb, to close the gap on what could be as much as a 30% deficit in protein intake, try adding 50 grams of protein (e.g. 100 g of a 50% protein supplement) from a mixture of:
  • Flax seed (about 30% protein)
  • Soy and whey protein
  • Plus a supplement of L-lysine, L-methionine and L-threonine (10-5-2.5 g), especially if you are seeing an indication your horse's muscle function could be better.This includes issues with muscle bulk, speed, endurance, topline definition or muscle soreness - all very common complaints with active horses.

Since we know very little about the horse's dietary requirements for essential amino acids, it's quite possible the same effects could be achieved simply by increasing intake of key amino acids (the building blocks of protein) rather than large increases in protein across the board. However, we only have good information for a few of the 10 to 12 essential amino acids and wouldn't really know where to start.

Studies cited:

Recommendations for broodmares are focused on simply getting a live foal on the ground, but there is convincing research that the current guidelines need adjustment.  In a series of studies published 1997 and 1998, Van Niekerk and Van Niekirk found mares receiving quality protein (higher total protein and essential amino acids) ovulated sooner in the spring transition, had higher progesterone in early pregnancy and lower rates of early loss.

Foals from mares fed recommended levels of protein were 25% smaller at weaning than mares on a higher protein intake. Tanner et al 2014 found weanlings fed the recommended level of crude protein and lysine incorporated less protein into their tissues than those fed at a higher protein intake.

With exercising horses, the prevailing wisdom is often that higher protein intakes may actually be harmful, but Oliveira et al 2015 have solid data to the contrary. Horses in eventing training fed 2.25 grams of crude protein/kg of body weight showed improved nitrogen absorption, more absorbed nitrogen retained as protein, and even improved fiber digestibility.

The current recommendation (NRC Nutrient Requirements of Horses 2007) is only 1.72 grams crude protein/kg of body weight for horses in heavy exercise, a 31% difference.

Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya®, offers products that are rich in antioxidants for healthy immune function.

Tri-Amino helps maintain strong muscles, healthy weight, and supports a healthy topline with the three most essential amino acids. Lysine aids in bone health and immune function. Methionine plays a role in the synthesis of structural proteins, especially hooves and connective tissues. Threonine promotes healthy immune function.

Amino-Fac-41 is a concentrated source of all the amino acids, including 4% Lysine. Supports lean muscle mass, bone and joint structure, vital organ development, immune system function, and hoof and connective tissue health.  Also supports increased protein needs of growing young horses in training and for tissue repair and muscle growth in exercising horses of all ages.

Milk and Grow is a highly digestible protein supplement for the lactating mare and growing foal. With favorable profiles for all the essential amino acids including the most often deficient amino acid, L-Lysine. Combined with a complete spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and Probiotics in an easy to feed, dust-free pellet.

About Dr. Kellon
Dr. Eleanor Kellon, staff veterinary specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition, is an established authority in the field of equine nutrition for over 30 years, and a founding member and leader of the Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) group, whose mission is to improve the welfare of horses with metabolic disorders via integration of research and real-life clinical experience.  Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal.  www.ecirhorse.org

Uckele Health & Nutrition, maker of CocoSoya, is an innovation-driven health company committed to making people and their animals healthier.  On the leading edge of nutritional science and technology for over 50 years, Uckele formulates and manufactures a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances.  www.uckele.com