First, realize that any recommendation on percentage of ration that a nutrient needs to be is based on some expected level of intake. For example, if a horse needs 2 pounds of protein per day and is eating 20 pounds of total ration per day, then an overall ration would meet the needs for protein if it was 10% protein (20 pounds times 10% equals 2 pounds). With normal ranges of intake that are assumed most horses are fed at, the following percentages for protein are recommended: Foals:16-18% Weanlings:14-16% Yearlings:12-14% Mature horses:10-12% Lactating mares:12-14% Performance horses:10-12%. The protein requirement is for the entire ration which includes hay and grain. Therefore, if your hay is poor quality, the grain ration will need to have a higher protein level to compensate for the hay. Fat/Energy requirements for a total ration are: Foals: Weanlings:13.5-15.5 mcal Yearlings:18.8 mcal Mature horses:15.2-18.2 mcal Lactating mares:27.2-31.7 mcal Performance horses:20-34.5 mcal Water: Free access to fresh clean water is necessary for horses. Water intake is dictated by the environment and level of activity, but generally speaking, horses will drink between 8 to 10 gallons of water per day.

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