When hay is analyzed at 14%, that means that for every unit weight (i.e., for every pound) of hay, 14% of that unit weight is protein. If hay is at 14%, then for every pound of hay you feed, 0.14 pounds of protein is fed (1 pound times 14% protein equals 0.14 pounds of protein). If you are feeding 16% grain, you are feeding 0.16 pounds of protein for every pound of feed. So weigh out how much feed you are providing per day by using a small scale to determine how many pounds of grain and pounds of hay you are feeding. Then do the math by multiplying the pound of hay by the hay protein percentage and add to that figure the amount of protein from grain. You can then compare how much you are feeding by weight to an animal's protein requirements by weight. An average-sized mare (1,100 to 1,200 pounds) needs about 2 pounds of protein per day.
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When hay is analyzed and has 14% protein, does that mean per bale? How do you determine how much protein you are feeding your horse if the grain is 16% and the hay is 14%. My horse is eight months pregnant, and people are telling me that too much protein is a bad thing.
Last Updated: January 19, 2010
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