Introduction to Horse Nutrition / Edition 1

by Zoe Davies

Overview

If you are studying horse nutrition at an introductory level, then this is the ideal book for you. It covers the current syllabuses set out by equine science and management courses, and is particularly suitable for those who lack background knowledge in science.

Nutrition has long been recognised as a vital part of horse care. It is important for optimal horse health, reproduction, sustained performance and general well being.  This book is invaluable for horse owners, trainers and breeders.

Features:

• Student friendly, with key summary points at the end of each chapter and lots of helpful tables and images.
• Covers the fundamentals of horse nutrition including daily nutrient requirements (using the latest National Research Council data).
• Information on nutraceuticals and the nutritional management of health-related problems, such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Laminitis and PPID (Cushing's syndrome).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405169981
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	09/28/2009
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Zoe Davies is a consultant equine nutritionist, a former lecturer in equine science, an author, columnist, and external examiner for higher education courses. She is one of the few registered Equine Nutritionists in the UK, and has substantial experience in equine management.

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Table of Contents

A Reader’s Perspective vi

Introduction vii

1 The Horse as a Herbivore 1

2 Structure and Function of the Equine Digestive System 11

3 Food and Biological Molecules 27

4 Vitamins 49

5 Minerals 61

6 Energy – Fuel for Life 81

7 Forage for Horses 97

8 Feedstuffs 113

9 Feed Supplements, Additives and Nutraceuticals 139

10 Formulating a Ration 151

11 Feeding Different Types of Horses 171

12 Diet Related Problems 185

Appendix 1 Nutritional Requirements Tables 213

Appendix 2 Nutrient Composition of Selected Feedstuffs 219

Appendix 3 Modern Rules of Feeding 222

Appendix 4 Conversion Factors 224

Further Reading 227

Glossary 228

Index 236

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

  ‘A must for all equine science/studies students, and a great book for the professional as well as general horse owner.’
–Dr Mina Davies Morel BSc PhD, Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University

‘An important addition to the shelves of all students and horse owners – I cannot recommend it highly enough.’
–Mark Tabachnik BSc BVM&S Cert EP BAEDT MRCVS, Wright & Morten Veterinary Hospital

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Jonathan Hale Foreman, DVM, MS, DACVIM (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description: An equine nutritionist with considerable practical experience in advising about horse nutrition in racing stables is the author of this book. She also has published another useful book, written in a similar format, entitled Introduction to Horse Biology (Blackwell Publishing, 2005).
Purpose: According to the introduction, the purpose is "to introduce the subject of horse nutrition to all students and horse owners at a level that is easy to understand." The author has written the most readable book on equine nutrition I've ever seen.
Audience: Experienced nutritionists may find this book somewhat oversimplified, but undergraduate students, veterinary students, and equine veterinary practitioners will find it very helpful. Horse owners also will find value in the book, although some of the initial biochemistry may prove difficult for the novice. The author has managed to make a difficult and cumbersome subject very manageable for most readers.
Features: The book covers the evolution of the herbivorous horse, digestive anatomy and physiology, feeds, vitamins, minerals, energy, forage, supplements, and ration formulation. The last two chapters encompass feeding different types of horses and diet-related problems and will prove more useful for more experienced horse owners and veterinarians. The collection of black-and-white chemical diagrams will prove helpful to students who may require reminders of the biochemistry. The glossary and appendix 3 (Modern Rules of Feeding) will prove the most useful sections for novices as they study the text and require some guidance to see the main features of importance in equine nutrition.
Assessment: This is the most useful, most readable nutrition book I have ever used. It has provided the basis of lectures for veterinary students studying basic nutrition and exercise physiology. This very affordable book is mandatory reading for all equine-oriented students who require a readable primer on nutrition without the sometimes stupefying concepts of ration analysis and ration balancing. Students using this book will retain more basic nutrition knowedge than those studying more ration-based books.

Doody's Review Service

"The author has written the most readable book on equine nutrition I've ever seen [and] has managed to make a difficult and cumbersome subject very manageable. ... This is the most useful, most readable nutrition book I have ever used. ... Students using this book will retain more basic nutrition knowledge than those sutdying more ration-based books." (Doody's, April 2010)

"A guide to feeding your horse, including insightful diagrams and tables, and up-to-date nutritional information." (Horse Magazine, February 2010)

From the Publisher