The importance of protein in a horse's diet

Proteins are made up of individual building blocks called amino acids and are essential for all sorts of bodily processes. Protein digestion begins in the stomach and then continues in the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. The ileum is the main site of protein conversion into amino acids.

There are two types of amino acids; essential and non-essential amino acids. A non-essential amino acid is an amino acid that the body can make itself and does not need to be obtained from food. This is why essential amino acids are essential in the daily diet. Essential amino acids are also made by the body, but at very low levels or not at all. Therefore, a certain amount of essential amino acids must be present in the feed to meet the needs of horses.

Proteins are important for the immune system, coat and hoof growth, and protein allows for cell renewal. In addition, proteins are essential for muscle development and the regulation of hormonal functions.

Proteins are also important in breeding; for proper growth of foals and milk production in mares.

Sufficient protein in the feed ration is therefore important for muscles, coat, hooves, growth and milk production. Sufficient protein is simply essential for a healthy horse!