How to Feed Your Lusitano in 8 Steps

On a quick look you’ll immediately see that main difference between fast and slow energy release concentrates. First option grabs the energy mainly from starch, does inducing a more “nervous” behaviour on your horse. Option three has an even higher digestible energy content but with a much lower starch content creating a less anxious behaviour but with a lot of endurance. In this breed, a maintenance feed will suffice for most rider’s requirements. Using the example from table three the amount of concentrate for our Lusitano in moderate work should be 3 Kg/day of maintenance example or 2.5 Kg/day of slow energy release type (based on an average of 10 kg daily ingestion of 8% crude protein forage).

Step 5: Are concentrates the only option for my horse needs?

The answer is no. We have now available all different types of energy and protein sources. On the protein side you can use Alfalfa. Good alfalfa can be 18-20% protein with a high energy content; is also very high in calcium (5 to 1 Ca/P ratio).It’s an excellent complement for your forage when you are using straw. On the other hand it should be used with great care while using high protein content forages such as haylage. Because of this, it should be used wisely and always taking in account forage and concentrate being used.

On the energy side you’ll find Beet pulp. It’s the fibrous material left over after the sugar is extracted from sugar beets. It’s an excellent source of digestible fibre, with a relatively low crude protein content (averaging 8 to 9%), comparable to good-quality grass hay. Its digestible energy is somewhere between that of hay and grain making it an excellent source of slow release energy. Its chief value is as a soft, highly digestible fibre source making it just right if the quality of your hay is poor, or if you have a geriatric horse who has trouble chewing. Beet pulp’s excellent digestibility also makes it a great choice for a convalescing horse.