University of wisconsin-madison

Stallion Nutrition

Nutrition of the stallion has been poorly researched. However, the stallion's book, age. behavior, body condition, general= health picture, routine handling and level of exercise will effect how an individual stallion should be fed. The main concern in feeding stallions is that the energy provided should be sufficient for the activities of the stallion without overfeeding. Overfeeding can lead to obese animals which have reduced sperm production. A second problem with overfeeding is to predispose the stallion to laminitis. Care should be taken to limit soluble carbohydrates which can lead to endotoxemia and laminitis. Stallions and mares are at greater risk than geldings to develop laminitis. Stabling on concrete surfaces is also thought to be a risk factor.

Stallions can be divided into 4 classes when thinking about nutritional needs: 1.) the growing stallion, 2.) the working stallion, 3.) the non-working stallion, and 4.) the aged stallion. Stallions used for breeding have nutrient requirements 25% above their "maintenance" depending on their "book". Stallions should enter the breeding season with a Body Condition Score (BCS) or 6 to 7.

The nutritional needs of the growing stallion must take into account growth as well as any activity increase due to breeding. The Ca:P ratio (at least 1.5-2.0:1) is very important since this class of stallion is still growing bone and may be remodeling bone due to exercise. Working stallions have increased nutritional needs and their ration should be determined by using the requirements for "working horses".

Anabolic steroids have been included in "special feeding regimens" in an attempt to gain an edge in competition and sales. Stallions treated with steroids have a greater intake in feed, but not an increase in growth rate (may actually cause premature closure of growth plates in the long bones). Stallions will also become more aggressive but have a decreased scrotal width and testicular weight, and lowered sperm motility and concentration.

During the non-breeding season, the non-working stallion can be maintained on good quality hay or grazing if they are already in good body condition. Typical grass hay provided at 1.75-2% of body weight daily of free choice grazing can be used. Care must be taken to provided a balance Ca:P ratio.

Aged stallions may be difficult to manage as they have increased nutritional needs. Fat supplemented concentrates can be beneficial for older stallions that tend to be thin (BCS=4.5 or less) or for extremely active stallions.

The nutrition of the stallion should be guided by body condition. Stallions should be fed individually to monitor the intake of the stallion. A good feeding program should be Below are the NRC nutritional requirements of stallions.

Nutrient Requirements
Digestible Energy
(Mcal/day)
Crude Protein (gm)

Ca
(gm)

P
(gm)
Vit A
(IU)

Vit E
(IU/kg)

900 #
13.4
536
16
11
12,000
50
breeding season
16.8
670
20
15
18,000
80

1100 #

16.4
656
20
14
15,000
50

breeding season

20.5
820
25
18
22,000
80

1300 #

19.4
776
24
17
18,000
50
breeding season
24.3
970
30
21
27,000
80

Adapted from the National Research Council, Nutrient Requirements of the Horse, 5th revised edition, 1989 (Dry matter basis)

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